Protecting environment biggest revolution; youth must actively participate: Viral Desai

Environmental activist Viral Desai urged youth to actively participate in climate action, comparing environmental conservation to a "modern Satyagraha" and promoting innovation and ecological conservation.

Environmentalist Viral Desai on Tuesday called environmental conservation a ''modern Satyagraha'' and urged youth to actively participate in climate action.

Speaking at a sustainability impact and innovation summit at the JECRC University, Desai said that protecting the environment was the ''biggest revolution'' of the present times.

''Young people should move beyond being passive observers and become active participants in ecological conservation by combining innovation with the spirit of Satyagraha,'' he said.

He also spoke about his 'Satyagraha against Pollution and Climate Change' initiative launched in Surat and other parts of Gujarat, which, according to him, has mentored hundreds of youths working as 'Paryavaran Senanis' for climate action.

Additional Chief Secretary Ajitabh Sharma also attended the programme.

During the event, organisers announced a Rs 25 lakh fund for green startups and scholarships worth Rs 30,000 for sustainability-focused students and innovators.

Desai also praised the university's '3 Eco Credits' initiative, under which environmental service activities are integrated into the academic curriculum, calling it a visionary step towards sustainable development.