Educated Representatives Needed to Protect Environment: Krupakar Senani
Mangalore Today News Network
Udupi, May 10, 2026: Wildlife photographer Krupakar Senani said that environmentally destructive projects cannot be effectively opposed unless truly educated public representatives are elected.
He was speaking on the topic “Listening to the Voice of the Forest” at the Environmental and Education Conference organised in memory of Prof. Madhav Gadgil at the New Ravindra Mantapa of MGM College in Udupi on Saturday. The programme was organised by the Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti, Udupi district unit.
Senani said hope for environmental protection lies in well-informed representatives rather than merely degree holders. Referring to an earlier incident in which an Indian Prime Minister had sent an elephant calf to another country, he termed the move a “grave mistake” and said people continue to celebrate such acts due to a lack of understanding about wildlife and nature.
He stressed that children should be introduced directly to nature instead of relying only on classroom-based environmental lessons. “When children are taken outdoors and introduced to trees and plants, they develop a lasting love for the environment,” he said.
Criticising the present education system, Senani said many schools had become “plastic schools” focused only on examinations. Teachers, he said, should encourage curiosity and inspire children to think beyond textbooks.
Commenting on social media culture, he said mobile photography was a temporary trend driven by online “likes” and urged society to guide children away from the virtual world and towards the real world.
He also expressed concern over roads and dam projects fragmenting forests and disrupting communication among species, including frogs that rely on sound.
“Humans are just one among 8 million species. Through wars and destructive activities, humans are destroying themselves. If this continues, nature may ultimately benefit,” he remarked.
Writer Abhilash S. compered the programme, which also featured an interaction session with Senani.