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“Seeds of Change: The Earth Charter & Human
Potential", Hyderabad (January 2006) UNICEF and Osmania University
joined hand to support the exhibition
Seeds of Change is not just another exhibition of photographic panels, it’s different. It is, in fact, an exhibition with a heart, a soul and a conscience. And what better way to appeal to the conscience but through the children? This was exactly what was done by few children from different schools of
Hyderabad.
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This Exhibition was inaugurated by school children along with Mr. Michel Saint – Lot, UNICEF Representative of AP and KN, Mr. Mohammed Suleman Siddiqi, Vice Chancellor, Osmania University and Mr. C.V. Rao, Member, Energy Conservation Mission, Hyderabad. |
Delivering a Keynote address at the inaugural event Ms. Naveena Reddy, Director General Baharat Soka Gakkai said that the exhibition seeks to stimulate a dialogue between the viewers and engage them in provocative thought. It also talks about individuals who, by tackling problems in their local communities, have become a force for global change. Ms Reddy said that education would be fundamental in bringing about such change, since this would not just inform but also motivate people to take concrete action.
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Earlier, welcoming the participants Dr. Vijaya Tourani, BSG Chapter Chief of Hyderabad said that we stand at a critical moment in Earth’s history…a time when humanity must choose a future. Dr. Tourani went on to say that it is our responsibility to create a sustainable future for our children to inherit. If each one of us does not take action today we might find that the 21st Century will be the last century for earth! She added that the exhibition aims to make a difference by sowing the seeds of change in each of us and encourages us to make a positive change in our own little way.
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Mr. Michel Saint-Lot UNICEF Representatives for the States of AP and KN congratulated BSG and Osmania in organizing such a unique event. Quoting from the film “The Quite Revolution” shown at the start of the event he reiterated the point made by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan - “In some situations all it takes for one individual to say is - this is enough, we can’t take it anymore- and link it with others”. He also hoped that the exhibition proves to be an “invaluable educational resource” which helps in removing water poverty first on the way to economic poverty elimination.
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Prof. Mohammed Suleman Siddiqi, Vice Chancellor Osmania University compared Earth Charter to what is preached in Vedas, Mahabharat, Gita, Koran and Bible. He concurred that youth are the most valuable resource for the country and it is extremely important that they are taught the values and principles of Earth Charter. He further offered to host the exhibition in Osmania Campus so as to expose it to youth studying and visiting the varsity from 5000 affiliated colleges.
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Mr. C. V. Rao, member Energy Conservation Mission of Hyderabad added the touch of realism to the inauguration when he gave various practical examples of how the energy could be saved in India. He stated that India doesn’t have paucity of resources like water and energy, its just that we don’t know how to save them.
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The exhibition reflects the global dimensions of pollution, poverty and injustice, and the burden placed on the environment by technological progress. The message is clear: We must alter the situation confronting us before time runs out.
The exhibition is being brought to Hyderabad for the first time through the joint efforts of the Bharat Soka Gakkai, the Indian arm of the
SGI. Osmania University and UNICEF Hyderabad is co-organising the Event. Since its debut in Johannesburg in 2002, ‘Seeds of Change’ has toured several cities across the globe and attracted thousands of viewers.
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