Dubai: The mood was electric, and the message was inspirational as thousands of UAE residents listened attentively and pledged support to Sadhguru, an Indian spiritual guru and environmental advocate.
Sadhguru spoke for more than an hour at the event organized by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Conscious Planet Movement to Save Soil. He was both foreboding and reassuring. Experts say the world has only 40 to 50 years worth of agricultural topsoil, which could threaten food production as soon as 2045. This would mean that food production may decrease by 45 percent, while it is expected that the world will feed 9.3 billion people.
Sadhguru concluded by stating that there is hope for the future if people take action now. He stressed that governments and people must work together to ensure that topsoil in the first 10 to15 inches of soil contains enough organic material. Sadhguru advised the audience of diverse nationalities to ask leaders and experts for strong action to conserve soil. He stressed that we must leave rich soil for our future generations and our children.
Sadhguru was joined at the event by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan from the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence; Mariam Bint Mohammed Almheiri from Minister of Climate Change Change and Environment; Indian Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir and Indian Consul General Dr Aman Puri and many other dignitaries.
Make it happen immediately
Sadhguru used time as a metaphor and said that everyone chases time. This pursuit of time should be deep, pleasant, impactful.
Sadhguru said, “Don’t wait for tomorrow. Make it happen now.” He also added: Every human being has a limited amount of time. We must use it for things that truly matter to make it meaningful, pleasant, and impactful.
Sadhguru pointed out that one positive indicator is what the UAE government has done. He explained that sand becomes soil when it is added organically to it. But sand becomes sand when it is stripped of organic content. The UAE is using organic content to convert desert into arable land.
He challenged the estimated 10,000 audience members to take action to save the planet and our soil.
Sadhguru is not only focused on Save Soil. It is also your mission. Let’s save soil! This is more than a one-day commitment. We have completed 60 days of the 100 day campaign. The UAE is now the 74th country to sign the commitment. If we talk about soil, then four billion people will be able to hear our message. No government will ignore soil conservation, he said.
Sadhguru also praised MOCCAE, UAE and their leadership in environmental preservation in the region.
Nature is a gift.
The Dubai event opened with an opening address from Sheikh Al Nahyan. He said: Our observation about the alarming rate of soil erosion around the globe and our desire to understand it reminds me of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, our nation’s founder, who was also an environmentalist. He was a passionate lover of nature. After Sheikh Zayed’s passing, our country’s concern about the environment grew. The UAE, led now by President His Holness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan established many environmental initiatives.
We must all continue to look for ways to improve our use, planning, protection, management, and management of natural resources in the spirit of love of nature. I believe there is a strong link between spiritual values and how we care about the environment. Sheikh Al Nahyan highlighted that our spiritual values are the moral imperative to ensure that everyone in all countries can improve their standard of living and not act in a way that will leave their children living in a barren environment.
Let’s all work together
Almheiri delivered the keynote speech before Sadhguru took to the stage. The MoCCAE minister said: We have several strategies and policies in the UAE that aim to not only increase food security, but also to implement sustainable land management systems. These include the National Food Security Strategy, National Strategy to Combat Desertification and the UAE General Environmental Policy. We support the COP26 results that consider soil a crucial component of sustainable agriculture systems.
Almheiri stressed: Let’s all work together for the preservation of our soil for future generations. Because tomorrow’s food will depend on how we act today.
We will make it happen!
Guinness World Record holder Nathaniel Alapide, a Filipino sand artist, was among the attentive audience that listened intently to Sadhguru. He said to Gulf News: His advocacy and movement for soil conservation has inspired me as a sand artist. Sadhgurus dedication to using his influence to encourage people to take action for the environment moved me. His challenge was clear: It is time to act now. I am keen to incorporate his teachings into my art.
Poonam Bajaj from Dubai, who attended the event together with her entire extended family, stated that she too will take note of Sadhguru’s teachings. After hearing Sadhguru speak personally, we are now committed to this environment action.
