Vidya Bharati alumni from Madhya Pradesh, Vijay Kumar Sahu, shares his passion for environmental conservation

Throughout human history, humans have often used the resources of our planet, more than thinking of giving back. The price of human greed has been paid by depletion of natural resources and extinction of other living forms. The bright side is that with little amount of understanding along with compassion, it is possible to live alongside nature in harmony.

During an interview with Vidya Bharati team, Mr. Vijay Kumar Sahu, who is a staunch supporter of environmental protection pointed out that, though humans are presently going through a tough period during the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic, our environment seems to be replenishing itself due to reduced stress from human activities. Across the world the water bodies are becoming cleaner, the air less polluted and animals seem to be thriving. 

A short excerpt of this interview has been given below:

Interviewer : Can you please give a brief background about yourself.

Mr. Sahu : I am an alumni of Saraswati Shishu/ Vidya Mandir Saraswatipuram (Pathar) Ashoknagar, Madhya Pradesh. I studied there till class VIII and then completed my schooling from Boys higher secondary school.  I did my graduation from Nehru degree College Ashok Nagar (Jiwaji University Gwalior), following which, I completed 2 years diploma in Chemical plant operation. I have done my Post Graduation in Hindi literature from PG college Guna.

Presently I am working as Senior Engineering Assistant (Chemical engg.) at NFL Vijaipura Guna, Madhya Pradesh. 

Interviewer : What kind of social work are you associated with?

Mr. Sahu :  I have been passionate about all kinds of social and community service since my school days. For the past 8 to 10 years I have actively participated in several kinds of social service, but working for environmental protection is something that is closest to my heart. It is disheartening to see how we humans have forgotten to care for our environment, that gives us so much. In fact most probably the recent Covid 19 pandemic is a result of human greed and disrespect towards mother nature. I agree that the whole human race is suffering due to the pandemic, but one silver lining of the whole debacle, is that our environment is resetting itself. 

For the past few years I have been associated with 'Jila Paryavaran Kendra’ in our area. I am also a part of an alumni group 'Aa lout chalen bachpan mein' where we take up different environment related developmental projects. We have turned several waste lands into green parks in the nearby areas.

The District Environment Center, Guna, with which I am associated is also taking several steps to bring about positive environmental changes. Frequent public awareness campaigns related to environmental issues are organised as well as efforts are being made to clean and maintain the water bodies.

Interviewer : What inspired you to do social work?

Mr. Sahu : The ‘sanskars’ that I received from my school is my biggest inspiration. During our school days we were taught to value our environment, family, society and nation. When we care and work for the betterment of each of these components as a whole, then only we can bring about significant positive changes around us.

Interviewer : Would you like to give any message to the community?

Mr. Sahu : For Vidya Bharati as a whole, I would like to see the schools incorporating more technical and professional courses in the curriculum, so the students can be better prepared for the global competition. 

For the students, I would like to say that always remember the values that have been taught to you at school. Learn to respect yourself, your family and your nation. Also help in conservation of your environment. 

I think these are the basic responsibilities that every citizen should be aware of.

Vidya Bharati Purv Chatra Parishad thanks Mr. Vijay Kumar Sahu for sharing his thoughts with the community.

If you are a Vidya Bharati alumni and associated with any kind of social work, kindly share your details at www.vidyabharatialumni.org/social-service-survey . We would love to hear from you.