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By:

Vishal Varma

4 June 2026 at 8:13:26 am

A Planet in Peril, a Generation on Call

Every year on June 5, the world observes World Environment Day—a global reminder that the future of humanity is inseparably linked with the future of nature. Yet this day should not remain limited to ceremonial tree plantations, public campaigns, or symbolic declarations. It must become an occasion for reflection, responsibility, and meaningful action. For decades, nature has sustained human civilization by providing clean air, water, fertile land, biodiversity, and climatic balance. In...

A Planet in Peril, a Generation on Call

Every year on June 5, the world observes World Environment Day—a global reminder that the future of humanity is inseparably linked with the future of nature. Yet this day should not remain limited to ceremonial tree plantations, public campaigns, or symbolic declarations. It must become an occasion for reflection, responsibility, and meaningful action. For decades, nature has sustained human civilization by providing clean air, water, fertile land, biodiversity, and climatic balance. In return, human activity has increasingly placed pressure on ecosystems through excessive consumption, uncontrolled development, and unsustainable lifestyles. Today, environmental protection is no longer a matter of choice or idealism; it has become a necessity for survival. The present environmental condition across the world presents a serious warning. Climate change, rising temperatures, water scarcity, air pollution, deforestation, and declining biodiversity are reshaping life as we know it. Weather events that once appeared exceptional are becoming increasingly frequent and severe. Heat waves, erratic rainfall, floods, droughts, and ecological disturbances are affecting both urban and rural communities. Cities continue to struggle with deteriorating air quality and mounting waste generation, while villages face shrinking water resources and changing agricultural patterns. The imbalance between development and environmental sustainability is no longer an abstract concern-it directly influences public health, food security, economic stability, and social well-being. The challenge before humanity is clear: progress cannot continue at the cost of the environment. Sustainable development must become the foundation of future growth. The Challenges Environmental degradation is not caused by a single factor. It is the result of multiple interconnected challenges. Rapid urbanisation, excessive dependence on plastic, depletion of groundwater, industrial pollution, large-scale deforestation, and irresponsible exploitation of natural resources continue to intensify ecological stress. Equally concerning is the lack of environmental awareness and the tendency to prioritise short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability. Policies and regulations alone cannot solve environmental problems unless they are supported by active public participation and responsible civic behaviour. The environment cannot be protected through annual campaigns alone-it requires continuous commitment and behavioural change. The Responsibility Protecting the environment is not solely the responsibility of governments, institutions, or international organisations. Every individual has a role to play. Small actions, when adopted collectively, create meaningful impact. Conserving water and electricity, reducing plastic consumption, segregating waste, adopting sustainable consumption habits, planting and nurturing trees, and using public transport are practical steps that contribute significantly to environmental preservation. Environmental responsibility must become part of everyday life-in homes, schools, colleges, workplaces, and communities. The objective is not to stop development but to ensure that development remains in harmony with nature. To protect nature is to protect our own future. Green Transformation Young people represent one of the most powerful forces for environmental change. Their energy, innovation, adaptability, and capacity for leadership make them central to building a sustainable society. Educational institutions can become important centres for environmental action by promoting environmental education, water conservation initiatives, cleanliness drives, plantation campaigns, and plastic-free practices. Beyond physical participation, young people possess another powerful tool-digital influence. Through responsible use of social media and community engagement, youth can spread awareness, inspire behavioural change, and mobilise collective action. Environmental movements gain strength when young citizens move from participation to leadership. The environmental challenges of tomorrow demand leaders who act today. World Environment Day should not remain a date on the calendar—it should become a turning point in our relationship with nature. The choices we make today will define the world inherited by future generations. Environmental protection is not an act of sacrifice; it is an investment in human survival and shared prosperity. Nature has given humanity more than we can repay. Yet the time has come to begin. Save the Environment. Secure the Future. The debt we owe to nature can only be repaid through action. (The writer is an assistant professor at Dayanand Commerce College based in Latur. Views personal.)

A beacon of hope for rural athletes

Updated: Oct 22, 2024

How Akash Shinde transformed from a shy village boy to a prominent kabaddi player

beacon of hope

Mumbai: In the heart of Nashik's Adgaon village, a young boy Akash Shinde dared to dream big. Little did he know that his journey from playing in the muddy grounds of his town to becoming a PKL winner would inspire a generation of aspiring athletes.


“Initially, when I used to play, I would come home with bruises because Kabaddi was played in the mud,” Akash recalls as he enters his fourth season with the Puneri Paltan. And despite his family's initial concerns, his passion for kabaddi burned bright, fuelled by the unwavering support of his early mentors Sagar Malwade and Vinod Labde.


His path to success was far from smooth. He faced numerous setbacks, failing to make the cut in his first attempts at various levels. “I fell short in my first attempts at all levels. I went for my senior camp for Maharashtra and fell short there too!”


But instead of letting these failures discourage him, Akash used them as stepping stones. “These setbacks kept me determined, and I knew I needed to try harder and with renewed energy to show the world what I could do and achieve.”


His breakthrough came in 2019 at a seniors’ trial in Nashik. This performance opened doors, leading him to play in the Junior Nationals and eventually catching the eye of Yuva Paltan, which is the Puneri Paltan’s academy.


The turning point in Akash’s career came when he represented his college in Beed, earning his first chance to play for Maharashtra. Under the guidance of Anil Jagdale and Kailas Jagdale, his skills flourished. His journey accelerated as he moved from Mahindra & Mahindra to Yuva Paltan, where mentors like Sangram and Ashok helped refine his game.


Akash’s PKL debut with Puneri Paltan in Season 8 was a moment of immense pride, not just for him but for his entire village. “No player from the Nashik region had made it to PKL or even the Maharashtra team, so it was a shock, a pleasant one, for everyone. The entire Nashik district was very happy. It felt really good,” he reminisces.


But it was in Season 9 that he truly announced his arrival, becoming a formidable force on the mat. In the 22 matches that Akash played on the way to his first PKL final, he scored 139 raid points, averaging 6.32 raid point per match.


His performances caught the eye of the national selectors, earning him a spot on the Indian team for the Asian Games. “I received my Team India kit on the 27th of October. I still remember it,” he says.


The crowning glory came in PKL Season 10 when Akash, along with his Puneri Paltan teammates, lifted the coveted trophy. Albeit playing a diminished role, he managed an impressive 56 raid points in the 13 matches he played. “There was only one target then... we had made up our minds that we had to win the title this season, whatever it took,” he shared, reflecting on the team’s collective determination. Now, Akash stands as a beacon of hope for young athletes from rural India. His message to them is clear: “Keep believing in yourselves and your dedication and efforts.” He emphasizes the importance of loyalty, urging young players to stay true to the clubs that nurture them.


As he prepares for PKL Season 11, his journey from the muddy grounds of Adgaon to the bright lights of Pro Kabaddi serves as a testament to the power of dreams, determination, and unwavering support.

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