The sixth Goa Environment Festival organised by NGO Kalakirti was held at Kala Academy Panaji, from August 31 to September 2. The theme “Think and Act” was aimed at creating awareness among people, especially the youth, about conserving nature.
Governor Dr Mridula Sinha inaugurated the three-day festival in the presence of the chief guest, Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude, along with the guest of honour, film actor Makarand Anaspure, founder of ‘Naam’ and the Ambassador of Maharashtra Swachh Bharat.
During the festival, a photo exhibition on marine pollution was exhibited by Captain Rathod, flag officer, Goan Naval area, accompanied by an interaction with Makarand Anaspure and screening of competition short films in association with the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG). Speaking on the occasion, the Governor stated, “The flora and fauna and other factors of nature that constitute the environment are very much essential for human existence. We human beings are a threat to the environment, and this may cost us in the future. Therefore, we have to be serious about the environment and refrain from any act which may cause danger to the environment.”
Govind Gaude, while addressing the gathering, said, “Human life cannot exist without the environment. Our existence is dependent on the environment, and any harm to it will prove detrimental to our existence. Therefore, if we want to breathe clean and fresh air, we have to plant more and more trees to conserve and maintain the balance of the atmosphere.”
Naam Foundation founder and renowned Marathi film actor Makarand Anaspure, while addressing the gathering, said development was necessary but should not be at the cost of environment. Stressing the need to impress upon the minds of the students the importance of environment, he said, “Ours is an agriculturist culture and most of our feasts and festivals are related to it. So the preservation of the environment is a must and it is high time we think about how we won’t be able to live a healthy life hereafter.”
“We also need to preserve our social atmosphere to make our lives peaceful and happy in the state. Goa owes its image as a tourist destination to its natural beauty which needs to be preserved,” said renowned singer Hema Sardesai.
Dr Sinha felicitated ambassadors of Swacch Bharat which included Suresh Powar, Nehru Sushil Jadhav, Kusuk Ramnar, Prakash Mariyapgol and Kirtabai Gosavi, among others. Secretary for Finance Daulat Hawaldar, environmentalist Dr Nandkumar Kamat, and environment expert Fabian D’Costa, among others, attended the function.
With the aim of leaving attendees with increased awareness of environmental issues faced locally and globally, various short-films were screened. The three-day event showcased a slew of environment-based activities in collaboration with various organisations
