In Indore, the Environmental Service Week, organized by Lions International District 3233 G-2 in collaboration with Shri Vallabh Anand Club and the Environmental Department of Samrat Vikramaditya University, concluded with a one-day workshop focused on 'Environmental Awareness.'

The workshop was inaugurated by the esteemed environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee, Dr. Janak Palta McGilligan.

Dr. Janak Palta McGilligan's Inspiring Address

During her presentation, Dr. McGilligan, Director of the Jimmy McGilligan Center for Sustainable Development, shared her experiences through a PowerPoint presentation, stating:

"After waking up from India's first successful open-heart surgery in 1964, I promised God that I would dedicate my new life to His service. Through studying the Bahá'í faith, I learned that sustainable living means fostering goodwill among all beings for the welfare of the world and being stewards of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and sky."

She recounted her journey of moving to Indore alone in 1985, where she established the Barli Rural Women's Institute to empower tribal women. Over 26 years, she trained more than 500 rural and tribal women in literacy, health, organic farming, and sustainable development on six acres of barren land.

Her late husband, Jimmy McGilligan, made significant contributions to promoting solar cooking, providing solar cookers and solar electricity to many remote households. Trained women reported that using solar cookers helped them avoid abortions and sexual harassment.

After retiring from Barli, in 2010, while building her home in Sanawadiya village, she installed 2 kilowatts of solar and windmill energy for 50 landless tribal families.

Dr. McGilligan emphasized,

"We do not have a choice in how we will die, but we do have a choice in how we will live. Until we live our lives for nature and the benefit of others, our lives remain incomplete."

She stressed that environmental protection is achieved through action, not just words, sharing that her home in Sanawadiya is entirely self-sufficient, relying on homegrown produce and solar energy.

Insights from Other Speakers

Dr. Saluja, a renowned physician, chaired the event and warned that microplastics from microwaves could enter our bodies and lead to serious illnesses like cancer. He urged a reconsideration of plastic use in daily life.

Dr. Praveen Joshi, district coordinator of the State Anand Institute, stated that environmental protection should not be limited to speeches but should be reflected in our actions, asserting, "Environmental protection is the foundation of a joyful life."

Highlights of the Event

The program commenced with the lighting of a lamp and worship in front of an image of Goddess Saraswati.

Guests were welcomed by Mrs. Madhu Gupta, CEO of the Lions Club and founder of Shri Vallabh Anand Club.

Retired DSP Mr. Subhash Dubey presented an environmental-themed song.

Staff from City Kindergarten School performed a short play.

At the end of the ceremony, Dr. Janak Palta McGilligan was honored with a shawl, fruit, and a floral garland.

Tree friends Mr. Ajay Bhathkande, Mr. Amitabh Sudhanshu, and Mr. K.K. Pawar were also recognized.

The event saw a large turnout, including Dr. Anurag Tiwari, Abha Tiwari, Advait Tiwari, Lions Secretary Sushil Porwal, Mr. Muktesh Trivedi, Dr. Suman Jain, Mrs. Amrita Chaturvedi, Ms. Ranjana Malviya, Mrs. Sandhya Saxena, and Mrs. Arundhati Pendharkar, along with numerous professors, students, and representatives from various Lions Clubs.

The program was conducted by Dr. Lalit Nagar, with gratitude expressed by Mrs. Arundhati Pendharkar.