Mumbai Orthodontist Is on a Mission to Make People Eco-Conscious
In the relentless urban sprawl of Mumbai, home to a remarkable array of biodiversity including leopards, migratory birds, lush mangroves, and more, a unique initiative is bridging the gap between city dwellers and their natural environment. The bustling metropolitan, despite its compact space and concrete jungle, hosts an exceptional blend of life forms, many of which remain unnoticed or unappreciated by its busy inhabitants. However, one individual, along with his close-knit team, is on a spirited mission to alter this narrative and cultivate eco-consciousness among the public.
At the helm of this transformative endeavor is Dr. Sanjeev Shevade, an orthodontist by profession, who, alongside his family members, established the Vivant UntamedEarth Foundation in 2016. This foundation, born out of a profound concern for the deteriorating natural world and the increasing disconnect people have with their environment, aims to foster a deeper connection and understanding among individuals towards nature.
“Our goal is to nurture environmentally sensitized individuals whose behaviors and lifestyles reflect their respect and care for our planet,” Dr. Shevade articulated. To achieve this, the foundation organizes a myriad of activities aimed at spreading awareness and enthusiasm about environmental conservation. These include engaging lectures by experts in various fields of natural science, hands-on workshops that delve into upcycling, recycling, and composting, as well as exhibitions and field trails that draw people closer to the wonders of their environment.
One of the standout sessions, as Dr. Shevade explains, allows participants to create eco-friendly idols of Lord Ganesha, aligning religious practices with sustainable goals, while the Mumbai Butterfly Meet celebrates the city’s often overlooked winged inhabitants. Moreover, the foundation extends its reach into educational institutions, understanding that the younger generation is both the future guardian of our planet and the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Highlighting the interaction with students, Dr. Shevade emphasizes, “By embedding these experiences and knowledge early in their lives, we’re setting the stage for a more ecologically aware and proactive generation.” The photo exhibitions, particularly in public spaces, are crafted to enlighten the community about both the beauty and plights of their local ecosystem. A remarkable exhibition titled ‘Sagar Maza Sakha’ successfully captured the essence of Mumbai’s marine life and underscored the urgent call to preserve it.
The foundation’s reach is not just confined to the urban settings of Mumbai; its influence stretches to rural Maharashtra, engaging a wide spectrum of society from students and homemakers to corporate entities and technical institutes. The overarching aim is to ignite a comprehensive and enduring eco-conscious mindset across diverse demographics.
Dr. Shevade’s childhood friend, Shashi Vyas, founder of Pancham Nishad Creatives, lauds his lifelong commitment to the environment and society. “Despite his demanding career in dentistry, his passion for the environment never dims. It’s inspiring to see him lead by example, showing how we can all contribute to significant environmental change through simple, everyday actions,” says Vyas.
The journey of the Vivant UntamedEarth Foundation, under Dr. Shevade’s leadership, is a luminous example of how individual efforts can spark widespread change. Through its array of activities and the heartfelt dedication of its founders, the foundation stands as a beacon of hope, guiding society toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
Dr. Shevade’s story is a powerful reminder that each of us holds the potential to make a difference in our world. His mission to make Mumbai, and beyond, eco-conscious continues to inspire and mobilize communities towards a harmonious coexistence with nature.
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