A significant advisory meeting on environmental issues was organized at Pingalwara Institution by the All India Pingalwara Charitable Society, with the participation of scholars and intellectuals. The meeting was chaired by Bibi Dr. Inderjit Kaur, Chief Sevadar of the Pingalwara Institution.
During the meeting, scholars and intellectuals shared their views and offered suggestions regarding the upcoming Environmental Awareness Centenary, marking 100 years of the environmental conservation movement initiated by Bhagat Puran Singh.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Inderjit Kaur stated that Bhagat Puran Singh had begun working for environmental protection as early as 1927. He used to write messages such as “Plant Trees, Save Water, Save the Earth” on used paper and cardboard and distribute them among the public. Later, he established a printing press through which books and literature were published and circulated among the masses. She further informed that a campaign to distribute cloth bags in markets would also be initiated. She appealed to people to abandon plastic bags and adopt the use of cloth bags.
On this occasion, Giani Maan Singh, Granthi of Sri Harmandir Sahib, emphasized that while a Guru is essential for spiritual life, air and water are equally important for physical life. He urged that children should be educated from an early age about saving electricity and water.
Surjit Singh, Head Granthi of Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj Sahib, called for making Environment Day a mass movement and emphasized the need to keep public places clean.
Bibi Abnam Kaur, a volunteer from Canada, stressed the importance of using paper on both sides and promoting the use of cloth bags instead of plastic. Shiromani Committee member Bibi Kiranjot Kaur highlighted the need for careful use of paper and conservation of water.
Satnam Singh Aulakh shared suggestions on tree plantation and their proper care. Major Singh suggested organizing small awareness presentations in villages and schools, and encouraging students in Gurmat colleges and universities to take up gardening. Dr. Harminder Kaur Pandher highlighted the connection between environmental awareness and mental health. Prof. S.S. Chhina expressed concern regarding water-related issues.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Pingalwara volunteers presented a play based on plastic pollution.
Among those present were Dr. Jagdeepak Singh (Vice President), Rajbir Singh, Dr. Nirmaljeet Singh, Yogesh Suri (Administrator), Tilak Raj, Gulshan Ranjan, Principal Swaraj Singh, Karandeep Singh Ghuman, Dr. Inderjit Kaur Renu, Pawan Sharma, Amarjit Singh, Dr. Shyam Sunder Deepti, Dr. Jalwant Singh Randhawa, and others.
