Governor Acharya Devvrat said that love, peace and environment protection were an integral part of our culture. Our saints have called Yajna important and mandatory for serenity and environmental exactness, which we have left today.The Governor was speaking as a Chief Guest on the occasion of International exhibition function on the theme “Seeds of Hope: Visions of sustainability, steps towards change” organized by Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG) at Gaiety Theatre, Shimla today. The Governor said that Indian sages had made man aware of environment protection and peace. The Vedas, which was an integral part of our culture, where each psalm begins with peace. But, in the present perspective, the culture of enjoyment or sensualist has caused the highest damage to the environment, he added and said that despite the development, we could not reach the path and contemplation shown by our sages. Today, we were worried about the global warming, said Acharya Devvrat and added that except plantation, today we have no solution to save our environment. Whereas, our Sages gave the solution in the form of living style so that we could not get rid of nature and linked us to spiritual contemplation and retrograde culture. He told that our relationship with nature should be exactly as the parent has with his son. We should cooperate in the system of God, not try to destroy it.Acharya Devvrat linked natural farming with environmental protection by highlighting its importance.
He also lauded the efforts of the organizers of Soka Gakkai International (SGI) and Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG). He said that “Man has a deep link with the environment and the attempt made by the exhibition to showcase this very connect brings out, most clearly, its purpose”. He said that work on a scheme was going on shortly, in which 11 lakh saplings would be planted all over the state in one day so that the environment could be preserved.“The exhibition focuses on environment protection and the efforts made by individuals to do so; it helps the viewers overcome their own feelings of inability and helplessness. The exhibition tries to relate the way sustainability is not only related to the environment but also ensures social justice and peace. It also emphasizes the way one individual can affect a change”, he added.On this occasion, Dr Ashwani Kumar, Former Governor of Nagaland and Manipur also lauded the efforts of Bharat Soka Gakkai by bringing together all of us at this Event to think, debate and discuss the issues of Sustainability.Sujata Mankotia, BSG representative welcomed the Governor on the occasion and said that the exhibition spells hope and added another dimension: “Young people and their energetic engagement represents the solution to the global challenges we face.”Anup Sud proposed vote of thanks and said, “Using SGI president Dr. Daisaku Ikeda's formula "Learn, Reflect, and Empower" let’s each make a difference to save the Planet Earth.”Dr. Shashikant Sharma, Advisor to the Governor was also present on the occasion.