NEW DELHI: Nonagenarian statesman and renowned environmentalist Dr. Karan Singh today met 13-year-old Savi Shekhawat and her 7-year-old sister Bhavya, two young crusaders who recently cycled nearly 300 km from Jaipur to Delhi to raise awareness against large-scale tree felling in Dol ka Badh, a 100-acre urban forest in Jaipur.
The sisters undertook the 12-day journey with the aim of drawing the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to their appeal. Although they could not meet him, they submitted their demand for the forest to be declared a biodiversity park and called for the formation of an independent monitoring committee to safeguard it.
“We are not against development, but it should never come at the cost of nature,” the young sisters said.
Praising their extraordinary courage and determination, Dr. Karan Singh hailed them as “torchbearers of a new India that understands the importance of balancing progress with preservation.” He stressed that their initiative reflects the growing environmental consciousness among India’s youth.
“The sheer determination of these young girls should serve as an eye-opener for all of us. While development is necessary, it is equally vital to ensure that our natural heritage and biodiversity are safeguarded for future generations,” Dr. Singh said.
Expressing his full support, Dr. Singh assured the girls that their message for sustainable development will resonate widely and inspire many more to join the cause of protecting India’s green cover.
