Heartening response to Sikh Environment Day (SED 2016)

Amritsar, Mar. 16 (Punjab Post Bureau)- The concept of SED was conceived in 2010 by EcoSikh to celebrate the Gurta Gaddi Diwas of the seventh Master, Sri Guru Har Rai, as a day of celebrating nature and being in harmony with the environment. In 2013 the five Singh Sahibaan ratified the celebrations from the Akal Takht, and motivated the faithful internationally to celebrate the Day with fervour and dedication. In 2014, the SGPC, by directive, advocated all institutions to adhere to an ecologically Friendly approach and take incremental steps to evolve sustainable practices. This year the celebration has gathered broader traction with events happening in scores of nations and cities across the globe.  Punjab gurudwaras, educational institutions, communities have organised a host of awareness events including seminars, katha, processions, assemblies, tree plantation and cleanliness drives in solidarity with environmental concerns. The focus of this years SED was to Conserve Energy (Go LED); Shun plastic plates, glasses and carrybags, consume and produce organically  produced non-toxic food; Harvest and Save Water; Plant trees and avoid polluting practices. In this day and age of Climate Change these messages  Are of huge import and set a direction of leadership in sensible living and naturally harmonious lifestyles.

In Amritsar region, institutions under Khalsa College Charitable Society led the celebrations with awareness interactions, Tree plantations, lecture series and paper presentations. Khalsa College of Engineering & Technology focus was on Green Buildings & energy conservation, while College of Laws had a seminar on environment. Also Girls School Heir had a student eco assembly and clogged in their participation. Eco assemblies were also held in government schools at  Kila Jiwan Singh, Butala, TarnTaran, Ramdas as well as  other schools in the region. Many institutions shall continue to run programmes during the course of the week.

Said Gunbir Singh, Chairman, EcoAmritsar, “ SED has become a beacon of sustainable thought for the world faiths. The first Organic produce has become a part of the Langar at the Golden Temple, which in itself is a message of significance. The SGPC Has committed itself to a changeover to sustainable practices and toxin free food consumption, while the Punjab government has banned plastic in the state from 01April this year. This is indeed satisfying and motivating.”