Vice President presents Earth Eco-Warrior Awards-2008

New Delhi, June 5 : Vice President of India Mohommad Hamid Ansari on Thursday presented the Earth Eco-Warrior Awards-2008 to the noted environment conservers for their astounding work done towards the cause of environment at a function organized by Earth Matters Foundation here.

The award function coincided with World Environment Day, and it celebrates the spirit of conservation in people who have been silently working to protect our natural heritage and resources.

Addressing on the occasion the Vice President said that instead of celebrating once in a year, the Environment Day should be celebrated everyday of the year.

He expressed his concern that many species and rare plants have disappeared. Awareness is just about beginning and there is a need to carry this message to every classroom, every office and to everybody. He called upon the people to conserve water.

Minister of State for Environment and Forests Namo Narain Meena in his address said that no development programme is feasible unless backed by environmental awareness and education. In view of the needs of the present and future generations, education at schools, colleges and at the common man's level is imperative.

Noted environment conserver, Mike Pandey and Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati, B.S.Lalli, also addressed on the occasion.

List of awardees include - Suraj Mewara, Barmer, Rajasthan; Sonia Ghosh, Delhi; Monali Manohar Warwade, Bandrapur, Maharashtra; Madhu Bhatanagar, Delhi; Abdul Wadud Banatwala, Junagadh, Gujarat; G.V.Reddy (IFS Officer); Chewang Norphel (Glacier Man), Leh, Ladakh; M.Y.Yoganathan, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu; John Abraham, Mumbai, Maharashtra; Tilak Vij, Delhi; Dr. D.N.Chaudhary and Rahul Rohitashwa, Bhagalpur, Bihar; Dr. Madhu Lal Valliate, Jaipur, Rajasthan; Komal Parekh and Mahesh Parekh, Durg, Chhatishgarh and Brahmanand Pandey, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.

ANI