New Delhi, September 20: President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday recalled her childhood in a remote rural tribal community and highlighted the deep respect for nature embedded in traditional tribal life, saying such centuries-old wisdom can complement modern efforts to address climate change.
Addressing the valedictory session of the two-day International Conference on “The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics” at Vigyan Bhawan, organised by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Murmu said traditional communities across the world have developed knowledge and practices that reflect resilience and adaptation to changing environmental conditions.
Recalling her childhood, the President spoke about the close relationship between tribal communities and nature. She shared a memory of her father bringing dry wood from a nearby forest for cooking.
“Before cutting the wood into pieces suitable for burning, those handling it would bow before it,” she recalled.
As a child, Murmu said, she once asked her father why they bowed before wood that was already dry and would eventually be burnt. Her father explained that although the tree had dried up, the wood continued to serve a purpose. While alive, the tree provided air and oxygen, and even after becoming old and dry, it remained useful.
The President said the incident reflected the sensitivity and reverence that tribal communities have traditionally shown towards forests, trees and other elements of nature.
Recalling a recent visit to her village with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said respect for nature is instilled in tribal communities from childhood and that forests continue to be worshipped in several tribal traditions.
Murmu stressed that traditional ecological knowledge can play an important role in strengthening contemporary climate action. She said modern approaches involving biotechnology, artificial intelligence, predictive models and digital technologies should be combined with traditional knowledge, community-based adaptation and ecological restoration.
Climate action, she said, should extend beyond technological solutions and also draw upon the experiences of communities that have historically lived in close relationship with their ecosystems.
The President's address underlined the potential of bringing together traditional practices, scientific innovation and community participation to build climate-resilient societies and protect ecosystems.
The two-day conference brought together judges, legal experts, policymakers, scientists and delegates from India and abroad to deliberate on climate change, environmental governance, biodiversity, sustainable development and the future of environmental law.
Manohar Lal calls for balance between development and environmental protection
Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal, who also addressed the valedictory session, called for a balanced approach to development and environmental protection, stressing the need for sustainable cities, cleaner energy and environmentally responsible infrastructure.
Manohar Lal said he had returned to India on Sunday after attending a G20-related energy engagement in the United States. Referring to international discussions on energy and climate issues, he highlighted the growing importance of the energy transition and collective efforts to address environmental challenges.
He also acknowledged the role of the National Green Tribunal in India's environmental governance and appreciated the participation of judges, legal experts, scientists, policymakers and delegates from different jurisdictions at the conference.
The minister said such international platforms provide an opportunity to exchange experiences and explore ways of integrating environmental considerations into development policies.
With India's urban landscape expanding and energy demand rising, he stressed the importance of sustainable urban planning, green infrastructure and cleaner sources of energy.
Manohar Lal said development and environmental protection must progress together and called for coordinated efforts by governments, courts, tribunals, experts and other stakeholders to address the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation.
