President Murmu delivered a poignant address at the convocation ceremony of Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer trainees at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Dehradun. Emphasizing the critical role of forests in sustaining life on Earth, she lamented the societal oversight of their importance.
Addressing the officer trainees, President Murmu highlighted the concept of the Anthropocene Age, underscoring the need for a shift towards ecocentric priorities alongside anthropocentric ones. She stressed the urgency of recognizing humans as trustees rather than owners of Earth’s resources, advocating for a holistic approach to development.
The President warned against the rapid loss of forest resources globally, asserting that the destruction of forests equates to the destruction of humanity itself. She emphasized the pivotal role of forest conservation and wildlife promotion in mitigating environmental crises, suggesting the utilization of Science and Technology, such as the Miyawaki Method and Artificial Intelligence, to accelerate restoration efforts.
President Murmu extolled the virtues of traditional knowledge, particularly that of tribal societies, in preserving nature. She urged the integration of tribal wisdom into environmental initiatives, highlighting its potential to pave the way for ecologically sustainable and socially just practices. She underscored the importance of unlearning misconceptions and embracing the balanced lifestyle of tribal communities for climate justice.
Reflecting on the historical exploitation of forests during the British colonial period, President Murmu expressed confidence in the transformation of IFS officers’ outlook from colonial to inclusive and environmentally congenial. She encouraged them to emulate the exemplary dedication of past IFS officers and prioritize community engagement, particularly with tribal populations.
