Greetings from BSG Chairperson Mr. Vishesh Gupta
Dear Readers,
I wish you a lovely spring. I feel March carries a different kind of magic. It is the month of return. The first green shoots push through the soil, ponds and lakes, once silent, ripple with new life, and migratory birds trace their way home. The world shifts, not in grand, sweeping gestures, but in small, steady signs of renewal. It is a reminder that healing is always possible.
This issue, ‘Waters, Woods, and the Web of Life,’ is about the power of restoration. Across India, forgotten water bodies and depleted forests are being brought back to life thanks to the efforts of individuals and communities that refuse to accept loss as inevitable. Among them is Ramveer Tanwar, an environmentalist dedicated to reviving ponds and green cover.
In villages where Mr. Tanwar has revived forgotten water bodies, the return of a single pond has rewritten destinies. Farmers who once abandoned their land now walk its edges again. Birds that vanished decades ago return, their songs filling the air once more. These restored ecosystems don’t just bring back lost species; they safeguard livelihoods, improve groundwater levels, and make communities more resilient to climate extremes. In this issue, we feature an exclusive interview with Ramveer Tanwar, popularly known as ‘The Pond Man of India’, where he shares insights from his journey and some lessons we can all take forward.
And so, the question lingers: What if we, too, could listen? What if we could stand before a forest and hear the silent language of its trees, and recognize each rustling leaf as part of a grand, unbroken symphony? The world is not asking for our pity—it is asking for our reverence. The statistics warn us, but the forests, the rivers, the creatures—they invite us. To protect them is not a duty, but a privilege. It is an invitation to stand in awe, to be humbled, and to take our place—not as masters, but as kin.
March is a time of awakening. Let’s step forward with renewed commitment, eyes open to the beauty that still surrounds us, and a resolve to protect it. Welcome to the 22nd issue of Sustainable.
Warm Regards
Vishesh Gupta
Chairperson, Bharat Soka Gakkai
There are places where nature thrives untouched, where all life moves gently, and where time seems to pause in quiet admiration. A once-forgotten pond, now restored, shimmers under the sun. Its surface rippling with the flicker of dragonflies and the silent glides of turtles. Beneath the water, unseen by human eyes, roots intertwine like clasped hands, filtering impurities and breathing life into an entire ecosystem. Each drop carries a story—of return, of resilience, of a world that waits patiently for our recognition.
But across the world, these stories are being erased. 64% of the world’s wetlands have disappeared since 1900, drained for agriculture and urban expansion. India alone has lost over 30% of its wetlands in the last four decades. As these water bodies vanish, so does biodiversity—Freshwater species are in critical danger, with 62% of turtles, one-third of amphibians, and over a quarter of fish at risk of extinction. Wetlands are nurseries for fish, homes for amphibians, and rest stops for migratory birds. A single healthy wetland can host hundreds of plant species and thousands of insect species, forming the foundation of entire food chains. Meanwhile, one football field of forest was lost every 5 seconds in 2022, erasing habitats for countless creatures—from the hornbills that seed entire forests to the fungi that sustain underground ecosystems.
Likewise, forests act as the lungs of the planet, absorbing nearly 30% of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere each year. Yet, industrial expansion, agriculture, and urbanization are stripping the land of these natural protectors, weakening the very systems that sustain us. Without trees, soil erodes, water sources dry up, and the delicate balance of climate regulation is thrown into chaos.
In India, nearly 600 million people rely on forests and wetlands for their livelihoods, from fishing and farming to beekeeping and medicine. Yet, with declining water levels and eroded soil, once-fertile lands turn barren, forcing communities to migrate in search of survival. Where restoration happens, hope returns. Reviving even a single pond can raise groundwater levels, reduce temperatures, and bring back lost species. These are not just landscapes; they are life-support systems.
This revival, however, does not happen on its own. It takes those who see beyond what is lost to what can be restored. Mr. Ramveer Tanwar, through his organization Say Earth, has dedicated himself to reviving ponds and forests, breathing life back into neglected landscapes. His work demonstrates the power of human will in healing nature, proving that every restored wetland, every revived forest, is a step toward balance. In the conversation that follows, he shares his journey, challenges, and his faith in collective action for protecting the ecosystem.
An Interview with Mr. Ramveer Tanwar
Founder and President – Say earth
What inspired you to start ecosystem restoration, and how did your journey begin? Was there a particular moment that strengthened your commitment to this cause?
My journey began with a deep concern for the deteriorating condition of ponds and water bodies in my village. Growing up, I saw how once-thriving water sources were turning into dumping grounds due to urbanization and neglect. The turning point came when I witnessed a pond near my home dry up completely due to pollution and encroachments. That incident made me realize the urgency of water conservation, and I started organizing awareness drives under Jal Chaupal, engaging communities in reviving water bodies. Over time, this effort evolved into larger restoration projects and eventually led to the founding of Say Earth.
What challenges did you face in the early days of your restoration work, and how did you overcome them? How do you stay motivated despite obstacles like pollution, or lack of support and awareness?
Initially, there was little awareness about the importance of water body restoration, and convincing people to take action was difficult. Bureaucratic red tape, lack of funding, and community resistance were significant hurdles. However, persistence, collaboration with local authorities, and leveraging social media to showcase success stories helped gain support. Besides, we have conducted more than 100 Jal Chaupals to educate communities about the critical need as well as the importance of such restoration. What keeps me motivated is the visible transformation—seeing a once-dead pond filled with decent quality water, aquatic birds returning to roost and breed, and communities benefiting by improved aesthetics besides procuring resources like fish, water chestnut, etc. to improve livelihoods. Each restored water body is a victory, reinforcing my belief in this mission.
How do you balance ecological restoration with urban development and economic growth?
Sustainable urban development must include environmental conservation. We advocate for a nature-based solutions approach, integrating ecological restoration with urban planning. Rainwater harvesting, green buffer zones, and innovative techniques like bio-remediation can ensure that development does not come at the cost of environmental degradation. We stress using natural products as much as possible in our restoration projects besides emphasizing on linking restored ecosystem to some economic activity that would not only provide income generation opportunities but also support its maintenance. Also, I think this era of economic growth will inevitably turn towards Green Growth where innovation and technology will utilize the restoration of ecosystems to offset climatic challenges and integrate them within growth models. Sustainability will be the buzzword for the future!
Additionally, we engage corporations under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to fund and support sustainable water conservation projects.
What role does indigenous wisdom play in your conservation efforts?
Traditional water conservation techniques hold immense value. In many regions, ancient step-wells, check dams, and natural aquifer recharge methods sustained communities for centuries. We integrate these indigenous methods with modern techniques for effective restoration. For instance, traditional Johads (small reservoirs) in Rajasthan and the Chauka system in Madhya Pradesh have inspired our approach to sustainable water management. We organize community meetings to see how these systems used to work, and what measures were to clean or maintain the waterbody which are then chosen and integrated in our planning and execution. It also makes the process participatory besides providing us with indigenous knowledge.
What are the most effective traditional and modern techniques you’ve used for restoring ponds and lakes?
A combination of traditional and modern approaches yields the best results. Some of the most effective techniques we use include:
Traditional Methods: – De-silting and de-weeding to restore natural water flow; Percolation pits for groundwater recharge; Community-led Jal Chaupal for local involvement.
Modern Methods: – Bioremediation: Using microbes to purify water naturally; Constructed wetlands: Artificial wetland systems constructed especially for pollution control and wastewater management; Geo-textile bunds: Preventing soil erosion around water bodies
After restoring ponds, lakes, and urban forests, what steps do you take to maintain them for the future?
Maintenance is as critical as restoration. Our post-restoration measures include:
- ● Establishing community ownership through local monitoring committees.
- ● Partnering with local bodies for periodic de-silting, de-weeding, and plantation drives.
- ● Ensuring water quality through regular testing and treatment.
- ● Conducting awareness programs and community engagement to instill responsibility for long-term conservation.
- ● Linking restored waterbody with some employment generation activity like Water chestnut cultivation.
How can local communities be better engaged in long-term conservation efforts?
Community engagement is the backbone of any successful restoration project. We follow a bottom-up approach where the local community is involved at every stage—identifying issues, planning solutions, and executing restoration measures. Some strategies include: –
- ● Organizing Jal Chaupals (water meetings) to discuss waterbody restoration strategies.
- ● Assigning community caretakers for regular monitoring.
- ● Engaging local schools and youth groups for plantation and awareness programs.
- ● Partnering with resident welfare associations (RWAs) and Gram Panchayats to ensure long-term sustainability.
Cultural Interpopulism
Cultural Interpopulism is about bringing different communities together to truly connect, learn from one another, and work toward common goals. It goes beyond surface-level cultural exchange and focuses on how diverse groups can join forces to tackle global issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change. By blending ideas, traditions, and innovations, cultural interpopulism promotes understanding and cooperation that break down barriers of nationality, ethnicity, or social status, paving the way for solutions that work for everyone.
Why It Matters
In an increasingly globalized world, cultural interpopulism offers a framework for addressing the pressing issues of our time. It highlights the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of humanity and leveraging this connection to combat prejudice and division. For instance, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) involves indigenous communities in the sustainable management of forests, combining traditional ecological knowledge with modern forestry techniques. This collaboration not only helps preserve biodiversity but also ensures the cultural and economic well-being of local populations. By embracing cultural interpopulism, societies can turn diversity into an asset, promoting peace and cooperation rather than conflict and exclusion.
Cultural Interpopulism in Action
Successful examples of cultural interpopulism are all around us. For instance, the Seeds of Peace initiative brings together youth from regions of conflict, such as Israel and Palestine, to engage in dialogue and leadership programs. These efforts aim to build understanding and foster collaborative problem-solving among future leaders.
By adopting cultural interpopulism, we can inspire a movement where the richness of cultural diversity fuels progress, proving that no single group holds all the answers, but together, we are capable of solving global challenges.
To Read
The Power of Dialogue
What does ‘dialogue’ truly mean and how can we harness its power? Find out through the article.
Hold an Idea Lightly – A Key Lesson for Dialogue
Developing flexibility of the mind turns out to be key in holding successful dialogues.
To See
How to Use the Socratic Method (for Dialogue, Debate, Critical Thinking)
The Greeks showed the world how intelligence does not exist in isolation. The truth is often discovered through collective reasoning. Find out how the Greek thinker, Socrates, led dialogues.
To Listen
The Science of Dialogue
In this podcast series, educator Rod J. Naquin investigates meaningful dialogue, drawing on philosophy, linguistics, and psychology to examine the essence of human connection.
Reclaiming Conversation
In today’s world, much of our communication takes place through screens. While this shift has significantly improved the efficiency of how we connect, it has also brought about notable drawbacks, particularly with the decline of face-to-face conversations. In this podcast, host Brett McKay sits down with Dr. Sherry Turkle, author of the book “Reclaiming Conversation,” to explore what we lose when we move away from in-person interactions. Together, they delve into the downsides of relying on computers and smartphones for communication and discuss practical ways to reclaim meaningful conversations in our lives.
To Play
35 conversation games to facilitate communication and interaction within individuals
Who says games are only for children? Research shows that engaging in fun games can help people of all ages develop essential skills and learn valuable life lessons. If the goal is to foster healthier communication and nurture the spirit of dialogue—whether at work or at home—these 35 games can be incredibly effective in achieving this objective.
Conversation games, or talking games, are structured activities designed to enhance communication and interaction, particularly in workplace settings. These games often integrate elements of collaboration and play, encouraging team members to engage in meaningful dialogues, share ideas, and build stronger relationships.
15 ways to level up your dialogue game: Creative dialogue activity ideas
One of the key ingredients for successful dialogue is strong communication skills. Imagine if there were a fun way to refine these skills while also learning to engage in meaningful conversations and build lasting friendships. Good news—there is! Here are 15 enjoyable activities designed to not only enhance your creative writing and communication abilities but also boost your confidence in the process.
In the Peace Proposal titled, “Peace through Dialogue: A Time to Talk”, SGI Founding President Mr. Daisaku Ikeda writes, “We must first succeed in transcending the excessive attachment to difference that is deeply rooted in the psychology of individuals, and we must conduct dialogue on the basis of our common humanity.” This profound insight reminds us that to create a more harmonious and equitable world, we must look beyond the surface of perceived differences and anchor ourselves in the shared essence of being human.
But this shift doesn’t begin with others; it begins within. True dialogue requires the courage to look deeply into ourselves, to confront our own prejudices and assumptions. Transformation is not just about changing the world; it is about challenging the narratives we carry within.
Our perceptions of good and evil are shaped by the lens of language and abstract concepts. In the same Proposal, President Ikeda writes, “The external manifestations of good and evil are relative and transmutable. They only appear absolute and immutable when the human heart is in thrall to the spell of language and abstract concepts.” The way we use language can either entrench division or open pathways to transformation. By freeing ourselves from rigid interpretations, we begin to see the potential for good even in what seems irreparably bad, reminding us that no conflict or difference is beyond resolution.
Even division and confrontation can be seen as evidence of our deeper interconnectedness. Further, he says, “We can even come to understand the confrontation of good and evil as elements of the semantic network of the human heart which, mediated through language and symbols, embraces the entire cosmos.”
The consequences of failing to address differences with understanding are stark. He continues, “We must not allow ourselves to fall captive to perceived differences. We must be the masters of language and ensure that it always serves the interests of humanity.” History teaches us the devastating consequences of dehumanizing others, showing how language can be wielded as a weapon. Dialogue, then, is not merely an option but a moral responsibility to reclaim language as a force for unity and understanding.
Members of the Soka Gakkai place dialogue at the heart of all their activities. From one-on-one interactions with neighbors and family members to joyful exchanges in small group discussions—popularly known as “discussion meetings”—and home visits to listen empathetically to others’ challenges, worries, and fears, the Soka Gakkai embodies its belief in the transformative power of dialogue. Through these efforts, hope-filled solutions are shared, and bonds of trust are built, reaffirming the organization’s conviction that dialogue can change the world. In his dialogue with sociologist and writer Elise M. Boulding, President Ikeda explains what makes Soka Gakkai International (SGI) a champion of social dialogue. He says, “In the SGI, we stress small meetings, called discussion meetings, based on openhearted, cheerful, and supportive dialogue.” He further notes, “We are thus confident that ours is a truly grassroots movement for peace and human rights.”
President Ikeda also emphasizes the importance of humility in dialogue: “Person-to-person dialogue with a sense of humility must be made basic to all intercultural and interreligious exchange.” At the core of these interactions is the unwavering respect for every individual, encapsulated in the Buddhist parable: “When you face a mirror and bow respectfully, the image in the mirror likewise bows to you respectfully.” Reassuring us of the profound impact of such sincere dialogues, President Ikeda asserts, “Conducted steadily, repeatedly, and tenaciously, one-on-one dialogue based on respect can advance the development of a global society of peace and harmonious coexistence.”
In the Peace Proposal, President Ikeda concludes, “Overcoming negative forms of attachment to difference—discrimination—and bringing about a true flowering of human diversity is the key to generating a lasting culture of peace.” This journey begins with the difficult but necessary task of transforming from within. The essence of dialogue is not to win or convince but to build a world where diversity is not merely tolerated but celebrated, where differences serve as stepping stones toward deeper collaboration. In this way, dialogue becomes the bridge that carries us from conflict to peace.
Transforming Lives Through Meaningful Dialogue Shilpi Gupta | Women’s Division | Delhi
In 2011, I became a voluntary member of Bharat Soka Gakkai, through which I encountered my lifelong mentor, SGI Founding President Mr. Daisaku Ikeda. Immersing myself in his writings profoundly shaped my ideologies and empowered me to take responsibility for creating a world of hope and peace. His words, “… humane dialogue has never been as lacking as it is today … This is what our society today needs most of all,” left an indelible impression on me and guided my journey over the last seven years. During this time, I have passionately pursued, understood, and enabled dialogue, inspired by my mentor’s belief in shaping a new society for future generations.
In 2013, I was serving as Vice President at an e-commerce grocery startup. While my professional and material needs were met, I found myself constantly searching for a greater purpose to which I could dedicate my life. Over the years, I reflected deeply on this internal void, engaging in meaningful conversations and keeping an open mind. Inspired by the ancient Vedic Sanskrit scripture Rig Veda, which teaches, “Aano bhadrah krtavo yantu vishwatah” (“Let noble thoughts come to me from all directions”), I focused on learning rather than seeking a singular mission statement.
As I engaged in dialogues with others, I realized that the process of conversation itself was transformative. Nearly every interaction left me enriched with new insights, a sense of happiness, and a determination to carve a new path for myself. Testing this realization, I initiated written dialogues with friends on diverse topics. These open-ended discussions were not bound by outcomes but aimed at exploring ideas collaboratively. One significant success from this initiative was when a close friend—a dancer and self-proclaimed cynic—choreographed a 10-minute piece on “hope for humankind” after weeks of discussions on the subject.
By 2018, my belief in the transformative power of dialogue had grown strong enough for me to leave my corporate career. I launched an initiative called “Joylogues” with the vision of transforming society through meaningful conversations. In its first year, I reached out to over 500 people, including entrepreneurs, teachers, and bloggers, and had enriching dialogues with about a dozen of them. These conversations provided invaluable insights and reinforced the potential of dialogue to make a tangible impact. By the second year, I began formulating structured methods for creating and facilitating platforms for dialogue, realizing the growing need to study this field academically. I discovered that while dialogue is ubiquitous, its conceptual depth is often overlooked. Historically, dialogue has played critical roles in various domains:
- As a pedagogical tool in India’s ancient Gurukul education system (1000-800 BCE).
- In literary compositions such as Buddhist texts from 13th-century Japan and Mahatma Gandhi’s Hind Swaraj (1909).
- As an instrument for global diplomacy, exemplified by the United Nations’ designation of 2001 as the Year of Dialogue Among Civilizations and 2023 as the International Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace.
- In governance, through traditional village councils (panchayats) and their deliberative practices.
- In cognitive development, as advocated by psychologists like Lev Vygotsky and Jerome Bruner.
Dialogue has also become a modern managerial tool for fostering stakeholder relationships and innovation, championed by experts such as Daniel Yankelovich and William Isaacs. Additionally, the podcast industry—with over four million active podcasts and nearly 500 million listeners—is a contemporary testament to the power of meaningful conversations.
Despite its widespread applications, dialogue remains underexplored as a unified academic discipline. This realization has become my life’s purpose: to develop a comprehensive theory of dialogue that can be taught and studied in higher education institutions worldwide. Concurrently, I am working to create professional opportunities for dialogue practitioners, ensuring that this academic pursuit translates into impactful practice.
In recent years, I have led two research projects with the State Council of Educational Research & Training (SCERT), Delhi, to observe dialogue levels in classrooms across age groups. We developed a research framework and an observational tool to measure these levels. I am currently authoring a reference book, tentatively titled “Classroom Dialogue,” mandated by SCERT Delhi, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of teacher-student dialogue in enhancing learning outcomes. Additionally, I am advocating for the inclusion of dialogue-focused courses in B.Ed. curricula.
I have developed undergraduate courses on dialogue’s role in business and human resource management, recently introduced through a guest lecture at Delhi Skill & Entrepreneurship University. Furthermore, I have partnered with a UK-based university to create dialogue programs for students in India. My training programs, conducted for domestic and international organizations, have attracted participants from Germany, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, fostering a global understanding of dialogue’s practical applications.
The journey has been long and challenging, constantly testing my resilience. For every 100 people I meet, 99 assure me that I will fail. Yet, each setback strengthens my belief in the transformative potential of dialogue. By working to promote dialogue, I have been able to contribute towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17—”Partnerships for the Goals.” Moreover, I am confident that engaging in dialogue is the key to achieving all 17 SDGs. The more openly we converse as a civilization, the faster we can find solutions to the pressing challenges our world faces today.
As President Ikeda said, “This is what our society today needs most of all.” I remain steadfast in my conviction that true dialogue can significantly reshape how humanity interacts, understands, and responds to one another.
SDG Tip for Daily Life
Start an Appreciation Chain Reaction
Next time you’re in a group, challenge everyone to appreciate someone else sincerely. It can be about their ideas, efforts, or even how they brighten the space around them.
Why it works:
Positive dialogue fosters trust and collaboration, creating a ripple effect of kindness and cooperation. A culture of appreciation can lay the foundation for solving even the toughest challenges—together!
Updates
BSG has now Successfully Held over 200 SOHA Exhibitions
The ‘Seeds of Hope and Action (SOHA): Making the SDGs a Reality’ exhibition has travelled to 200 destinations across the country, including: Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jaipur, Delhi, Karaikal, Gangtok, Kalimpong and Hurda, Rajasthan
Read more
BSG Joins International Conference on “Educating for Sustainability Action” Organized by CEE, Ahmedabad
The Centre for Environment Education (CEE) hosted the international conference “Educating for Sustainability Action” from January 9–11, 2025, at its Ahmedabad campus. Designed to position education as a pivotal driver of sustainability, the event brought together around 500 delegates, including 100 international participants from renowned sustainability-focused institutions. Attendees included environmental professionals, policymakers, academics, practitioners, and youth leaders.
Read moreContact Us
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