By TC News Desk
Agartala, 13th June 2025 : In observance of World Environment Day 2025, a vibrant Community Awareness Programme centered on the theme #BeatPlasticPollution was jointly organized yesterday at Nazrul Kalakshetra, Agartala by Yuva Vikash Kendra, Vishwa Yuvak Kendra and the Tripura State Pollution Control Board. Rooted in the mission to educate, mobilize, and inspire youth and citizens toward environmental sustainability, the event brought together students, educators, researchers, administrators, and community leaders in a collective stand against plastic pollution.
The programme began with a warm welcome to all dignitaries, followed by a solemn one-minute silence observed in memory of the 242 victims of the tragic Air India crash from Ahmedabad to London—marking the day with reverence and solidarity. The dignitaries were then honored with traditional Rishas, eco-friendly mementos, and plantation pots, symbolizing a commitment to growth and ecological harmony. This was followed by a symbolic plant-watering ceremony, where each guest participated, reinforcing the message of collective environmental stewardship.
The welcome speech by Debashis Majumder, President of Yuva Vikash Kendra, who set the tone for the event by recalling the success of past tree plantation drives at Umakanta Academy, Khudiram Bose HS School and Netaji School and other part of Tripura. In a heartfelt gesture, he also paid homage to the crash victims, reminding everyone of the fragility of life and the urgency of preserving the planet for future generations.
Next, Anjan Sengupta, Jt Director of the Department of Biotechnology, Government of Tripura, offered an insightful exploration into the historical relationship between humanity and nature. He traced how early human development was deeply interwoven with ecological balance and emphasized the rising threat of microplastics, even in the food we eat and water we drink. He urged the audience to rethink their lifestyles, advocating for a 50% reduction in plastic usage and highlighting the growing mental health consequences of living in polluted environments.
Following him, Sevak Bhattacharjee, Vice Chairman of Yuva Vikash Kendra delivered a passionate and straightforward message: “No Trees Means No Life.” He warned against the dangers of fake environmentalism spread via social media and stressed the need for authentic, community-driven awareness that includes local vendors, businesses, and even multinational corporations. His speech was a call for truth and integrity in the environmental movement.
Building on this, Professor (Dr.) P.S. Srivastava, Principal of the Department of Education at ICFAI University Tripura, approached the issue from an academic and philosophical lens. He differentiated between the physical environment (our natural world) and the social environment (our behaviors and values), emphasizing that environmental protection must begin with personal responsibility, which then scales up to become a national and global mission.
Er. Tapan Lodh, Chairman of Yuva Vikash Kendra urged the audience to move beyond awareness to genuine acceptance and behavioral change. He emphasized that understanding environmental issues is only the first step—true change comes when we embody those values in daily life, from how we shop to how we travel.
Professor (Dr.) Ratan Kumar Saha, Vice Chancellor of Techno India University Tripura, offered a comprehensive and impactful closing speech. He emphasized that environmental awareness must be internalized and reflected in every decision we make. He highlighted the direct link between pollution and health problems such as respiratory diseases, cancers, and psychological stress. As solutions, he strongly advocated for the adoption of jute and bamboo products, reduced dependence on private vehicles, and a shift toward electric vehicles and cycling to create healthier urban environments.
Adding a practical and grassroots dimension, Pinku Das, Organizing Secretary of Yuva Vikash Kendra shared an upcoming initiative by YVK and Vishwa Yuva Kendra: organisation is going to launch a program in terms to reduce use of plastic. YVK will select initially 3 or 4 busy markets around Agartala city and distribute Eco Friendly Beg for carry the use household items. Simultaneously YVK will also drive a special campaign among the citizens regarding less use of plastic. He explained that, it would be the real-time visual campaign to remind citizens of their role in environmental preservation amid daily routines.
Bringing a deeply emotional and community-centric vision, Biswajit Shil, Sabhadhipati (I/c) of Paschim Tripura Zila Parishad and Chief Guest, urged the public to take strong action against single-use plastics. He proposed a unique idea—planting trees in memory of loved ones—to help individuals build emotional connections with nature, making conservation a personal journey.
Together, the speeches and symbolic acts throughout the day reflected the core mission of the organizers: to equip citizens with knowledge, inspire meaningful actions, and create an environmentally responsible society. The event was a powerful reminder that when communities come together—led by conscious youth, supportive institutions, and visionary leadership—awareness transforms into action, and action into lasting impact.
After this, a cultural procession took place, featuring dance, drama, and musicals related to environmental awareness. This was followed by a prize distribution ceremony, marking the successful conclusion of the Community Awareness and Cultural Performance Program.
