ASKING MYSELF

1. The first thing that came to your mind when you reached Arctic.

I always felt special after that very first interaction with the arctic environment, and what is presently happening in that land disturbed me. So, I invented a term to describe it in a nutshell:
a.r.c.t.i.c = A reason climate today is changing

The arctic is like a treasure chest, an object whose thirst drives a thousand heads towards it. Sometimes I am posed with the question of explaining how exactly you felt out there and truly, however much I try, I cannot find words for it. The beauty of the Arctic is unimaginable. And the most mysterious art of this beauty is the marine life. Not visible from the sky, the depths of the ocean stored the many bounties of nature. From the planktons to the whales, each one we observed got us even more intrigued. It was lucky for us to watch the fin whales, the humpback whales, dolphins, seals, jelly fishes and numerous other species. What people believe to be a land simply covered by ice is not the complete truth. Though not dense, the arctic is also a multicolored painting with mosses, flowers, berries, willows and birches (sometimes 8 ft tall) this cold desert is also home to numerous insects too. Being and breathing in such a mystic landscape is godlike. And when you observe and understand how swiftly the land is posed to destruction is heart rendering. Glaciers receding at a much rapid rate, animal communities declining, harder lifestyle for native villagers and hunters, overexploitation of resources, more storms and cyclones….. All these examples indicate but one cause The Arctic is in danger, the alarm for awakening rung and this is the time for us to make choices. Indeed the time has come to draw the line.


2. What are your future plans?

Primarily I would like to complete my education in the field of engineering and constantly stay involved with the issue of climate change. Plus I have certain goals and plans laid ahead in front of me in order to make a huge contribution towards this field



3. Anything you have planned special for city ie Lucknow (can be an awareness campaign on environment, constituting an youth club for the same or any other thing )

Oh yes. Apart from the awareness campaign and sessions and seminars planned to be conducted at various schools and institutes. Moreover I am working towards organizations and schools to work in the field of improving their infrastructure and energy efficiency of their buildings. Being engaged with the British Council as an Indian climate champion, I am also involved with certain projects on climate change. One interesting event coming up is on the 8th of December (which is also the global day of action) when all the voyagers (on the arctic expedition) from across the world would organize something and raise the call for climate change on that very day, thus making it one big event. Not only that, our aim would be to get as many schools as possible to join us on that day and make even better.
To help me with my initiative I have organized a green team (who have been extremely supportive and involved with the Cape Farewell Expedition to the Arctic) as well as the ground crew in order to implement my long term goals towards initiating a qualitative and cultural response towards climate change.




4. Was there any fear in your mind while you were on your way to Arctic?(fear/nervousness etc)

Rather than using the word fear, I would say I was quite apprehensive in my views before I set foot on that land. And those doubts probably boosted a sense of excitement in me rather than fear, rousing my curiosity to the epitome of interest.

5. What's your ultimate goal?
My job doesn’t end trying to spread the message of climate change across. What today happens in the arctic is not exclusivity but a bare fact, an insight to the near future which would speak of that one human error nature shall never forgive. And not only is this my goal, but a humble request to all. Get up, act now and be the change you want to see.