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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Thackerays’ ‘Taandav’ for trees, tigers

AI generated image Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray launched a sharp attack on the government for the systematic degradation of the state’s environment under the garb of development, even as the climate change poses a direct threat to the environment, economy, agriculture, public health and the future of both rural and urban centres. Questioning the state government’s claims of having planted millions of trees, he rued how the World Environment Day has been...

Thackerays’ ‘Taandav’ for trees, tigers

AI generated image Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray launched a sharp attack on the government for the systematic degradation of the state’s environment under the garb of development, even as the climate change poses a direct threat to the environment, economy, agriculture, public health and the future of both rural and urban centres. Questioning the state government’s claims of having planted millions of trees, he rued how the World Environment Day has been reduced to an annual ritual of tree-planting drives and clicking selfies for social media, though 90 pc of the saplings don’t survive even a day. “Only the government knows where those trees really are,” said Raj sternly. He recalled a "Blueprint of Maharashtra’s Development" he had proposed in 2015, in which he advocated how development without environmental sensitivity is hollow. Justifying, he said that the consequences are visible where roads, bridges and infrastructure projects are hailed as achievements, but even a short spell of rainfall can paralyze entire cities. Referring to recent reports on farmers returning from the fields after 10 am due to the scorching heat, Raj said that the worsening climate crisis has become an everyday reality. Citing official statistics, Raj claimed that extreme heat has caused productivity losses of nearly USD 159 billion and slashing of 160 billion work-hours annually in recent years. He mentioned the World Bank estimates that India’s GDP could plummet by 2.5-4.5 pc while 57 pc of the country’s districts sheltering 76 pc of the population stare at serious climate-related crises. Taking a swipe, he said while the governments boast about growth figures and economical rankings, they are silent on the staggering costs of environmental destruction. He questioned the development model “whether flooded cities, washed-away crops and unbearable summers” genuinely indicate progress. Claiming that Maharashtra was increasingly becoming unliveable for upto 8 months in a year, he said excessive monsoon rains disrupt rural life and urban floods cripple cities, while extreme heat make normal life a torture in summers in both urban-rural areas. Targeting the Centre, Raj alleged that nearly 173,984 hectares of forest lands were diverted in the past 11 years for mining and infrastructure projects to benefit the PM’s single favourite Adani Group. He said that these lands amount to 1,730 sqkm, or equivalent to the area of 16 Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) that is spread over barely 104 sqkm. Dissolve state wildlife board: Aaditya Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray has accused the Maharashtra government for issuing a permit to carry out mining activity in the sensitive tiger corridor between the Tadoba-Andhari and Indravati sanctuaries housing the big striped cats. In a strongly-worded letter to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) Member-Secretary Sanjay Kumar, Thackeray sought his immediate personal intervention, sacking the Maharashtra State Board for Wild-Life (SBWL), revoking the permit, and probe against the Chief Wildlife Warden & Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) M. Srinivasa Reddy for the alleged lacunae. Aditya’s two-pager says the permit has been granted for “scientific exploration and excavation/systematic recovery of low-grade iron ore in existing mines in villages Hedri, Bande, Parsalgondi and Round Parsalgondi, in the Etapalli taluka of Gadchiroli district”. Last January, Aditya – MLA from Worli – had first raised the issue saying that the proposed mine would create only 120 jobs, including 32 permanent, and the estimated output is pegged at 1.1 million tons in a year. Referring to two letters of Reddy – on April 28 and May 21 – the SS (UBT) leader claimed that in communications to the state government, the PCCF had changed his stance on the issue. Aditya said that in the first letter, Reddy had effectively opposed the government plans for mining activity but in the second letter, he took a somersault, ostensibly due to government pressures or some commercial interests, “the U-turn is disgraceful and detrimental to India’s national interest” – and this abrupt shift in stance must be investigated thoroughly. In view of the contrary stance of the PCCF Reddy, entrusted with protecting the wildlife but failing to defend the NTCA and NBWL, point to serious malfunctioning of the SBWL, and hence it must be dissolved, besides reviewing all its decisions in the past three years, particularly those pertaining to hazardous activities in sensitive areas, demanded Aditya. 444 tigers roam in 11,000 sq.km As per the Status of Tiger Report (2002), and the Maharashtra Economic Survey 2025-2026, the state boasts of 444 tigers prowling in the wild along with other menacing creatures. The state’s total protected wildlife network of 88 Notified Areas of National Parks, Sanctuaries, and Conservation Reserves - including 6 dedicated to the striped big cats – is spread over 11,092 sq. kms as per current data.

Women, Wellness and the Power of Yoga

Beyond celebration, Women’s Day is a reminder that women’s empowerment begins with health, balance, and well-being.

Every year on March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day—a day dedicated to recognising the social, economic, cultural, and political contributions of women. However, the true significance of this day goes beyond celebration. It serves as an important reminder to focus on women’s health, well-being, independence, and empowerment.


In today’s fast-paced world, women successfully balance multiple roles—as professionals, carers, homemakers, and contributors to society. While managing these responsibilities with dedication, many women tend to overlook their own health. In such circumstances, yoga offers a simple, natural, and highly effective way to restore balance between the body and the mind.


Yoga holds special significance for women because their bodies undergo various physiological and hormonal changes throughout life. These changes can influence both physical and emotional well-being. A regular yoga practice helps improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and maintain overall balance within the body. For example, Bhujangasana helps strengthen the spine and improve posture, while Baddha Konasana is known to support pelvic health and enhance flexibility in the hip region. Such practices help women build strength and resilience in a natural and holistic way.


Yoga also plays an important role during different stages of a woman’s life. During adolescence, when the body undergoes rapid changes, yoga helps improve posture, coordination, and self-confidence. For working women, yoga becomes an effective tool for managing stress and maintaining physical health. In modern work environments, many women spend long hours sitting in front of computers, which often leads to neck pain, back pain, and fatigue. In such cases, practices like Balasana and Setu Bandhasana can help relieve tension in the body and provide relaxation. Under proper guidance, yoga can also be beneficial during phases such as pregnancy and menopause, helping women adapt to physical and emotional changes more comfortably.


Another important aspect of women’s well-being is mental health. Balancing responsibilities at home, work, and within society can sometimes lead to stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue. Yoga places special emphasis on breath awareness and mindfulness. Practices such as pranayama and meditation help calm the mind, improve concentration, and promote emotional balance. Regular breathing practices increase oxygen supply to the body and brain, which enhances clarity, relaxation, and inner stability.


Yoga’s Relevance

In today’s modern lifestyle, the relevance of yoga has become even more significant. Increasing stress levels, irregular routines, limited physical activity, and excessive screen time can negatively impact both physical and mental health. Yoga, therefore, is not merely a form of exercise but a comprehensive lifestyle approach. Through consistent practice, yoga nurtures physical strength, mental peace, and a positive outlook toward life.


When we talk about women’s empowerment, it must begin with women’s health and well-being. A healthy, confident, and emotionally balanced woman can create positive change within her family and community. Yoga empowers women not only by strengthening the body but also by cultivating inner resilience, self-awareness, and confidence. In this sense, yoga becomes a powerful tool for the holistic development of women. Regular practice of yoga and breathing techniques offers numerous health benefits. It improves blood circulation, strengthens muscles, reduces stress, and enhances sleep quality.


Therefore, on this International Women’s Day, let us take a meaningful step toward prioritising our health. Let us make a simple yet powerful resolution—to begin a regular practice of yoga and pranayama from today. Even dedicating a few minutes each day to caring for our body and mind can lay the foundation for a healthier, more balanced, and fulfilling life.


Yoga is not merely a physical exercise; it is a bridge that connects the body, mind, and inner self. When women embrace yoga as part of their daily lives, they not only nurture their own well-being but also contribute to building healthier families and stronger communities.


A healthy woman builds a healthy family, and healthy families together create a healthier society. On this special occasion of International Women’s Day, may yoga become an integral part of every woman’s life, empowering her to live with strength, balance, and harmony.


(The writer is a yoga educator and researcher based in Pune.)

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