In a powerful address that blended recognition with stark warning, senior Supreme Court advocate and activist Prashant Bhushan was honoured with a prestigious award in Dharwad on Tuesday. The event, however, transformed into a platform for raising urgent alarms about global environmental crises and alleged policy failures at the national level.
Award Ceremony Sets Stage for Grave Warnings
The occasion was the inauguration of the Samaj Parivarthan Samudaya Endowment lecture at the Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha (KVS). Bhushan was presented with the 'S R Hiremath Mahasangrami Award' by a distinguished panel including former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde. While accepting the honour, Bhushan swiftly steered the conversation toward the pressing dangers facing humanity.
He outlined a confluence of threats including wars, climate change, and a sharp increase in extreme weather events like cyclones and floods. "If the assault on the environment continues, nearly 50% of the global population could be displaced over the next 30 years," Bhushan cautioned, emphasizing that India is not shielded from these devastating global consequences.
Sharp Critique of Environmental Policy Dilution
Bhushan launched a direct and critical attack on the Central government, accusing it of systematically weakening the country's framework of environmental protection. He pinpointed the fragile Aravalli Hills as a prime example of this dangerous trend.
Describing the Aravallis as a crucial biodiversity hotspot spanning Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi, Bhushan alleged that instead of bolstering conservation efforts, the Centre has introduced policies that redefine the range's boundaries. "This would spell disaster for the region's ecosystem," he warned. He noted that while the impact of degrading the Aravallis may not be immediate, the long-term consequences for the environment and local communities would be severe and irreversible.
Echoes of Concern from Fellow Dignitaries
The gravity of Bhushan's warnings was echoed by other eminent personalities present at the event. The chief guest, retired Supreme Court judge and former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde, shared insights from his tenure, stating he was fully exposed to systemic harsh realities only after assuming office. "We are living in a society that favours the wealthy and the powerful. There is little space for honesty," he remarked, painting a somber picture of contemporary governance.
Further adding to the discourse, Karnataka State Law University Vice-Chancellor C Basavaraju expressed deep concern over growing social fractures. He highlighted the urgent need for individuals who can respond to challenges and drive positive change, pointing to rising caste-based divisions, human rights violations, rampant corruption, and the persistent evil of untouchability as major hurdles.
The event was presided over by KVS vice-president Sanjiv Kulkarni, with anti-corruption activist S R Hiremath and working president Basavaprabhu Hosakeri also in attendance. The ceremony, while celebrating activism and integrity, ultimately served as a collective call to action against escalating environmental and social crises.
