Champions of Environmental Conservation

The global community faces unprecedented environmental challenges, ranging from climate change to biodiversity loss. The past decade has witnessed significant environmental upheavals, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts. Climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution threaten ecosystems worldwide, necessitating proactive measures to mitigate their impact. Mr. Merajud Din Ahmad and Dr. Moonisa Aslam Dervash have recognized this imperative and have dedicated themselves to promoting environmental awareness and conservation through their weekly programme "Soun Aoundh Pukk (Our Environment)” on Vivedh Bharati, All India Radio. It has successfully entered 10^th year of its broadcasting and has sensitized the common mass towards the environmental conservation. Due to its impact and scientific background, it has emerged as the longest-running programme on environmental issues in the history of electronic media particularly All India Radio, Srinagar.

Born in 1965, Mr. Merajud Din Ahmad, the producer and host of the programme, is a household name known for his successful programmes on All India Radio, such as “Soun Aoundh Pukk, Alamdaar, Hello Kashir Farmaish, Kashur Anhaar, Akh Fankaar, FM 102.6 Live Show, Nawa e Subh, Baat Meraj Ke Saath, Shaksiaat, Ek Pahloo, Sham e Ghazal, Meeras etc.” His broadcasting and literary skills have garnered him numerous accolades across the valley. He has emerged as a household name in Kashmiri society. His true passion lies in using this platform to raise awareness about environmental issues. With his captivating presence, charismatic voice and poetic sensibilities, Ahmad has played a pivotal role in making “Soun Aoundh Pukk” a cornerstone of environmental advocacy on the airwaves.

Dr. Moonisa Aslam Dervash (1990) holds Ph.D. and Post-Doctorate in Environmental Sciences, serves as both the compere and expert of the programme. She has also compered Sadaw Samaw (a programme for women empowerment) for many years. With a deep scientific knowledge and a passion for environmental conservation, Dr. Dervash has authored/co-authored over 60 scientific articles/book chapters and published 8 books with international publishers like Springer, Elsevier, Wiley, and Taylor & Francis. She has presented scientific papers in national and international conferences and seminars. Her dedication to the cause has been recognized at local level with felicitations and honours, including appreciation certificate by 1 J&K (G), Bn NCC for organizing “Save Electricity Campaign (18-20 March, 2013)”, “Dal Cleaning Campaign (22-24 August, 2013)” and “NCC Awareness Programmes” in Srinagar schools and colleges (April-August, 2013), and recently she was granted ICSSR Post-Doctoral Fellowship (2022-2024) by Ministry of Education, GoI for her outstanding research temper. Dr. Dervash's expertise, passion and knowledge have been instrumental in shaping the content and impact of “Soun Aoundh Pukk” in mother tongue. Demonstrating a profound command of her native language, Dr. Moonisa Aslam Dervash delivered a scholarly presentation titled "Writing: Passion or Profession" on February 29th, 2020, at the “All India Young Writer’s Meet (Young Harvest)” as part of the Festival of Letters-2020 held at Sahitya Akademi, Rabindra Bhawan, New Delhi and represented Kashmiri language.

The impact of “Soun Aoundh Pukk” extends far beyond the radio waves. In 2017, on the eve of World Environment Day (5^th June), Dr. Moonisa Aslam Dervash was felicitated by the Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing, J&K for her outstanding contribution to environmental awareness and conservation through electronic media. A project work based on recent survey conducted by an IGNOU Master’s student Fatima Binti Ayub, highlighted the programme’s zenith in environmental awareness. From the literate to the illiterate, from youth to the elderly, “Soun Aoundh Pukk” has sensitized society at large to the imperative of environmental conservation, leaving an indelible mark in the urban as well as remote areas of the valley. In addition to educational segments, “Soun Aoundh Pukk” conducts interviews with local stakeholders, including conservationists, government officials, and community leaders. These interviews provide a platform to discuss ongoing conservation efforts, policies, and community initiatives, inspiring listeners to support conservation measures. The programme actively engages its audience by field visits to share their observations, concerns, and suggestions about the environment, fostering a sense of proprietorship and accountability among the listeners. It also highlights successful conservation stories and community efforts to motivate broader participation.

When the nation celebrates the accomplishments of its daughters through prestigious awards like the Nari Puruskar, there are unacknowledged champions like Dr. Moonisa Aslam Dervash, whose impactful contributions remain relatively veiled. While these awards rightly honour the achievements of women across various fields, it's important to recognize individuals like Dr. Dervash, whose dedication and excellence deserve equal acclaim. Her tireless efforts in environmental conservation and academic pursuits exemplify the spirit of empowerment and serve as an inspiration to all. As we strive for gender equality and recognition of women's achievements, let us not overlook the invaluable contributions of individuals like Dr. Dervash, whose work makes a difference in the world, even without the spotlight. Additionally, with Mr. Merajud Din Ahmad retiring next year (2025), his contributions should also be acknowledged at the state and national levels. Felicitations not only encourage the workers but also ignite the spark of inspiration in the audience, motivating them towards environmental conservation.

As Ahmad and Dervash continue their journey with “Soun Aoundh Pukk”, their legacy will endure, inspiring future generations to take action for the planet. Thus, in the realm of environmental activism and broadcasting, Merajud Din Ahmad and Dr. Moonisa Aslam Dervash stand as unacknowledged heroes, their voices echoing with passion and purpose. As they continue their journey with “Soun Aoundh Pukk”, their dedication serves as an inspiration for a greener, more sustainable future. All India Radio Srinagar, deserves commendation for nurturing such impactful programmes, which serve as pillars of environmental awareness.

Syed Asrar Nazki is a reputed official of J & K Wakf Board. He is also an acclaimed broadcaster of All India Radio.