05 Jun
The Last Straw : Ending Plastic Pollution Globally
The Ocean didn’t speak, Until we forced it to: There was a time when the ocean told only stories of tides, whales, and salt-kissed winds. But now it groans under the weight of 430 million tons of plastic produced every year; it’s precisely two trucks of garbage are being entering its waters every single minute.
On this World Environment Day 2025, the theme is not a whisper, but a rallying cry: “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally.” This isn't just about cleaning beaches or banning straws. It's about rewriting humanity’s contract with nature.
The Plastic Pact We Never Signed : Plastic was once hailed as a miracle - Lightweight, Cheap, Durable. But those same qualities now haunt us. Its durability means it never really goes away, just breaks down into invisible micro-particles that enter our food, our lungs, and even unborn babies.
- 91% of plastic is never recycled.
- A million plastic bottles are sold every minute.
- By 2050, there may be more plastic in the ocean than fish.
Plastic pollution is the silent pandemic no vaccine can cure; only radical behaviour and systemic change can.
Beyond the Straw: Rethinking Everything : Let’s be clear: this isn’t about vilifying consumers for buying shampoo in a bottle. It’s about reengineering supply chains, innovating materials, and holding corporations accountable.
Imagine if:
- Packaging was grown, not manufactured which is made from seaweed, mushrooms, or sugarcane.
- Governments taxed virgin plastic production, incentivizing recycled alternatives.
- "Plastic Credits" became as valuable as carbon credits on global markets.
- AI - driven waste systems could detect and divert plastics from oceans before they ever reached them.
Does it seem as Science fiction? No … It’s already happening in Chile, in Finland, in circular economy start-ups from Nairobi to India.
Plastic Free Isn’t the Goal, A Circular System Is: Let’s not trade one problem for another. The goal isn’t a plastic-free world; it's a world where plastic doesn't become waste. Where a bottle becomes another bottle, infinitely. Where we consume, but do not discard.
A circular economy is not just theory; it's the only path forward. What it requires are:
- Designing for reuse and repair.
- Global standards for biodegradable plastics.
- Smart labeling so consumers know what to do.
- Education systems that teach sustainability like math.
What Can WE Do Today?
We are not powerless. YWe’re part of the story. On this World Environment Day, let's take action:
- Refuse single use.
- Support brands with take-back programs.
- Write to your policymakers.
- Join a clean-up, not for Instagram, but for integrity.
- Educate your children. They’ll inherit this planet, not your phone.
The ocean doesn’t need our apologies. It needs our action. It doesn’t want to speak through bleached reefs and plastic-choked turtles. It wants to roar, dance, and live.
Let this be the year we give it back its voice.
Happy World Environment Day 2025. Let’s not just celebrate the Earth - let’s fight for it. Let’s the PLASTIC GENERATION end with us.
GOPSAI AVINANDAN SANGHA
Editor
World Music Day Celebrating Indias Enduring Sonic Heritage and Its ...
World Music Day, celebrated annually on June 21st, isn't just about listening to tunes, it's a magnificent opportunity to immerse ourselves in the soul-stirring depths of India's profound sonic heritage. This isn't just a day for melodies, it's a global stage to truly appreciate a legacy that has captivated hearts and minds for centuries. From the ancient, resonant echoes of Vedic chants that predate recorded history, to the intricate, emotive landscapes of classical ragas like Hindustani and Carnatic, India's musical journey is a testament to its rich cultural revolution. Imagine the centuries of devotion and discipline poured into perfecting each note, each nuanced phrase, designed not just to entertain but to evoke specific emotions and connect with the divine. The very fabric of Indian classical music has been woven by titans whose names resonate through time. Think of the sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar, who brought Indian classical music to the global stage through his iconic collaborations with Western artists like George Harrison. Or the captivating voice of Bharat Ratna M.S. Subbulakshmi, whose devotion to Carnatic music touched millions. In Hindustani classical, the powerful and soulful renditions of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi (Khayal) and the unparalleled mastery of the shehnai by Ustad Bismillah Khan continue to inspire awe. And who can forget the rhythmic genius of tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain, who has pushed the boundaries of percussion across genres. Beyond the classical and folk traditions, towering figures have shaped the modern musical landscape. Rabindranath Tagore, India's first Nobel laureate and a true polymath, made an unparalleled contribution through Rabindra Sangeet. He composed over 2,000 songs, blending elements of Hindustani classical, folk melodies, and Western influences, often setting them to his own poetry. Rabindranath Tagore's music is not merely an accompaniment to his words, it's an integral part of his philosophy, expressing a vast range of human emotions, spiritual insights, and love for nature and country. His compositions are a distinct and beloved genre, deeply ingrained in the cultural psyche of Bengal and beyond. But India's musical story isn't confined to grand concert halls. It thrives in the vibrant rhythms of its diverse folk music, echoing across sun-drenched fields, bustling village squares, and festive celebrations. Each region, each community, boasts its own unique musical dialect – from the spirited bhangra of Punjab to the soulful baul songs of Bengal, and the captivating Lavani of Maharashtra. These are the sounds of daily life, of stories passed down through generations, of shared joy and collective spirit. Legendary folk artists like Bhupen Hazarika from Assam, whose poignant songs spoke of humanity and social justice, or the mesmerizing voices of the Nooran Sisters in Sufi music, have ensured these traditions continue to flourish. India's sonic landscape is constantly evolving, embracing innovative fusions of contemporary genres. Modern Indian artists, championed by trailblazers like the Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, are fearlessly blending traditional instruments and melodies with Western influences, creating sounds that are both rooted in heritage and refreshingly new. The golden voices of playback singers like Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi have defined generations of Bollywood music. In current scenario Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghosal, Arijit Singh and so many singers showcasing the versatility and emotional depth of Indian vocal artistry. On this World Music Day, let's not just passively listen, but actively recognize and appreciate the intricate melodies, complex rhythmic structures, and the undeniable spiritual depth embedded within Indian music. It's a reminder of its enduring influence, not just on India's own vibrant culture, but on the wider world, inspiring musicians and enchanting audiences across continents.
Tonumoy Bhattacharya
National Anti Terrorism Day 2025 ...
May 21, 2025, dawns not as just another day in India’s calendar, neither it’s just another National Anti-Terrorism Day, but as a solemn reminder of the lives lost, the wounds borne, and the resilience shown in the face of terror. This National Anti-Terrorism Day comes barely a month after one of the most heinous terror attacks in recent memory, an act of cowardice that targeted innocent tourists in the tranquil valley of Pahalgam. Among the slain were families, newlyweds, and children; all victims of a calculated plan to spread fear and division by terrorists.