In the program ‘Sach,’ Zee TV’s boss Subhash Chandra and Ramesh Reddy IPS, currently the Inspector General of Police, Crime Branch, Tripura, held a candid conversation with students at the CMR College in Hyderabad exclusively about the environment.
We are entwined with nature
Beginning the engagement with the youngsters, Mr. Subhash Chandra pointed out that in most villages, mud and cow dung were used in building houses, and that nature was always entwined with our lives, and added that the mind develops better near water and animals, and not in concrete jungles. He said the birds, plants and trees make us feel different altogether, and our bare feet in nature keep us grounded.
Urban vs Rural living
Highlighting the differences between urban and rural living, the Zee TV boss said that rain, while generally welcomed and liked, can look obstructive in the cities. Our nature and souls are connected, and it’s depicted in movie songs too, he observed.
IPS – Indian Planting Service
Welcoming the special guest, Ramesh Reddy IPS, the Zee TV boss said the officer dedicated himself to planting trees and nourishing them regardless of where he is posted, and wondered how Mr. Reddy manages such an activity despite dealing with continuous negativity that is involved in dealing with crime. Mr. Ramesh Reddy quipped that IPS could also be interpreted as the Indian Planting Service.
The 2007 batch IPS officer said that nature is the only entity that keeps giving and never asks for anything in return.
Mr. Ramesh Reddy, who hails from a drought-affected area, realized the importance of our environment, complimented ZEE TV’s boss.
Nature provides answers
The 2007 batch IPS officer said that while Lord Gautama Buddha found the truth in nature while sitting under a peepal tree, scientist Isaac Newton was enlightened about gravity while sitting under an apple tree, highlighting that nature benefits us in multiple ways.
Environment vs Technology
Answering a question related to the environmental challenges posed by data centers, Mr. Ramesh Reddy said such establishments must certainly be well planned and balanced with nature via environmental impact assessment and existing rules and regulations.
The Crime Branch boss of Tripura pointed out that there is no such thing as a rich man’s pollution and a poor man’s pollution, and it affects everyone alike.
Addressing a question about whether the rise in technology could cause environmental issues, Mr. Ramesh Reddy said that nature is like a mother who, after birthing a child, is also happy and capable of handling any disturbances caused by the baby.
The IPS officer who had set up a cricket stadium in Hyderabad over the last few years pointed out that he planted numerous trees and managed the ecosystem without the slightest disruption to the environment.
Health benefits
Citing one of the health benefits of syncing with nature, Mr. Ramesh Reddy said that sitting in an air-conditioned room depletes vitamin D, while getting sunlight out in the open raises vitamin levels.
Enjoy diversity, not perfection
Answering a question about the rat race for perfection, Mr. Ramesh Reddy asked the students to enjoy diversity and not perfection, and pointed out that even five fingers of a hand are not alike.
Both Mr. Subhash Chandra and Mr. Ramesh Reddy advised the students that happiness is not measured by wealth but by the state of our mind.
Before leaving the conversation, Mr. Ramesh Reddy sang a few lyrics from the song ‘Tarali Raada Tane Vasantham’ from actor Chiranjeevi’s film ‘Rudraveena,’ drawing a huge applause from the audience.