For the first time, India uses Sanskrit shlok at UNSC on climate change
24 Feb 2021 15:55:27
News Delhi, February 24: For the first time in the history of the United Nations security council, India used Sanskrit shlok while starting the UNSC debate on climate change. Representing the Indian side, Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar addressed UK PM Boris Johson with Sukla Yajurveda's Sanskrit shlok.
ॐ द्यौः शान्तिरन्तरिक्षं शान्तिः
पृथिवी शान्तिरापः शान्तिरोषधयः शान्तिः ।
वनस्पतयः शान्तिर्विश्वेदेवाः शान्तिर्ब्रह्म शान्तिः
सर्वं शान्तिः शान्तिरेव शान्तिः सा मा शान्तिरेधि ॥
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
The meaning of the Sanskrit shlok is May peace radiate there in the whole sky as well as in the vast ethereal space everywhere. May peace reign all over this earth, in water and all herbs, trees, and creepers. May peace flow over the whole universe. May peace be in the Supreme Being Brahman. And may there always exist in all peace and peace alone. Aum peace, peace, and peace to us and all beings!
While talking about the climate change issues, Javdekar, asserted that there is no common, widely accepted methodology for assessing the connection between climate change, conflict, and fragility.
"Fragility and climate impact are highly context-specific. In addition, both peace and conflict assessments, as well as vulnerability assessments, face significant challenges when it comes to data availability and impact measurement," he said. Javdekar further highlighted that without adopting drastic actions collectively, adapting to its impacts could turn out to be more difficult and costlier.'
Prakash Javadekar stressed that the idea of climate action should not be to move the climate ambition goal post to 2050 and it is important for countries to fulfill their pre-2020 commitments. "The idea of climate action should not be to move the climate ambition goal post to 2050. It is important for countries to fulfill their pre-2020 commitments," he stated.
He emphasised that India is the only country on track among the G20 nations to meet its climate change mitigation commitments. The Minister further said that India is not only meeting our Paris Agreement targets but will also exceed them. India currently has the fastest-growing solar energy program in the world.
He highlighted that the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure (CDRI), the two initiatives by India that have been launched to address challenges of climate change and adaptation.
.
.
