Earth Day "Planet vs. Plastics” : Balancing Act of the Dual Nature of Plastic and Its Impact on Planet Earth

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. “Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder”.

 The Earth Day Network, which spearheads the world's largest environmental movement and leads the commemoration of ‘Earth Day’, succinctly defines the importance of this day. It emphasises that ‘this is the moment to change it all — the business climate, the political climate, and how we take action on climate. Now is the time for the unstoppable courage to preserve and protect our health, our families, and our livelihoods… together, we must Invest In Our Planet’.

 Every year Earth Day is commemorated under a specific theme and this year the theme is  "Planet vs. Plastics”. Although Plastics were a boon for humankind when they were discovered, but then human greed for overusing this wonder material has led to disastrous consequences, whose impact is evidenced in the resplendently visible scenes of plastic dumps and wastes strewn across cities and towns and majorly in the water bodies including seas and oceans.

 In the intricate balance between harvesting benefits of science and technology for human and societal welfare, there comes a time when the consequences of overuse and abuse of products of science we find ourselves at a crossroads where innovation meets responsibility. This dichotomy is more apparent when it comes to the use of plastic and polymer science.

 Birthed by the ingenious minds of chemists and scientists, there is no doubt that polymer science in general, and plastics in particular, have revolutionised our lives, offering convenience, durability, and versatility unparalleled by any other material. Yet, beneath the surface of this modern marvel and its applications lies an inconvenient truth: our over-reliance and careless disposal of plastics have inflicted grievous wounds upon our planet.

 As we commemorate Earth Day this year, the chosen theme of "Planet vs Plastic" serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance we must strike between progress and preservation. The story of plastic is one of triumph and tragedy—a tale of human ingenuity intertwined with environmental degradation by virtue of our irresponsibility in its usage. From life-saving medical devices to lightweight packaging, plastics have undeniably transformed modern society. The advent of polymer chemistry has paved the way for innovations that have enhanced countless aspects of our lives, from technology to transportation. However, with great power comes greater responsibility, and the unchecked proliferation of plastic has exacted an unprecedented heavy price on our planet.

 Plastics, designed for durability and longevity, possess a characteristic that is both a blessing and a curse—they are not easily biodegradable. This inherent property, while ensuring the longevity of plastic products, also means that discarded plastics persist in the environment for centuries, if not millennia. The consequences of this longevity are stark and far-reaching. Our oceans, once teeming with life and beauty, have become veritable graveyards of plastic waste. From microplastics to gargantuan garbage patches, our marine ecosystems are suffocating under the weight of our plastic addiction. Sea creatures, from majestic whales to diminutive plankton, are falling victim to ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic debris, leading to suffering and death on a staggering scale.

 On land, plastic pollution mars the landscapes we call home, contaminating soil, waterways, and the air we breathe. From littered streets to sprawling landfills that are seen in cities like Mumbai, the visible and invisible footprint of plastic extends far and wide, leaving a legacy of environmental degradation for future generations to inherit.

 Yet, amidst the despair, there is hope. The same innovative spirit that gave rise to plastic holds the key to mitigating its adverse effects. Advances in biodegradable and recyclable plastics offer a glimmer of hope for a more sustainable future. By harnessing the power of science and technology, we can develop eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics, closing the loop on the plastic lifecycle and minimizing our impact on the planet. For this to happen we the people must be vigilant citizens of this unique planet Earth, which we call home. Technological solutions alone are not enough. Addressing the plastic crisis requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses education, regulation, and individual responsibility. From reducing single-use plastics to implementing effective waste management strategies, every action, no matter how small, contributes to the collective effort to protect our planet.

 As we reflect on the theme of this Earth Day, let us heed the lessons of the past and chart a course toward a more sustainable future. Let us celebrate the ingenuity of plastic while acknowledging its limitations and the profound responsibility that comes with its use. For Earth is not merely a backdrop for human endeavors; it is a precious oasis of life in the vast expanse of the cosmos—a fragile jewel worthy of our utmost care and reverence.

 Here is a link to my blog which I wrote to commemorate Earth Day in 2022 in which I had highlighted the singularity of our beautiful Blue Planet, which is one and only one of its kind in the unending cosmos that houses billions of galaxies each of which is home to billions of stars and one such star Sun harbours us, our Blue Planet,  Earth,  

 https://khened.blogspot.com/2022/04/world-earth-day-22nd-april-2022-invest.html

 

 

Social Welfare and Freebies in Political Discourse

 

Ever since the announcement of the 17^th Loksabha election schedule by the Election Commission, a googolplex amount of digital data (energy-guzzling medium) has been created, generated, and consumed by the Oceanic amount of space that is finding its place in various social media posts and so also on the What's App group chats.

Dime a dozen amount of forwards - some with heavy images videos and data - are getting circulated in social media and so also are animated discussions that have populated the Whats App groups. Tigers 77 is one such Whats App group, made up of members from the 1977 batch of Sainik School Bijapur students, and yours truly is one of its members. Yesterday, the group was engaged in a highly animated discussion on the forthcoming Lok Sabha election and one of the points discussed was the election manifestos of the parties. During this discussion, an interesting debate unfolded on the election manifestos of BJP and Congress, the two main Political parties. There was a heated debate on social welfare measures/freebies that formed a part of their election manifesto. Those in support of the ruling party justified the election manifesto of the BJP including the promises made in the manifesto. The opponents, however, dubbed the BJP party and their manifesto as a Jhoomla and their leader a dictator. The supporters of Congress tried to justify the promises made by the Congress in their manifesto. There was discussion on the economic ramifications of the election manifestos on the country. Even amidst a heated debate, one common understanding was that in the long term freebies are destined to create problems for the nation and this post of mine is an outcome of our discussion.

In one of my blog posts last year, written on December 13, I had posted about the tragedy of the commons. The concept of the “Tragedy of Commons,” famously elucidated by an ecologist, Garrett Hardin, serves as a poignant warning against the depletion of shared resources due to individual self-interest. Hardin’s thesis posits that when multiple individuals or groups act in their own self-interest without regard for the common good, they inevitably deplete or degrade a shared resource, leading to long-term detrimental consequences for all. Here is a link to that blog.

https://khened.blogspot.com/2023/12/13-december-tragedy-of-commons.html

I am taking this premise forward to address the subject matter in the context of the 17^th Lok Sabha Elections and its impact.

Social welfare mechanisms in an election manifesto typically entail sustainable policies aimed at uplifting marginalized communities through education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and social safety nets. These measures are designed to address systemic inequalities and promote long-term development. However, there lies a thin line between what social welfare measures and what one could call freebies.

Freebies often refer to short-term populist measures that provide immediate benefits without addressing underlying issues. While they may garner short-term support, they can strain government finances and undermine economic stability if not carefully managed.

Both NDA and I.N.D.I.A must therefore strike a balance between addressing societal needs through welfare programs and avoiding unsustainable practices that could lead to economic distress. Sustainable policies prioritize investment in human capital and infrastructure while fostering economic growth, ensuring a more equitable and prosperous future for all citizens.

The “Tragedy of Commons” provides a profound understanding of human behavior and its impact on communal resources. This holds critical relevance beyond environmental contexts, extending into the socio-political arena, particularly in the context of our subject matter and electoral politics and practices in India.

India, the world’s largest democracy, is currently in the throes of election fervor, with political parties vying for power through populist measures and promises of freebies. However, amidst the clamor for votes and electoral victories, there lies a perilous path paved with the allure of freebies and short-term gains, ignoring the looming specter of economic ruin and societal degradation akin to the Venezuelan example.

Venezuela once hailed as an economic powerhouse in Latin America, descended into chaos and destitution as successive governments implemented populist policies, including extensive freebie programs. By lavishing free goods and services upon its citizens without sustainable economic foundations, Venezuela unwittingly propelled itself into a downward spiral of hyperinflation, scarcity, and social unrest. The tragic outcome serves as a sobering reminder of the perils of sacrificing long-term economic stability at the altar of short-term political gains.

In the Indian context, the proliferation of freebies, ranging from subsidized food grains and healthcare to loan waivers and cash transfers, has become a cornerstone of electoral strategies. While these promises may garner short-term electoral dividends, their long-term repercussions threaten to undermine the very fabric of the nation’s economic resilience and social cohesion. The Tragedy of Commons, as articulated by Hardin, elucidates the inherent flaw in the culture of freebies perpetuated by political parties. Just as individuals exploiting shared resources lead to their depletion, political parties indulging in reckless populism jeopardize the nation’s fiscal health and social equilibrium.

By pandering to immediate gratification and neglecting the imperative of responsible governance, they squander the collective wealth and well-being of future generations. Moreover, the insidious nature of freebies breeds a culture of dependency and entitlement, eroding the spirit of self-reliance and innovation that are indispensable for national progress. Instead of fostering a culture of empowerment and sustainable development, the proliferation of freebies engenders a vicious cycle of dependency, wherein citizens become passive recipients rather than active participants in the nation’s growth story.

To avert the impending Tragedy of Commons in the realm of Indian politics, a paradigm shift is imperative. Political discourse must transcend the allure of short-term electoral gains and embrace a vision of inclusive growth and responsible governance. Rather than succumbing to the temptation of populist measures, political leaders must chart a course guided by prudence, foresight, and a steadfast commitment to the common good.

In conclusion, the Tragedy of Commons serves as a poignant allegory for the perils of political populism and the unsustainable pursuit of freebies in Indian elections. By heeding the lessons of history, particularly the cautionary tale of Venezuela, and embracing a holistic approach to governance rooted in fiscal discipline and social equity, India can navigate the treacherous waters of electoral politics toward a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come and look forward to India that is Bharat becoming a developed nation on or before we celebrate our centenary of Indian independence.

 

Ugadi / Gudi Padwa (Vikram Samvat 2081) : Beginning of a Hindu New Year

Ugadi or Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of a New Year of Vikram Samvat (2081) of the Hindu Calendar. Vikram Samvat is believed to be the day when emperor Vikramaditya defeated the Sakas and invaded Ujjain. The day is celebrated differently in different parts of the country. However, the underlying message remains the same - to welcome the New Year with positivity and optimism and to face happiness, sorrow and surprises that are a given all through our lives, every year.

Ugadi / Gudi Padva - former celebrated by the people of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana and the later celebrated by the people of Maharashtra and Goa - falls on the first day of the Shukla Paksha of the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar. Ugadi, or Yugadi is derived from two Sanskrit words ‘Yuga’ meaning ‘age’ and ‘adi’ meaning ‘beginning’. Ugadi, therefore, marks commencement of a new Hindu Lunar Calendar with a change in the moons orbit. It is believed that Ugadi, which usually falls in the last quarter of March or first half of April of the Gregorian Calendar, marks the beginning or the first day of the new age and this year, according to the Hindu Panchang, Ugadi will be celebrated on this day, 9 April, 2024. 

Legend has it that Bhagwan Brahma (one of the three main Gods in the Hindu pantheon, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshvara ) created Brahmand (Universe) on this day. Then came the Yuga, which was created by Lord Vishnu. Yugaadikrit is one of the many names of Lord Vishnu, which means the creator of ages or Yuga. Therefore, on this day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu - the creator of Yuga or ages. For the people living in the Deccan region, Ugadi is an important day, besides its spiritual significance, it also marks the arrival of the spring season. The day begins with the morning bath (shower) where neem leaves are mixed in water. Neem is also used in preparation of one of the special sweet recipes, which is prepared using Bevu ( neem flowers) Bella (jaggery), raw mangoes and dry fruits. 

I remember that my sister used to prepare this mouth watering delicious dish to celebrate the festival of Ugadi. This sweet dish - very popular in north Karnataka the region to which I belong - prepared to mark the occasion of Ugadi, uses an ingredient mixture of sweet, bitter and pungent. This dish symbolises that life is a mixture of happiness, sadness, anger, disgust, fear and surprise and that we must be prepared to face it all. The Sweet taste comes from jaggery that is used in abundance and this ingredient symbolises sweetness of life or happiness. Astringent or pungent taste comes from raw mangoes or tamarind, this symbolises that life is full of surprises which come our way and we should be prepared to face them. Then comes the bitter taste that is derived from neem flowers, which represent sorrow which too is an integral part of all our lives. This special dish prepared to mark the Ugadi, metaphorically speaking, prepares us for the year ahead, that may be filled with a mix of happiness, sadness and surprises. 

Speaking of sadness and surprises COVID 19 was a disgusting surprise for all of us when it began to spread its tentacles in Indian in 2020. Ironically, four years ago, Ugadi was celebrated on 26th March, 2020, which was the first day of the beginning of the saga of the COVID 19 lockdowns that was first announced by the Prime Minister on 25th March 2020 for three weeks. The lockdown was later extended and what followed is now history. India and the world have passed through the worst of times with loss of millions of lives and many more millions of loss of livelihood and suffering (680 plus million people affected by COVID 19 and over 6 million deaths). Although COVID 19 is behind us, it has taught us to be resilient to face such shocks and disgusting surprises. Wishing you all a very happy Ugadi / Gudi Padwa. May this new year usher in good health and happiness and may the years ahead, truly be the Amrit Kaal for Indians as we head towards achieving our aspirations to make our country Vikshit Bharat, by the time we celebrate the centenary of our independence.

40th Year of Rakesh Sharma's Tryst with Space and his Enduring Words “Saare Jahan Se Achha”

 

This post is courtesy of my fellow Ajeet – An alumnus of Sainik School Bijapur – Ranga, who has been working tirelessly to populate the Ajeet Knowledge Forum (AKF) YouTube Channel with all the videos of the distinguished speakers who were hosted by AKF over the past two and half years. One of our distinguished speakers was Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who delivered an inspirational lecture on his tryst with space destiny and motivated young Ajeet and cadet Ajeets, from Sainik School Bijapur who had joined this online lecture.

 Today, April 3, 2024, marks the fortieth anniversary of that historic and pivotal moment in Indian history when Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma - then Squadron Leader - embarked on a journey that transcended the bounds of Earth's atmosphere, and created history. He became the first Indian astronaut to venture into space when he flew aboard the Soviet rocket Soyuz T-11 launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic on 3 April 1984

 As Rakesh Sharma soared into the cosmos, he carried with him the aspirations and dreams of a nation that had begun to appreciate the vision of the father of the Indian Space program, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, of harvesting the benefits of space applications for human benefits, as exemplified by the three stellar projects Satellite Instruction Television Experiment (SITE), developing an Indian Satellite (Aryabhata) and also launching an indigenous space launch vehicle (SLV). Rakesh Sharma’s mission was not merely a scientific endeavor but a testament to human ingenuity and the unyielding spirit of exploration. Amidst the vastness of space, he encountered a moment that would resonate with generations to come – a moment when he was asked by then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi, "How does India look from space?"

In response, Sharma uttered words that would reverberate across the nation: "Sare Jaha Se Achha". These words continue to encapsulate the feelings of 1.4 billion people even today. These words became an anthem of pride, echoing through the hearts of millions and inspiring a sense of unity and patriotism.

The alumni of our prestigious Sainik School Bijapur, Ajeets Alumni Association (AAA), had the privilege of hearing firsthand accounts of his journey and experiences in space. It was on 9 April 2022; Rakesh Sharma's enduring legacy was commemorated in a monumental event which was hosted by AKF under the auspices of the AAA.

His lecture transcended the boundaries of time and space, transporting the audience into the awe-inspiring realm of the cosmos. He imparted invaluable insights into the human spirit and the quest for knowledge. His words resonated with the audience, igniting a spark of curiosity and ambition in the hearts of Ajeets and cadet Ajeets.

Here is a link to his talk on the AKF YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qY7tfSnvL70&t=793s

The AKF - true to the culture and traditions of our alma mater SSBJ - follows a protocol while hosting lectures of distinguished speakers under the auspices of the AKF platform and that includes a six to seven-minute introduction of the speaker by one of the Ajeets. Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma was introduced by one of our senior Ajeets, General Arjun Muthanna. I had the honour to prepare the introduction of the speaker and I am happy to share this on my blog as we celebrate the fortieth year of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s Space Odyssey.  

Introduction to Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma for the AKF Meet held on 9^th April 2022.

Space has always been fantasised about and romanticised by humankind. There are very few people who have had the pleasure and privilege to have fulfilled their fantasy of going to space. We the Ajeets are so very lucky that today’s speaker - Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma- is the one and only person from India to have achieved this distinction. Having walked the very precincts of the institute, from where Rakesh Sharma ji passed out – National Defence Academy Pune – on behalf of the AAA and AKF, it is a great honour for me to introduce Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma and I am so very humbled to be doing this honour.

Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma is a name that no Indian will ever forget. His iconic “Saare Jahah Se Accha” reply to the question that Mrs Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, asked, “Bharat Asman Se Kaisa Dikhta Hai? (how India looked from outer space) is something which resonates with all Indians. For all Indians, his words have remained as profound as the words of Neil Armstrong –  “One small step for man and a giant leap for mankind”.  Rakesh Sharma continues to be the first and the only Indian to date and the 138th person to travel in space. He spent eight days in the Salyut 7 space station beginning on 3 April 1984 and his feat made India the 14th nation to send a man to outer space.

Rakesh Sharma ji is the recipient of the prestigious Ashoka Chakra, the highest peacetime gallantry award, awarded by the Indian Government. His other coveted awards include the Hero of the Soviet Union and The Order of Lenin by the erstwhile Soviet Government.

Born on 13 January 1949 in Patiala Punjab - on the auspicious Lohri (Sankranti) Day festival, the boy Rakesh Sharma was destined for an extraordinary achievement later in his life. He remains the only Indian citizen to have travelled into space to date. (There have been other Indian-origin astronauts, but they were not bonafide Indian citizens at the time of space travel). Rakesh Sharma completed his schooling in Hyderabad at St. George's Grammar School and graduated from Nizam College, Hyderabad. He then joined the prestigious National Defence Academy as an Air Force plebe in July 1966 and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force as a pilot in 1970.

Indian tryst with space had begun in the late sixties with the dreams of Vikram Sarabhai and Prof Satish Dhawan. By the 1980s, the Indian Space Research Organisation was on a development curve so impressive that on certain space missions, the Russian Space Agency collaborated with ISRO. In one such collaboration – space mission - Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma was selected for a space voyage, on 20 September 1982, to become a cosmonaut and go into space as part of a joint programme between the Indian Air Force and the Soviet Interkosmos space programme on the Soyuz T-11 with Russian cosmonauts. That meant the standby Indian Astronaut Wing Commander Ravish Malhotra had to stay back.

Sharma left for Russia to complete a gruelling training under the Russian scientists' watch. Unfortunately, when he was undergoing his training, tragedy struck his family but then like that quintessential brave Indian soldier that he was, he continued on the mission entrusted to him, and on 3 April 1984, he was launched into space as on schedule thus becoming the first Indian to go to space.

The Soyuz T-11 spacecraft carrying cosmonauts including Sharma docked and transferred the three-member Soviet-Indian international crew, consisting of the ship's commander, Yury Malyshev, and flight engineer, Gennadi Strekalov, to the Salyut 7 Orbital Station. Sharma spent 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes aboard the Salyut 7 during which his team conducted scientific and technical studies which included forty-three experimental sessions. Interestingly Rakesh Sharma had the privilege to savour Indian delicacies in space courtesy of the Defence Food Research Laboratory in Mysore. It had packed Indian delicacies viz. suji halwa, alu choley , and vegetable pulao for Sharma, which he gladly shared with Malyshev and Strekalov in outer space. Yoga which has now gained international fame is what Rakesh Sharma practised for 10 minutes every day while in space and advised other astronauts to do the same to avert space sickness.

Rakesh Sharma flew 21 Operational Missions on a Mig-21 aircraft during the Indo-Pak War in 1971. He was selected for the Production Test Pilots Course in 1975 and later, in 1979 for the Experimental Test Pilots Course at the Test Pilot’s School of the Indian Air Force’s Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment, Bangalore.

He served as an Air Force Test Pilot for 15 years before being seconded to the Industry, in 1987. It was during this period that he was selected for the Joint Indo-Soviet Space Mission.

Rakesh Sharma returned to his test flying career after the space flight and served as the Chief Project Pilot of India’s Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’ and, as Chief Test Pilot of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL). During this period, his skills were extensively utilized by HAL on its indigenous Intermediate Jet Trainer Project. Out of a flying career spanning 33 years, he spent 24 years testing aircraft and systems. During this period, he flew 4000 hrs on all front-line fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force, apart from the NT-33, NF-16, and the F-18. Retired from test flying in July 2001.

Post his retirement he joined the IT Industry in 2001 as the Chief Operating Officer of a Business Process Management IT company. Later, he headed the Indian Aerospace and Defence business unit of Parametric Technology Corporation, USA, till his retirement from active service in 2009.

Post-retirement, he was appointed as Chairman of the Board of Candela Labs, an IT company located in Bangalore till he decided to step down in 2019. 

He now lives in Coonoor in Tamil Nadu and is a non-executive chairman of Bangalore (Bengaluru) Based Cadila Lab.

Incidentally, yours truly had the honour to host Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma as one of the distinguished guests while commemorating the 60^th year of human space flight in April 2021. It was on 12^th April 1961 that Yuri Gagarin became the first Cosmonaut in Space. To commemorate this historic occasion, the Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai tied up with the Russian Centre for Science and Culture to organise a mega event involving Cosmonauts from Russia and Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma. This event was organised on 9 April 2021, online.