a speech about water day

Speech on World Water Day

World Water Day is a crucial event celebrated globally on March 22nd each year. It’s a day to recognize the importance of freshwater for all life on Earth.

You might already know, water is vital for survival, not just for humans but for every living creature. But sadly, many places still lack access to clean and safe water. World Water Day aims to raise awareness about this pressing issue.

1-minute Speech on World Water Day

Good day, everyone! Today, I want to talk about an important day, World Water Day. This day comes every year on March 22nd. We celebrate it to remind everyone about the importance of water.

But, not everyone in the world is lucky to have clean water. Many people have to walk miles to get water. Some people have to drink dirty water because they have no other choice. This is not fair. Everyone should have clean water, just like we do.

World Water Day is a day to think about these people. It’s a day to remember that water is not just about quenching thirst, it’s about justice. It means giving every person their right to clean water.

Each one of us can help. We can save water by turning off the tap when we brush our teeth. We can tell our friends about the importance of water. We can help charities that work for clean water.

World Water Day is not just a day, it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that water is precious and everyone deserves it. Let’s promise today to value water and work towards a world where everyone has clean water to drink. Thank you!

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2-minute Speech on World Water Day

Friends, today we gather to talk about an important day – World Water Day. It happens every year on March 22. This day reminds us how valuable water is.

Water is life. It’s as simple as that. We humans, animals, plants – we all need it to stay alive. When we wake up, we brush our teeth with water. We cook our food using water. We wash our clothes with water. We can’t imagine a day without it.

World Water Day is also about taking care of our water. Sometimes, we waste water. We leave the tap open while brushing, or we use too much water while washing our car. It’s not right. Every drop of water counts. We need to save water, not waste it.

And there’s more. Sometimes, water gets dirty. Factories throw waste into rivers, and it makes the water unhealthy. We cannot drink it or use it anymore. It’s a big problem. World Water Day wants us to pay attention to this problem. We need to keep our water clean.

For World Water Day, we can all do something. We can talk to our friends about the importance of water. We can teach them how to save water. We can also learn more about the people who don’t have enough water. Maybe, we can find ways to help them.

Remember, every little action counts. You, me, all of us can make a difference. We can make sure that everyone has enough clean water. We can protect our water for the future.

So, let’s celebrate World Water Day. Let’s appreciate the water we have. Let’s save water. Let’s keep it clean. And let’s make sure everyone has water. Because water is life, and everyone deserves to have it. Thank you.

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Message for World Water Day 2022

I do not need to tell you that the global water challenge we face is one of epic proportions – that of quality, of quantity, of equity, of access, of climate, of peace, and of poverty and human dignity. The most recent SDG monitoring cycle revealed that over 3 billion people are at risk because they don’t know enough about the health of surface and groundwater resources.

This is why World Water Day this year draws attention to the invisible but essential ingredient of all life on earth –our groundwater resources. Groundwater provides almost half of all drinking water worldwide but is under siege the world over.

We at UNEP speak of the triple planetary crisis facing humanity – of climate change, of nature and biodiversity loss, and of pollution and waste. In its focus on the drivers, pressures and responses to freshwater quality – we have a real opportunity to understand the nexus of water pollution, health, food security and ecosystems.

We need a two-pronged approach. One, is to address the over-exploitation of groundwater resources by human activity and consequently, strengthen groundwater governance. Globally, the amount of water extracted from aquifers has increased three-fold in the past fifty years. As we draw indiscriminately from ground water, we put human health and well-being at risk. As UNEP’s work has shown, smart solutions like deploying more efficient metering technology in urban areas can help reduce water consumption. In our work in Algeria, Libya and Tunisia, strengthened institutions and the sustainable use of water resources has greatly supported climate smart livelihood activities in the harsh Sahara climate.

Second, we need to invest more in monitoring and reporting systems so that we can have a better understanding of freshwater ecosystem health around the world. UNEP supports the World Water Quality Alliance which brings together experts in water science, technology, governance and diplomacy to provide solutions to maintain and restore ecosystem health. We are proud to work with countries to monitor and make progress on critical fresh water indicators of the SDGs on ambient water quality, integrated water resource management implementation; and changes in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time.

As the IPCC has made clear, at just 1.1°C of global warming we are seeing huge disruptions in the natural world. How we manage and sustainably use groundwater will be at the heart of our efforts to adapt to climate change, and protect the most vulnerable people, especially women and girls.

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World Water Day

World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. It is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis, in support of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.

A new World Water Development Report is released each year on or near World Water Day, to provide decision-makers with tools to formulate and implement sustainable water policies. This report is coordinated by UNESCO’s World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) on behalf of UN-Water. The annual theme for World Water Day is aligned with the focus of the report. UNESCO also contributes to the observance of the Day through its Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), which works all year long to build the scientific knowledge base to help countries manage their water resources in a sustainable way.

Official UN celebration at UNESCO Headquarters

Launch of the United Nations World Water Development Report 2024

On this occasion, UNESCO wishes to recall the importance of dialogue and cooperation in the field of water, whether surface or groundwater, liquid or frozen. This international cooperation is not only desirable, but essential, when over 40% of the world’s population lives in transboundary river basins, which account for almost 60% of the world’s freshwater resources.

What UNESCO does for water security

UN World Water Development Report

A new World Water Development Report is released each year on or near World Water Day, to provide decision-makers with tools to formulate and implement sustainable water policies. This report is coordinated by UNESCO’s World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) on behalf of UN-Water.

The annual theme for World Water Day is aligned with the focus of the report. UNESCO also contributes to the observance of the Day through its Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), which works all year long to build the scientific knowledge base to help countries manage their water resources in a sustainable way.

Water for Prosperity and Peace (2024)

The 2024 United Nations World Water Development Report (UN WWDR) shows how developing and maintaining a secure and equitable water future underpins prosperity and peace for all, and how poverty and inequality, social tensions, and conflict can amplify water insecurity.

It calls attention to the complex and interlinked relationships between sustainable water management, prosperity and peace, describing how progress in one dimension can have positive, often essential, repercussions on the others. 

It will be launched at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 22 March 2024. The launch is organized by UNESCO and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the co-chairs of the World Water Day 2024 campaign, on behalf of UN-Water.

Key messages

is undermining progress on all major global issues, from health to hunger, gender equality to jobs, education to industry, disasters to peace.

businesses, healthcare centres, farms and factories are being held back today because their human rights to water and sanitation have not yet been fulfilled.

on average, to meet SDG 6 by 2030. However governments cannot solve this on their own.

so everyone needs to take action.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution  A/RES/47/193  of 22 December 1992 by which 22 March of each year was declared World Day for Water, to be observed starting in 1993. States were invited to devote the Day, as appropriate in the national context, to concrete activities such as the promotion of public awareness through the publication and diffusion of documentaries and the organization of conferences, round tables, seminars and expositions related to the conservation and development of water resources.

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The un secretary-general message on world water day.

This year’s World Water Day, with the theme “Valuing water”, asks: What does water mean to me? 

The value of water is profound and complex.  There is no aspect of sustainable development that does not fundamentally rely upon it.

For me, water means protection. A well-managed water cycle – encompassing drinking water, sanitation, hygiene, wastewater, transboundary governance, the environment and more – means a defence against ill-health and indignity and a response to challenges from a changing climate and increasing global demand.

This World Water Day, we want to record and understand as many views as possible, so decision-makers are better informed and equipped to safeguard this human right for every person and every purpose.

Today, we are not on track to ensure everyone has access to water and sanitation by 2030, as set out in Sustainable Development Goal 6. While advances being made, current progress needs to quadruple to achieve universal access. 

Chronic under-investment in water and sanitation disadvantages and harms vast numbers of people. This is unacceptable. 

I am encouraged by the joint statement signed by some 160 countries during the UN High-Level meeting on water on 18 March. This shows a strong commitment to advancing all water-related aspects of the Sustainable Development Goals.

On this World Water Day, let us commit to intensifying efforts to truly valuing water so all may have equitable access to this most precious resource. 

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Secretary-General's message

Action for water is action for peace. And today it is needed more than ever.

Our world is in turbulent waters. Conflicts are raging, inequality is rife, pollution and biodiversity loss are rampant, and, as humanity continues to burn fossil fuels, the climate crisis is accelerating with a deadly force – further threatening peace.

Our planet is heating up – seas are rising, rains patterns are changing, and river flows are shrinking. That is resulting in droughts in some regions, and floods and coastal erosion in others. Meanwhile, pollution and overconsumption are imperiling the availability of fresh, clean, accessible water on which all life depends. Dwindling supplies can increase competition and inflame tensions between people, communities, and countries. That is increasing the risk of conflict.

Water for peace is the theme of this year’s World Water Day. Achieving it relies on far greater cooperation. Today, 153 countries share water resources. Yet only twenty-four have reported cooperation agreements for all their shared water. We must accelerate efforts to work together across borders, and I urge all countries to join and implement the United Nations Water Convention – which promotes managing shared water resources sustainably.

Cooperating to safeguard water can power and sustain peace. Water stewardship can strengthen multilateralism and ties between communities, and build resilience to climate disasters. It can also drive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals – which are the foundation of peaceful societies – including by improving health, reducing poverty and inequality, and boosting food and water security.

Let’s commit to work together, to make water a force for cooperation, harmony and stability, and so help to create a world of peace and prosperity for all.

António Guterres

Let’s commit to work together, to make water a force for cooperation, harmony and stability, and so help to create a world of peace and prosperity for all." António Guterres

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UN-Water Chair's message

Water can create peace or spark conflict. How we cooperate – or compete – over our most precious resource, will make all the difference.

Today, we face a crisis that threatens global wellbeing and stability: 2.2 billion people still live without access to safe water and even more – 3.5 billion people – without safe toilets.

This World Water Day, we must unite around water to make it a tool for peace and a catalyst for progress.

We have just six years left to meet Sustainable Development Goal 6 – water and sanitation for all by 2030.

We are dramatically off track.

We must urgently fix the water cycle. Our health and livelihoods, our food and energy, and the very ecosystem we exist within, all depend on it.

Our human rights to water and sanitation are the first line of defence against disease, disaster and destitution.

As climate change impacts and populations grow, our cooperation on water will make or break us.

By working together on water, across borders and sectors, we can provide a model for solving all our shared challenges.

Water has sustained us since the dawn of life. Now, it can lead us out of crisis. Let us work together to seize the opportunity. We have no time to lose.

Alvaro Lario

This World Water Day, we must unite around water to make it a tool for peace and a catalyst for progress." Alvaro Lario

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' message

Colleagues, Friends,

Water is our life-force.

For each and every one of us, our communities, our planet.

Refreshing, nourishing, healing.

But for over 2 billion people, accessing safe and clean water is a struggle, if not an impossibility.

And, increasingly, water challenges are intensifying tension and conflict.

A threat to peace, water security risks worsening as the triple planetary crisis continues to unfold and poor management of water persists.

On World Water Day, let us resolve to see water, instead, as a tool for peace.

Reaffirming access to safe drinking water and sanitation as human rights.

And recognising the power that water has - as such a valued and shared need - to bring people together.

We must place human rights at the centre of water governance.

Ensuring the rights of all, including women and girls, marginalized groups, and water defenders.

Empowering people and communities so that their lived experiences and insights inform the ways in which water resources and ecosystems are managed.

Governments need to accelerate action on eliminating discrimination and inequalities when it comes to access to water and sanitation.

They must bring renewed energy to the task of building sustainable cooperation on water resources between communities and neighbours.

In conflicts, civilian water infrastructure and resources must be protected, without fail.

And we need to grasp just how crucial it is to the delicate process of peacebuilding that water governance structures are developed in an inclusive way and with equality at their core.

On World Water Day, I recognise with deep gratitude the efforts of all those working tirelessly to ensure the rights to water and sanitation are realized.

Let us move together forward to shape a future where water unites rather than divides us.

Volker Türk

Water challenges are intensifying tension and conflict. […] On World Water Day, let us resolve to see water, instead, as a tool for peace." Volker Türk

Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity

Water has the power or create peace or provoke conflict. When there is lack of water, or lack of access to it, tensions can rise. However, by cooperating and ensuring access to clean water, we can achieve stability. To do that, we need water to be center stage in global planning.

Over two billion people are living without safely managed drinking water and roughly half of the world’s population is still experiencing severe water scarcity for at least part of the year.

Our water supply depends on water-related ecosystems, whose functioning depends on biodiversity. These ecosystems also regulate climate, reduce impacts of natural hazards, and provide habitats for fish species that feed hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, or the Biodiversity Plan, sets out the urgent actions needed to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. Its four gaols aim to Protect & Restore Nature, to Prosper with Nature, to Share Benefits Fairly and to Invest & Collaborate for Nature.

Each of the Plan’s 23 targets are relevant to water. Some aim to protect and restore critical habitats, reduce pollution, and minimize the impacts of invasive alien species, others ensure areas under agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, and forestry are managed sustainably. Other targets call for the values of biodiversity – including water-related values – to be integrated into policies across all government ministries, economic sectors, and all facets of society. These actions must be taken through a gender-responsive approach, while also ensuring the full and effective participation of indigenous peoples and local communities.

The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity will convene in Cali, Colombia in October 2024 under the theme “Peace with nature”. It is time to make peace among people and peace with the planet.

This World Water Day, let us work together to promote water for peace and peace with nature.

David Cooper

It is time to make peace among people and peace with the planet. This World Water Day, let us work together to promote water for peace and peace with nature." David Cooper

World Water Day Speech in English- Check Out 10 Lines, Short & Long Speech!

World Water Day Speech: World Water Day is an annual observance that is celebrated on March 22nd every year to raise awareness about the importance of freshwater and the need to manage it sustainably. Water is an essential resource for all living organisms, and its availability is critical for human well-being, economic development, and the environment. However, the world is facing an unprecedented water crisis, with millions of people lacking access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and many countries struggling to cope with water scarcity, pollution, and climate change. On this World Water Day, it is essential to reflect on the current state of the world’s water resources, the challenges we face, and the actions we can take to ensure a sustainable water future for all.

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10 Lines on World Water Day Speech in English

Short world water day speech in english, long world water day speech in english, faqs related to the world water day speech in english.

• Good morning/afternoon, everyone. Today, we gather here to observe World Water Day, a day that reminds us of the significance of water in our lives.
• Water is an essential resource for all living beings, and it is our responsibility to use it wisely and sustainably.
• This year’s theme for World Water Day is “Valuing Water,” which highlights the importance of water as a precious resource that needs to be appreciated and conserved.
• Water scarcity is a pressing issue in many parts of the world, with millions of people lacking access to clean and safe drinking water.
• Climate change is exacerbating the water crisis, leading to droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events.
• We need to take collective action to address the water crisis and ensure a sustainable water future for all.
• This requires us to rethink the way we use water, adopt water-efficient practices, and invest in water infrastructure and technology.
• We also need to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and educate people on how to use water sustainably.
• As individuals, we can all make a difference by reducing our water usage, fixing leaks, and adopting water-saving habits.
• Let us pledge to take action and work towards a water-secure future for ourselves and future generations. Thank you.

Good morning/afternoon, everyone. Today, we gather here to observe World Water Day, a day that reminds us of the significance of water in our lives. Water is an essential resource for all living beings, and it is our responsibility to use it wisely and sustainably.

This year’s theme for World Water Day is “Valuing Water,” which highlights the importance of water as a precious resource that needs to be appreciated and conserved. Water scarcity is a pressing issue in many parts of the world, with millions of people lacking access to clean and safe drinking water. Climate change is exacerbating the water crisis, leading to droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events.

As we celebrate World Water Day, let us pledge to take action and work towards a water-secure future for ourselves and future generations. This requires us to rethink the way we use water, adopt water-efficient practices, and invest in water infrastructure and technology. We also need to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and educate people on how to use water sustainably.

As individuals, we can all make a difference by reducing our water usage, fixing leaks, and adopting water-saving habits. Let us take the initiative to conserve water in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

In conclusion, on this World Water Day, let us appreciate the value of water and work together to ensure a sustainable water future for all. Thank you.

Also, Read world water day theme 2023 !

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you all to this year’s World Water Day event. Water is one of the most valuable resources on the planet, and it is our responsibility to use it wisely and sustainably. The theme for this year’s event is “Valuing Water,” which highlights the importance of water as a precious resource that needs to be appreciated and conserved.

As we all know, water scarcity is a pressing issue in many parts of the world. Millions of people lack access to clean and safe drinking water, and this has severe consequences for their health, education, and economic opportunities. The effects of climate change are exacerbating the water crisis, leading to droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events. We must take urgent action to address this issue and ensure a sustainable water future for all.

Governments, organizations, and individuals all have a role to play in conserving water. Governments must prioritize water management and invest in infrastructure, technology, and policies that promote water conservation. Organizations can adopt sustainable water practices in their operations and supply chains. And as individuals, we can all make a difference by reducing our water usage, fixing leaks, and adopting water-saving habits.

Education and awareness are also crucial in addressing the water crisis. We need to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and educate people on how to use water sustainably. Children must be taught from an early age about the importance of water and the need to conserve it. Community outreach programs, awareness campaigns, and partnerships with civil society organizations can help to promote water literacy and encourage sustainable behavior.

In conclusion, on this World Water Day, let us appreciate the value of water and work together to ensure a sustainable water future for all. We must all do our part to conserve water and promote water sustainability in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Thank you for joining us in this important event, and let us take action to protect and conserve this precious resource.

5 Best Speech on Water [Short & Long]

• 1 1st Speech on Water (25 Min)
• 2 2nd Speech on Water (20 Min)
• 3 3rd Speech on Water (15 Min)
• 4 4th Speech on Water (10 Min)
• 5 5th Speech on Water (5 Min)
• 6.1 What is a speech on water?
• 6.2 What are some important topics that can be covered in a speech on water?
• 6.3 What are some tips for delivering a perfect speech on water?
• 6.4 How can we conserve water in our daily lives?
• 6.5 What can individuals do to contribute to global efforts to address water issues?

Looking for a powerful speech on water? Edukar has provided the 5 Best speeches on water to describe the importance of water in our lives, the challenges we face in managing our water resources, and the steps we can take to ensure that future generations have access to clean and abundant water.

1st Speech on Water (25 Min)

Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening Everyone,

It is an honor to speak to you today about one of the most essential elements of our planet, water. Water is the foundation of life, and without it, nothing can survive. It is essential to sustain all living organisms and is an essential resource for agriculture, industries, and households.

Water is the most found substance on Earth, covering 71% of the planet’s surface. However, despite its abundance, only a small percentage of water on earth is usable for human consumption. The majority of the water on earth is in the form of saltwater, which is not fit for drinking or irrigation purposes. Therefore, we must manage the available freshwater resources efficiently to ensure sustainable development.

Water scarcity is a growing concern globally, and the problem is not only confined to arid and semi-arid regions. Even countries that have ample water resources face challenges in the equitable distribution of water among all segments of the population. The global population is increasing at an unprecedented rate, and the demand for water is also increasing. Water security is a significant concern in many parts of the world, and it is essential to address this issue before it becomes a crisis.

Water is essential for human health, and inadequate access to clean drinking water can cause various diseases and health problems. Water is also critical for agriculture, which is the primary source of food for the world’s population. Without adequate water resources, farmers cannot grow crops, and food shortages can occur, leading to malnutrition and starvation.

Furthermore, water plays a crucial role in the global economy. Industries rely on water for various purposes, including cooling, processing, and manufacturing. Water is a critical input in the production process, and without it, industries cannot function. The economic cost of water scarcity is enormous, and it can severely impact the overall economic growth of a nation.

It is essential to adopt a sustainable approach towards managing water resources. Governments, civil society organizations, and individuals must work together to ensure the efficient use of water resources. We must also promote responsible water consumption practices to reduce wastage and ensure that everyone has access to clean and safe drinking water.

In thh end, water is an essential resource for the survival of all living organisms, and it is our responsibility to manage it sustainably. We must work together to address water scarcity and ensure that everyone has access to clean and safe drinking water. Let us all commit to using water wisely and efficiently, and promote sustainable practices to ensure a better future for generations to come. Thank you.

2nd Speech on Water (20 Min)

Water is one of the most essential resources we have on this planet. It is the source of all life and is vital for our survival. Yet, despite its importance, we often take it for granted. We turn on the tap, and water flows out without a second thought. But the reality is that access to clean water is a privilege that not everyone enjoys.

Today, I would like to discuss the importance of water and the challenges we face in ensuring that everyone has access to it.

First and foremost, water is necessary for human survival. We need it to drink, to wash, to cook, and to grow our food. But it’s not just us humans who depend on water. Animals and plants also need water to survive. Without water, our entire ecosystem would collapse.

Unfortunately, not everyone has access to clean water. According to the World Health Organization, around 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and 4.2 billion people lack access to safely managed sanitation services. This lack of access to water has a significant impact on people’s health, education, and economic opportunities.

In developing countries, women and children are primarily responsible for fetching water, which can take up to six hours a day. This not only prevents them from going to school but also leaves them vulnerable to health issues due to the unsanitary conditions of the water sources they have to rely on.

Furthermore, the lack of access to clean water can lead to the spread of water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. These diseases can be fatal, particularly for children under the age of five. In fact, water-related diseases are responsible for 3.4 million deaths each year.

So, what can we do to ensure that everyone has access to clean water?

1. We need to recognize that access to clean water is a fundamental human right. We need to prioritize providing clean water to those who lack access, particularly in developing countries. Governments and international organizations need to work together to create policies that prioritize water security and invest in the necessary infrastructure to provide clean water to those who need it.

2. We need to be mindful of our water usage. In developed countries, we often take water for granted and waste it without a second thought. We need to recognize that water is a finite resource and that wasting it not only affects our environment but also takes away from those who desperately need it. We can do our part by fixing leaky taps, taking shorter showers, and using water-efficient appliances.

3. We need to invest in water conservation and management. This includes investing in rainwater harvesting systems, improving irrigation techniques, and promoting sustainable farming practices. By conserving water, we can ensure that we have enough water to meet our needs and the needs of future generations.

Finally, water is one of the most essential resources we have on this planet. It is necessary for our survival, and everyone should have access to clean water. We need to prioritize water security, be mindful of our water usage, and invest in water conservation and management. By doing so, we can ensure that everyone has access to this fundamental human right and preserve our planet for future generations. Thank you.

3rd Speech on Water (15 Min)

Today, I am honored to speak to you about one of the most precious resources on our planet – water. Water is essential for all living beings and is a fundamental need for life. It is a vital resource that we must protect and conserve for future generations.

We all know that Earth is a blue planet, and water covers about 71% of its surface. However, what many people don’t realize is that only 2.5% of that water is freshwater, and only 1% of that freshwater is accessible for human consumption. With the world’s population growing rapidly, the demand for freshwater is also increasing, and it is vital that we use it wisely.

Water is essential for many aspects of our daily lives. We use it for drinking, cooking, bathing, cleaning, and agriculture. The importance of water in agriculture cannot be overstated. It is a crucial resource for farmers, and they rely heavily on it for crop production. In many countries, irrigation accounts for the majority of freshwater use. It is crucial that we ensure that this precious resource is used efficiently to sustain agriculture and prevent food shortages.

The scarcity of freshwater has become a significant problem in many parts of the world. Water scarcity occurs when the demand for water exceeds the available supply. Climate change, population growth, and poor water management are all factors that contribute to water scarcity. In some areas, people are forced to walk for hours to collect water from a nearby stream or well, which is often contaminated and unsafe for consumption.

Water pollution is another critical issue that affects the quality and availability of freshwater. Pollution can occur from both natural and human-made sources. Agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and improper waste disposal are just a few examples of human-made sources of pollution. Natural sources of pollution include sedimentation, organic matter, and minerals. Water pollution affects the quality of freshwater, making it unsafe for human consumption and harming aquatic ecosystems.

To address the water crisis, we must take collective action. We must work together to conserve water and protect it from pollution. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in ensuring the sustainability of this vital resource. We must also educate people about the importance of water conservation and the impact of our actions on the environment.

Water conservation is the most effective way to address the water crisis. We can all play a part in conserving water by making small changes to our daily habits. Simple actions like turning off the tap while brushing our teeth, fixing leaky pipes, and using a broom instead of a hose to clean our driveways can go a long way in conserving water. We must also encourage the use of water-efficient technologies in agriculture, industry, and households.

At the end, water is a precious resource that we must protect and conserve. The water crisis is a complex issue, and it requires collective action to address it. We must work together to ensure that everyone has access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation facilities. Let us all do our part in conserving water and protecting it from pollution. By taking small steps, we can make a significant impact and ensure that future generations have access to this vital resource. Thank you.

4th Speech on Water (10 Min)

Dear fellow citizens,

Water is an essential resource for all living organisms. It is the foundation of life and is required for basic human needs such as drinking, cooking, and washing. Despite its importance, however, access to clean water is not available to everyone. As a result, it is our collective responsibility to conserve water and ensure that it is available for generations to come.

Water scarcity is a global issue that affects millions of people, particularly in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization, 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and 4.2 billion people do not have access to proper sanitation facilities. This situation is exacerbated by climate change, which is causing prolonged droughts and extreme weather events that can damage water supply systems.

Water conservation is critical to ensuring that this precious resource is available for everyone. There are many ways to conserve water, from simple measures such as turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, to more significant efforts such as implementing water-saving technologies in agriculture and industry. These efforts not only help to ensure that water is available for everyone, but they can also reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to conservation, we must also address water pollution. Water pollution is a significant threat to both human health and the environment. Industrial activities, agricultural runoff, and improper disposal of waste can all contribute to water pollution. We must take steps to reduce water pollution by implementing stricter regulations on industrial and agricultural activities and encouraging proper waste disposal.

We must also recognize the importance of water management. Proper water management involves managing water resources sustainably, ensuring that water is allocated efficiently, and that there is equitable access to water for all. This requires the involvement of governments, communities, and individuals. By working together, we can create sustainable water management practices that will benefit everyone.

Finally, education is key to promoting water conservation and sustainable water management. We must educate ourselves and our communities about the importance of water, the consequences of water scarcity and pollution, and the steps we can take to conserve and manage water resources. This can include school programs, public awareness campaigns, and community outreach.

5th Speech on Water (5 Min)

Ladies and gentlemen,

Water is a vital resource for life on Earth, and we must cherish and protect it. It is essential to all forms of life, and we cannot survive without it. However, despite its importance, many people take it for granted, wasting it, polluting it, and neglecting to maintain its infrastructure.

Access to clean and safe drinking water is still a significant challenge for many communities worldwide. Even in developed countries, access to water can be limited in some areas. Many people must travel long distances to fetch water or rely on contaminated water sources. This lack of access to clean water not only affects people’s health and quality of life but also hinders their economic development and education opportunities.

The overuse of water resources is depleting them. The demands of industries, agriculture, and growing populations are causing water scarcity in many regions worldwide. Climate change is exacerbating the problem by altering rainfall patterns, causing droughts, and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events such as floods and hurricanes.

We must work together to address these challenges and protect our water resources. We must conserve water by reducing our usage and preventing wastage. We can do this by fixing leaking pipes, using water-efficient appliances, and adopting sustainable water practices in agriculture and industry.

We must work to ensure access to clean water for all communities, especially those that are currently underserved. This requires investment in infrastructure, technology, and education. We must also address pollution and protect our water sources from contamination by industrial and agricultural runoff, hazardous waste, and other pollutants.

Finally, water is a precious resource that we cannot take for granted. We must cherish and protect it for future generations. We must work together to ensure access to clean water, conserve water, and protect our water resources from pollution and overuse. By doing so, we can create a healthier, more sustainable world for ourselves and those who come after us.

What is a speech on water?

A speech on water is a talk or presentation that focuses on the importance of water, the challenges we face in managing water resources, and the actions we can take to protect and conserve water.

What are some important topics that can be covered in a speech on water?

Some important topics that can be covered in a speech on water include the importance of water for life and the environment, the challenges of water scarcity and pollution, the impact of climate change on water resources, and the need for sustainable water management practices.

What are some tips for delivering a perfect speech on water?

Some tips for delivering a compelling speech on water include researching the topic thoroughly, using relevant statistics and examples, engaging the audience through storytelling and personal anecdotes, and ending with a call to action or a message of hope.

How can we conserve water in our daily lives?

We can conserve water in our daily lives by taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances and fixtures, watering plants and lawns only when necessary, and reducing our overall water consumption.

What can individuals do to contribute to global efforts to address water issues?

Individuals can contribute to global efforts to address water issues by conserving water in their daily lives, supporting water-related charities and organizations, advocating for sustainable water management practices, and staying informed about water-related issues and solutions.

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‘Water for Peace’ - World Water Day 2024 campaign launches

The campaign for World Water Day, 22 March 2024, is now live. This year’s theme is ‘Water for Peace’, which focuses on the critical role water plays in the stability and prosperity of the world.

When water is scarce or polluted, or when people have unequal or no access, tensions can rise between communities and countries. 

More than 3 billion people worldwide depend on water that crosses national borders. Yet, out of 153 countries that share rivers, lakes and aquifers with their neighbours, only 24 countries report having cooperation agreements for all their shared water. 

As climate change impacts increase, and the global population grows, we must unite around protecting and conserving our most precious resource. 

By working together to balance everyone’s human rights and needs, water can be a stabilizing force and a catalyst for sustainable development. 

World Water Day is a United Nations (UN) observance coordinated by UN-Water. Every year, it raises awareness of a major water-related issue and inspires action to tackle the water and sanitation crisis. 

This year’s Task Force of UN-Water Members and Partners is coordinated by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

• Learn more, share content and take action here .  
• To explore the themes of previous World Water Day campaigns, please visit this page .

World Water Day - 22 March

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World Water Day Speech – 10 Lines, Short and Long Speech Samples here!

World water day speech: It is well recognized that humans require food, water, and air to thrive on Earth. Resources have expanded along with our population. Natural resources end up being overused and exploited as a result. According to studies, we are currently facing a problem where more than 600 million people do not have access to clean drinking water at home. Every year on March 22, people around the world celebrate World Water Day. The primary goal of World Water Day is to raise awareness of the value of water around the globe. Also, it primarily focuses on minimizing water waste. Moreover, World Water Day is used to draw attention to the need for countries to improve their sanitation, hygiene, and water access. Discover the short and long World Water Day Speech in the article below.

Table of Contents

10 Lines Speech on World Water Day

• World Water Day is observed on 22nd March every year to raise awareness about the importance of freshwater and its sustainable management.
• World Water Day is observed by the United States, Japan, Ghana, Germany, Egypt, Pakistan, India, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and the other nations that are members of the UN.
• It is estimated that 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water and 4.2 billion people lack safely managed sanitation services.
• Water scarcity and pollution are major challenges facing the world today, leading to negative impacts on human health, ecosystems, and economic development.
• Climate change is exacerbating these challenges, with increasing droughts, floods, and extreme weather events affecting water availability and quality.
• On World Water Day, various activities such as conferences, workshops, and campaigns are organized globally to raise awareness about water-related issues.
• Sustainable Development Goal 6 aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.
• Water conservation and sustainable use of water resources are key to achieving this goal and ensuring a sustainable future for all.
• It is important for individuals, communities, and governments to take action to address water-related challenges and protect this precious resource.
• Let us use this World Water Day as an opportunity to reflect on our water use habits and take steps towards using water responsibly and sustainably.

Short Speech on World Water Day

Ladies and gentlemen,

Water is the foundation of life on our planet. It sustains all living organisms and plays a crucial role in the functioning of our ecosystems. However, despite its critical importance, water scarcity and pollution are major challenges that we face today.

As we observe World Water Day, it is important to recognize the need to take action toward the sustainable management of water resources. We must work together to conserve water, protect water quality, and promote sustainable water use practices.

It is estimated that by 2025, two-thirds of the global population may face water scarcity. Climate change is exacerbating this problem, with rising temperatures and changing weather patterns leading to more frequent droughts and floods.

We must take a holistic approach to address water-related challenges, recognizing the interconnectivity of water, energy, food, and ecosystems. This includes adopting innovative technologies and practices to improve water management, such as rainwater harvesting, water recycling, and conservation agriculture.

On this World Water Day, let us pledge to use water responsibly, protect water resources, and ensure access to clean and safe water for all. By doing so, we can contribute towards a sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.

Check the latest updates below-

Long Speech on World Water Day

Warm Greetings to Everyone!

Every year on March 22, World Water Day is observed to raise awareness of the importance of freshwater and promote its sustainable use. In 1993, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution establishing the day as an annual occasion. This day offers an opportunity to learn more about issues relating to water, be inspired to tell others, and take action to change things. Water is a basic component of life. Water is critical for creating jobs and promoting economic, social, and human development in addition to being necessary for quenching thirst and sustaining health.

During World Water Day, several activities are organized internationally. These include

• Visual art, theatrical and musical celebrations of water.
• Symposia on the management and security of water for local, national, and foreign leaders.
• Educational events on the importance of clean water and protecting water resources.
• Campaigns and events to raise money for access to clean and affordable water.
• Excursions to local rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
• Special broadcasts on television and radio and the Internet.
• Walks run and swimming other sports competitions.

World Water Day is a global celebration that aims to inspire people to become more aware of the issues relating to water and to take action to address them. In order to convince the general public to get involved in water conservation by forgoing the use of their taps for the entire day, it was first formally added to the schedule of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on September 21, 1992. Festivities started in 1993.

The day is being used by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that operate in the wash sector to increase public awareness of water issues, bring attention to these issues in the media, and encourage action. The events included hosting round tables, seminars, and exhibitions in addition to publishing periodicals and films. The goal of World Water Day is to increase people’s awareness of the value of water in a variety of spheres of life, including agriculture, climate, health, and trade.

As individuals, we can also play a role in promoting water conservation and sustainable water management practices. We can educate ourselves and others about the importance of water conservation, advocate for policies that protect water resources, and make changes in our own lives to reduce our water footprint.

In conclusion, World Water Day serves as a reminder that water is a vital resource that sustains life on this planet. It is our responsibility to value water and take action to conserve and protect it. By working together, we can ensure that everyone has access to clean and safe water, now and in the future. Thank you.

FAQs on World Water Day Speech

World Water Day is an annual United Nations observance day that is celebrated on March 22nd each year. It is a day that focuses on raising awareness about the importance of water conservation and the sustainable use of water resources.

Water conservation is important because water is a finite resource that is essential to sustain life on this planet. It is crucial to use water wisely and efficiently to ensure that future generations have access to clean and safe water.

There are several ways to conserve water, such as fixing leaky faucets, taking shorter showers, using water-efficient appliances, and reducing outdoor water usage. Every small action we take to conserve water can make a significant difference.

The purpose of World Water Day is to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and the sustainable use of water resources. It is also an opportunity to advocate for policies and actions that ensure everyone has access to clean and safe water.

On World Water Day, various events and activities are organized worldwide, such as educational seminars, panel discussions, and community events. Some organizations also use this day to launch initiatives and campaigns that promote water conservation and sustainable water management practices.

By Gauri Malik

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Unlocking Opportunities: BSSC Inter-Level Vacancy, Salary, and Job Profile

Exploring the geographical marvels and hill stations of maharashtra, यूपीएससी जीएस पेपर 4 पाठ्यक्रम के मुख्य पहलुओं का अनावरण, आईएएस मुख्य पाठ्यक्रम हिंदी में और यूपीएससी जीएस 3 पाठ्यक्रम हिंदी में जानें.

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World Water Day

Water is one of the planet’s most precious resources. World Water Day  is observed each year on March 22 to promote the responsible use of water and access to safe water for everyone.

Every day, people use water for drinking , agriculture , industry , recreation , hygiene , sanitation , and health care. Water resources are precious and finite. Warming temperatures and other natural and human-made stressors threaten to impact the quantity and quality of our water on a large scale. World Water Day highlights the essential role water plays in our lives and how we can better protect it.

Access to Water

Global access to safe water , adequate sanitation, and hygiene resources reduce illness and death from disease and lead to improved health, poverty reduction, and socio-economic development. The COVID-19 pandemic has further demonstrated the urgent need for universal access to safe water , as frequent and proper handwashing with soap and water is one of the most effective actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Even so, many people lack access to these basic necessities, leaving them at risk for diseases related to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) . Globally, 2.2 billion people do not have safe drinking water, 3.6 billion do not have safe sanitation services , and 2.3 billion do not have access to a handwashing facility with soap and water at home.

Diarrheal Diseases

Many diarrheal diseases, such as typhoid fever and cholera , spread through unsafe water and sanitation. Although rare in the United States, outbreaks of typhoid and cholera continue to occur in settings with limited resources. Together, these diseases sicken millions, and an estimated 257,400 people die each year as a result of them.

Protecting water sources and developing and maintaining WASH systems to keep human waste out of water, food, and the environment are critical to preventing diarrheal diseases. In areas without a consistent source of safe water, people often resort to using untreated water that can make them sick.

Places with heavy rainfall and flooding may also experience contaminated drinking water and ground crops—for example, when latrines overflow. Human waste can mix with drinking water or a community’s food supply when there is no sanitation facility to safely separate waste from human contact. This can result in the spread of many germs that cause diarrheal diseases.

Water is a crucial element in preventing and treating diseases. It plays a key role in maintaining good hygiene, particularly through regular handwashing with soap—one of the most important actions a person can take to prevent the spread of germs. Safe water is also an essential part of oral rehydration therapy (ORT) , which is an important treatment for cholera and many other diarrheal diseases.

CDC works to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks in the United States and around the world and provides technical support in cases of emergencies. In addition, CDC has partnered with the World Health Organization to launch Ending Cholera: The Global Roadmap to 2030 , a collaborative approach to cholera prevention and control.

Learn how CDC’s programs and partnerships contribute to global efforts to address the water crisis.

After three years without a reported cholera case, Haiti confirmed a cholera outbreak in October 2022. Learn how CDC, as part of the U.S. interagency response, worked in close collaboration with the government of Haiti to control the outbreak.

Since March 2022, Malawi has been experiencing the deadliest cholera outbreak in the country’s history. Learn how CDC has been providing technical assistance on water quality testing to increase safe drinking water access to households during the outbreak.

What You Can Do

Everyone can play a role in celebrating World Water Day.

• Today and every day, wash your hands at key times to avoid spreading germs.
• Avoid wasting water; turn off the faucet when you’re not using it.
• Raise awareness in your community about protecting water quality and availability.
• Join a worldwide conversation on social media by sharing what water means to you using #WorldWaterDay.

Share on social media!

Share the social media graphics below to promote World Water Day and use the #WorldWaterDay hashtag.

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• UN’s World Water Day Website
• CDC’s Global Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Website
• CDC’s Water, Sanitation & Environmentally Related Hygiene
• CDC’s Healthy Water Website
• CDC’s Global Disease Detection and Emergency Response Website
• CDC and the U.S. Global Health Initiative
• UN’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
• I Am CDC—Anu Rajasingham

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• Speech Writing /

Speech on Water: 1 and 3-Minute Speech in English

• Updated on  
• Jun 5, 2024

Water is the source of life. From large ice-caps to deep oceans, every drop of water is important. Life on Earth is not possible without water. Our day starts by drinking a glass of water and ends in the same way. Unfortunately, our glaciers are melting, rivers are polluting and our oceans are filled with plastic and garbage. Did you know how much garbage is annually dumped into oceans? Estimates say that nearly 8 million metric tonnes of plastic and other waste are dumped into our oceans every year, polluting them and adversely affecting marine life. It’s high time to reflect on our mistakes and take necessary actions. Check out these speech on water samples for further details.

Table of Contents

• 1 3-Minutes Speech on Water
• 2 1-Minute Speech on Water
• 3 Paragraph on Importance of Water
• 4 FAQs 

3-Minutes Speech on Water

Also Read: Speech on The Best Lesson I Have Learned

1-Minute Speech on Water

Also Read: Short Speech on Technology for School Students

Paragraph on Importance of Water

Ans: Water is a life-giving resource and as of now, it is only available on Earth. Water is important for us as it helps in the regulation of our body functioning and supports the survival of our ecosystem.

Ans: ‘World Water Day’ is celebrated on 22nd March every year.

Ans: Water is very essential for hygiene and sanitation. We use water to clean our surroundings, cook food, and take baths. However, a lack of clean water can spread diseases.

Popular English Speech Topics

For more information on such interesting speech topics for your school, visit our speech writing page and follow Leverage Edu .

Bhumika Sharma

A writer with a fresh perspective on thoughts, I have an year of experience in writing the blogs on various topics. Here, you will find my blogs for the students and education purpose.

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World Water Day Speech/Essay for School Kids

In the year 1992, in the United Nations General assembly adopted 22nd March as a World Water Day. Since 1993 every year 22nd March is celebrated as World Water Day. The main aim of celebrating this day was to create public awareness about the importance of water and how it is necessary to preserve fresh water for a sustainable future. And if you preparing for some exam, then this can also come as a question, although I would also recommend you to try out ExamCollection to help you out with your. next exam with ease.

The basic need of human being is food, water and shelter without which there is no life. Due to the increasing population the need for drinking water is also increasing. There are places in this world, where easy access to drinking water is very difficult and people suffer because of it. Due to the rising problems of global warming, we cannot depend only on earth’s natural water resources. Hence, it is important to use water carefully and implement personal habits that help in saving water at individual level such as at home, schools, offices, public places and so on.

We as students, are capable to make a change in society and create a healthy and sustainable environment for future. Today on this special occasion let us all join hands in preserving one of the most precious resources of our planet; water. Let us encourage water conservation techniques like rain water harvesting and water recycling for sanitation and gardening. We must take an oath to never waste water at our home, schools and public places and use water wisely. We must all stand against those who use fresh water bodies as a dumping ground for waste.

Water is a vital element in every aspect of development: for better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better life. Let us lead by good examples and good demonstrations. Let us value every drop of water and keep our planet blue and clean. Let’s make everyday World Water Day and strive to make this world a better place to live.

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“This is Water”

This speech was originally delivered by David Foster Wallace as the 2005 commencement address at Kenyon College. 1

Speech Transcript

Greetings parents and congratulations to Kenyon’s graduating class of 2005. There are these two young fish swimming along and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says “Morning, boys. How’s the water?” And the two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually one of them looks over at the other and goes “What the hell is water?”

This is a standard requirement of US commencement speeches, the deployment of didactic little parable-ish stories. The story thing turns out to be one of the better, less bullshitty conventions of the genre, but if you’re worried that I plan to present myself here as the wise, older fish explaining what water is to you younger fish, please don’t be. I am not the wise old fish. The point of the fish story is merely that the most obvious, important realities are often the ones that are hardest to see and talk about. Stated as an English sentence, of course, this is just a banal platitude, but the fact is that in the day to day trenches of adult existence, banal platitudes can have a life or death importance, or so I wish to suggest to you on this dry and lovely morning.

Of course the main requirement of speeches like this is that I’m supposed to talk about your liberal arts education’s meaning, to try to explain why the degree you are about to receive has actual human value instead of just a material payoff. So let’s talk about the single most pervasive cliché in the commencement speech genre, which is that a liberal arts education is not so much about filling you up with knowledge as it is about “teaching you how to think.” If you’re like me as a student, you’ve never liked hearing this, and you tend to feel a bit insulted by the claim that you needed anybody to teach you how to think, since the fact that you even got admitted to a college this good seems like proof that you already know how to think. But I’m going to posit to you that the liberal arts cliché turns out not to be insulting at all, because the really significant education in thinking that we’re supposed to get in a place like this isn’t really about the capacity to think, but rather about the choice of what to think about. If your total freedom of choice regarding what to think about seems too obvious to waste time discussing, I’d ask you to think about fish and water, and to bracket for just a few minutes your scepticism about the value of the totally obvious.

Here’s another didactic little story. There are these two guys sitting together in a bar in the remote Alaskan wilderness. One of the guys is religious, the other is an atheist, and the two are arguing about the existence of God with that special intensity that comes after about the fourth beer. And the atheist says: “Look, it’s not like I don’t have actual reasons for not believing in God. It’s not like I haven’t ever experimented with the whole God and prayer thing. Just last month I got caught away from the camp in that terrible blizzard, and I was totally lost and I couldn’t see a thing, and it was 50 below, and so I tried it: I fell to my knees in the snow and cried out ‘Oh, God, if there is a God, I’m lost in this blizzard, and I’m gonna die if you don’t help me.’” And now, in the bar, the religious guy looks at the atheist all puzzled. “Well then you must believe now,” he says, “After all, here you are, alive.” The atheist just rolls his eyes. “No, man, all that was was a couple Eskimos happened to come wandering by and showed me the way back to camp.”

It’s easy to run this story through kind of a standard liberal arts analysis: the exact same experience can mean two totally different things to two different people, given those people’s two different belief templates and two different ways of constructing meaning from experience. Because we prize tolerance and diversity of belief, nowhere in our liberal arts analysis do we want to claim that one guy’s interpretation is true and the other guy’s is false or bad. Which is fine, except we also never end up talking about just where these individual templates and beliefs come from. Meaning, where they come from INSIDE the two guys. As if a person’s most basic orientation toward the world, and the meaning of his experience were somehow just hard-wired, like height or shoe-size; or automatically absorbed from the culture, like language. As if how we construct meaning were not actually a matter of personal, intentional choice. Plus, there’s the whole matter of arrogance. The nonreligious guy is so totally certain in his dismissal of the possibility that the passing Eskimos had anything to do with his prayer for help. True, there are plenty of religious people who seem arrogant and certain of their own interpretations, too. They’re probably even more repulsive than atheists, at least to most of us. But religious dogmatists’ problem is exactly the same as the story’s unbeliever: blind certainty, a close-mindedness that amounts to an imprisonment so total that the prisoner doesn’t even know he’s locked up.

The point here is that I think this is one part of what teaching me how to think is really supposed to mean. To be just a little less arrogant. To have just a little critical awareness about myself and my certainties. Because a huge percentage of the stuff that I tend to be automatically certain of is, it turns out, totally wrong and deluded. I have learned this the hard way, as I predict you graduates will, too.

Here is just one example of the total wrongness of something I tend to be automatically sure of: everything in my own immediate experience supports my deep belief that I am the absolute centre of the universe; the realest, most vivid and important person in existence. We rarely think about this sort of natural, basic self-centredness because it’s so socially repulsive. But it’s pretty much the same for all of us. It is our default setting, hard-wired into our boards at birth. Think about it: there is no experience you have had that you are not the absolute centre of. The world as you experience it is there in front of YOU or behind YOU, to the left or right of YOU, on YOUR TV or YOUR monitor. And so on. Other people’s thoughts and feelings have to be communicated to you somehow, but your own are so immediate, urgent, real.

Please don’t worry that I’m getting ready to lecture you about compassion or other-directedness or all the so-called virtues. This is not a matter of virtue. It’s a matter of my choosing to do the work of somehow altering or getting free of my natural, hard-wired default setting which is to be deeply and literally self-centered and to see and interpret everything through this lens of self. People who can adjust their natural default setting this way are often described as being “well-adjusted”, which I suggest to you is not an accidental term.

Given the triumphant academic setting here, an obvious question is how much of this work of adjusting our default setting involves actual knowledge or intellect. This question gets very tricky. Probably the most dangerous thing about an academic education–least in my own case–is that it enables my tendency to over-intellectualise stuff, to get lost in abstract argument inside my head, instead of simply paying attention to what is going on right in front of me, paying attention to what is going on inside me.

As I’m sure you guys know by now, it is extremely difficult to stay alert and attentive, instead of getting hypnotised by the constant monologue inside your own head (may be happening right now). Twenty years after my own graduation, I have come gradually to understand that the liberal arts cliché about teaching you how to think is actually shorthand for a much deeper, more serious idea: learning how to think really means learning how to exercise some control over how and what you think. It means being conscious and aware enough to choose what you pay attention to and to choose how you construct meaning from experience. Because if you cannot exercise this kind of choice in adult life, you will be totally hosed. Think of the old cliché about “the mind being an excellent servant but a terrible master.”

This, like many clichés, so lame and unexciting on the surface, actually expresses a great and terrible truth. It is not the least bit coincidental that adults who commit suicide with firearms almost always shoot themselves in: the head. They shoot the terrible master. And the truth is that most of these suicides are actually dead long before they pull the trigger.

And I submit that this is what the real, no bullshit value of your liberal arts education is supposed to be about: how to keep from going through your comfortable, prosperous, respectable adult life dead, unconscious, a slave to your head and to your natural default setting of being uniquely, completely, imperially alone day in and day out. That may sound like hyperbole, or abstract nonsense. Let’s get concrete. The plain fact is that you graduating seniors do not yet have any clue what “day in day out” really means. There happen to be whole, large parts of adult American life that nobody talks about in commencement speeches. One such part involves boredom, routine and petty frustration. The parents and older folks here will know all too well what I’m talking about.

By way of example, let’s say it’s an average adult day, and you get up in the morning, go to your challenging, white-collar, college-graduate job, and you work hard for eight or ten hours, and at the end of the day you’re tired and somewhat stressed and all you want is to go home and have a good supper and maybe unwind for an hour, and then hit the sack early because, of course, you have to get up the next day and do it all again. But then you remember there’s no food at home. You haven’t had time to shop this week because of your challenging job, and so now after work you have to get in your car and drive to the supermarket. It’s the end of the work day and the traffic is apt to be: very bad. So getting to the store takes way longer than it should, and when you finally get there, the supermarket is very crowded, because of course it’s the time of day when all the other people with jobs also try to squeeze in some grocery shopping. And the store is hideously lit and infused with soul-killing muzak or corporate pop and it’s pretty much the last place you want to be but you can’t just get in and quickly out; you have to wander all over the huge, over-lit store’s confusing aisles to find the stuff you want and you have to manoeuvre your junky cart through all these other tired, hurried people with carts (et cetera, et cetera, cutting stuff out because this is a long ceremony) and eventually you get all your supper supplies, except now it turns out there aren’t enough check-out lanes open even though it’s the end-of-the-day rush. So the checkout line is incredibly long, which is stupid and infuriating. But you can’t take your frustration out on the frantic lady working the register, who is overworked at a job whose daily tedium and meaninglessness surpasses the imagination of any of us here at a prestigious college.

But anyway, you finally get to the checkout line’s front, and you pay for your food, and you get told to “Have a nice day” in a voice that is the absolute voice of death. Then you have to take your creepy, flimsy, plastic bags of groceries in your cart with the one crazy wheel that pulls maddeningly to the left, all the way out through the crowded, bumpy, littery parking lot, and then you have to drive all the way home through slow, heavy, SUV-intensive, rush-hour traffic, et cetera et cetera.

Everyone here has done this, of course. But it hasn’t yet been part of you graduates’ actual life routine, day after week after month after year.

But it will be. And many more dreary, annoying, seemingly meaningless routines besides. But that is not the point. The point is that petty, frustrating crap like this is exactly where the work of choosing is gonna come in. Because the traffic jams and crowded aisles and long checkout lines give me time to think, and if I don’t make a conscious decision about how to think and what to pay attention to, I’m gonna be pissed and miserable every time I have to shop. Because my natural default setting is the certainty that situations like this are really all about me. About MY hungriness and MY fatigue and MY desire to just get home, and it’s going to seem for all the world like everybody else is just in my way. And who are all these people in my way? And look at how repulsive most of them are, and how stupid and cow-like and dead-eyed and nonhuman they seem in the checkout line, or at how annoying and rude it is that people are talking loudly on cell phones in the middle of the line. And look at how deeply and personally unfair this is.

Or, of course, if I’m in a more socially conscious liberal arts form of my default setting, I can spend time in the end-of-the-day traffic being disgusted about all the huge, stupid, lane-blocking SUV’s and Hummers and V-12 pickup trucks, burning their wasteful, selfish, 40-gallon tanks of gas, and I can dwell on the fact that the patriotic or religious bumper-stickers always seem to be on the biggest, most disgustingly selfish vehicles, driven by the ugliest [responding here to loud applause] — this is an example of how NOT to think, though — most disgustingly selfish vehicles, driven by the ugliest, most inconsiderate and aggressive drivers. And I can think about how our children’s children will despise us for wasting all the future’s fuel, and probably screwing up the climate, and how spoiled and stupid and selfish and disgusting we all are, and how modern consumer society just sucks, and so forth and so on.

You get the idea.

If I choose to think this way in a store and on the freeway, fine. Lots of us do. Except thinking this way tends to be so easy and automatic that it doesn’t have to be a choice. It is my natural default setting. It’s the automatic way that I experience the boring, frustrating, crowded parts of adult life when I’m operating on the automatic, unconscious belief that I am the centre of the world, and that my immediate needs and feelings are what should determine the world’s priorities.

The thing is that, of course, there are totally different ways to think about these kinds of situations. In this traffic, all these vehicles stopped and idling in my way, it’s not impossible that some of these people in SUV’s have been in horrible auto accidents in the past, and now find driving so terrifying that their therapist has all but ordered them to get a huge, heavy SUV so they can feel safe enough to drive. Or that the Hummer that just cut me off is maybe being driven by a father whose little child is hurt or sick in the seat next to him, and he’s trying to get this kid to the hospital, and he’s in a bigger, more legitimate hurry than I am: it is actually I who am in HIS way.

Or I can choose to force myself to consider the likelihood that everyone else in the supermarket’s checkout line is just as bored and frustrated as I am, and that some of these people probably have harder, more tedious and painful lives than I do.

Again, please don’t think that I’m giving you moral advice, or that I’m saying you are supposed to think this way, or that anyone expects you to just automatically do it. Because it’s hard. It takes will and effort, and if you are like me, some days you won’t be able to do it, or you just flat out won’t want to.

But most days, if you’re aware enough to give yourself a choice, you can choose to look differently at this fat, dead-eyed, over-made-up lady who just screamed at her kid in the checkout line. Maybe she’s not usually like this. Maybe she’s been up three straight nights holding the hand of a husband who is dying of bone cancer. Or maybe this very lady is the low-wage clerk at the motor vehicle department, who just yesterday helped your spouse resolve a horrific, infuriating, red-tape problem through some small act of bureaucratic kindness. Of course, none of this is likely, but it’s also not impossible. It just depends what you want to consider. If you’re automatically sure that you know what reality is, and you are operating on your default setting, then you, like me, probably won’t consider possibilities that aren’t annoying and miserable. But if you really learn how to pay attention, then you will know there are other options. It will actually be within your power to experience a crowded, hot, slow, consumer-hell type situation as not only meaningful, but sacred, on fire with the same force that made the stars: love, fellowship, the mystical oneness of all things deep down.

Not that that mystical stuff is necessarily true. The only thing that’s capital-T True is that you get to decide how you’re gonna try to see it.

This, I submit, is the freedom of a real education, of learning how to be well-adjusted. You get to consciously decide what has meaning and what doesn’t. You get to decide what to worship.

Because here’s something else that’s weird but true: in the day-to-day trenches of adult life, there is actually no such thing as atheism. There is no such thing as not worshipping. Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship. And the compelling reason for maybe choosing some sort of god or spiritual-type thing to worship–be it JC or Allah, be it YHWH or the Wiccan Mother Goddess, or the Four Noble Truths, or some inviolable set of ethical principles–is that pretty much anything else you worship will eat you alive. If you worship money and things, if they are where you tap real meaning in life, then you will never have enough, never feel you have enough. It’s the truth. Worship your body and beauty and sexual allure and you will always feel ugly. And when time and age start showing, you will die a million deaths before they finally grieve you. On one level, we all know this stuff already. It’s been codified as myths, proverbs, clichés, epigrams, parables; the skeleton of every great story. The whole trick is keeping the truth up front in daily consciousness.

Worship power, you will end up feeling weak and afraid, and you will need ever more power over others to numb you to your own fear. Worship your intellect, being seen as smart, you will end up feeling stupid, a fraud, always on the verge of being found out. But the insidious thing about these forms of worship is not that they’re evil or sinful, it’s that they’re unconscious. They are default settings.

They’re the kind of worship you just gradually slip into, day after day, getting more and more selective about what you see and how you measure value without ever being fully aware that that’s what you’re doing.

And the so-called real world will not discourage you from operating on your default settings, because the so-called real world of men and money and power hums merrily along in a pool of fear and anger and frustration and craving and worship of self. Our own present culture has harnessed these forces in ways that have yielded extraordinary wealth and comfort and personal freedom. The freedom all to be lords of our tiny skull-sized kingdoms, alone at the centre of all creation. This kind of freedom has much to recommend it. But of course there are all different kinds of freedom, and the kind that is most precious you will not hear much talk about much in the great outside world of wanting and achieving…. The really important kind of freedom involves attention and awareness and discipline, and being able truly to care about other people and to sacrifice for them over and over in myriad petty, unsexy ways every day.

That is real freedom. That is being educated, and understanding how to think. The alternative is unconsciousness, the default setting, the rat race, the constant gnawing sense of having had, and lost, some infinite thing.

I know that this stuff probably doesn’t sound fun and breezy or grandly inspirational the way a commencement speech is supposed to sound. What it is, as far as I can see, is the capital-T Truth, with a whole lot of rhetorical niceties stripped away. You are, of course, free to think of it whatever you wish. But please don’t just dismiss it as just some finger-wagging Dr Laura sermon. None of this stuff is really about morality or religion or dogma or big fancy questions of life after death.

The capital-T Truth is about life BEFORE death.

It is about the real value of a real education, which has almost nothing to do with knowledge, and everything to do with simple awareness; awareness of what is so real and essential, so hidden in plain sight all around us, all the time, that we have to keep reminding ourselves over and over:

“This is water.”

It is unimaginably hard to do this, to stay conscious and alive in the adult world day in and day out. Which means yet another grand cliché turns out to be true: your education really IS the job of a lifetime. And it commences: now.

I wish you way more than luck.

The speech was originally published on the Kenyon College website .

Thanks for reading. You can get more actionable ideas in my popular email newsletter. Each week, I share 3 short ideas from me, 2 quotes from others, and 1 question to think about. Over 3,000,000 people subscribe . Enter your email now and join us.

James Clear writes about habits, decision making, and continuous improvement. He is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, Atomic Habits . The book has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 60 languages.

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Steve Reed speech on the Water (Special Measures) Bill

A speech by Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed on the introduction of the Water (Special Measures) Bill to Parliament.

A video of the speech can be found on YouTube . Full transcript below.

I’m delighted there’s so many people here from the many, many sectors who have an interest in water.

It’s important that we’re all here together from the different sectors because it is only by being together that I think we can find the answers to finally resolve this very profound problem that we have with the state of our water in this country.

If we were standing where we are now in the summer of 1858, we’d be overwhelmed by noxious fumes rising from the Thames, the result of a toxic mix of untreated sewage, refuse from livestock, chemical waste from factories.

The smell became so bad people were fainting in the streets, Parliament had to soak their blinds in a chloride of lime. Public health was at risk.

The stench, notorious in history as the Great Stink of 1858, reached such a point that the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, Benjamin Disraeli, was compelled to intervene.

On 15 July, Disraeli addressed the House of Commons. He lamented the demise of the Thames into, I quote, “a Stygian pool reeking with ineffable and intolerable horrors” and asked for leave to introduce a Bill that, in his words, would “attempt to terminate a state of affairs so unsatisfactory and fraught with so much danger to public health”.

This legislation became law on 2 August.

In step, civil engineer Sir Joseph Bazelgette was tasked to revolutionise the sewage system.

Between 1859 and 1875, 82 miles of underground sewers and over 1,000 miles of street sewers were built under Bazelgette’s guiding hand, stopping the free flow of sewage into the Thames.

This prevented bacteria entering drinking water, saving thousands of lives from cholera.

Bazelgette’s work was remarkable. But it was not in isolation. Water infrastructure was being built around the country.

Near Manchester, John Frederick Bateman was masterminding the Longendale Chain, a suite of reservoirs to supply fresh drinking water to Manchester and Salford.

And in 1896, construction of the Elan Aqueduct began - a series of pipelines and tunnels engineered by James Mansergh, covering 73 miles round hills, through valleys and over rivers to bring clean water from the Welsh Elan Valley to the city of Birmingham.

These feats of Victorian engineering were extraordinary.

They brought water to thousands of people, saved countless lives by tackling disease, and, in many cases, still supply fresh drinking water to our cities, towns and villages to this day.

The world has changed significantly since those times, but the problem of water pollution is all too familiar to us today.

In Bazelgette’s London, there was a population of 2 million. Fast forward to today and it’s close to ten. The UK population as a whole has grown from less than 20 million to 67 million.

With more people, we generate more waste, we put greater demands on our water supply, and today’s lifestyle has become reliant on water to fuel it.

We use water to cool power stations, vital to our electricity supply.

We use water to supply our leisure industries.

We use it to grow the crops that put food on our plates.

Those pressures on demand are made worse by our changing climate, with more frequent and prolonged floods and droughts putting strain on the system.

Of course, there have been upgrades and new infrastructure built in the intervening years, including the Thames Tideway Tunnel literally beneath our feet, but fourteen years of Tory failure have left much of our infrastructure in disrepair.

Instead of protecting our waterways, water companies were allowed to pay out multi-million-pound bonuses and billions in dividends and the Conservatives were too weak to stop them. 

The result? This year’s annual boat race here in Putney was overshadowed by health warnings telling rowers not to enter the water due to high levels of sewage.

Lake Windermere – one of the most beautiful spots in our country, inspiring generations of writers – is now better known for the sewage scandal than for Jemima Puddleduck.

It faces multiple sources of pollution – including agriculture run-off, storm overflows and septic tanks.

Our British countryside instils a deep sense of pride in all of us. But when I speak to people up and down the country, they feel their local river, lake or beach is now under threat – places they’ve visited all their lives, taken their children and their grandchildren to, are made filthy by pollution.

Our green and pleasant land is no longer so pleasant. Pride is turning to despair.

Water companies must be held accountable for their role in this – and they must take responsibility.

But, as we know, it’s not just about pollution.  Supply problems are becoming increasingly common.

Surely, it’s not right that in 21st century Britain, Brixham residents recently had to boil their water because of a parasite in the tap water.

More severe droughts linked to climate change are set to leave parts of our country facing significant water shortages by 2050, particularly in the southeast, with water companies forecasting that England needs to find an extra five billion litres of water a day by that same year. 

Yet despite this rising threat, no new reservoirs have been completed since 1992, with the resulting lack of resilient water supplies stopping us from building the new homes and critical infrastructure we need to grow the economy.

Firmer action should have been taken over the last 14 years to ensure money was spent on fixing the water and sewage system, not syphoned off for bonuses and dividend payments.

I am angry that over a decade of Conservative failure means customers will now have to pay higher bills to fix the system - this did not need to happen.     

But while I can’t undo the failure of the past – I can stop it ever happening again.

We’ve inherited a broken water system that affects us all – from the health and happiness of communities to the quality and resilience of our food system and the natural environment.

These are systemic issues that require a proper reset with a reformed water sector in a new partnership with government to bring in the vast quantities of investment that are needed.

It will take all of us - government, regulators, environmental groups, investors and industry bosses - working together to clean up our water.

Which is why we have invited all of you here today.

We cannot reform the water sector overnight but we are delivering on our manifesto commitments and the work of change has begun.

That change will come in three stages.

The first stage is the package of common-sense measures I announced in my first week as Secretary of State for the Environment.

Funding for vital infrastructure will now be ringfenced, meaning it can only be spent on upgrades that benefit customers and the environment - not diverted to pay bonuses, dividends or salary increases.   

Where money for investment is not spent, companies will refund it to their customers.

For the first time in history, customers will have the power to summon board members and hold water executives to account through new customer panels with teeth.

And we will strengthen protection and compensation for households and businesses when their basic water services are affected, including consulting on doubling the compensation customers are entitled to when their water supply is interrupted.

The second stage is the Bill we introduced into Parliament just yesterday.

It represents a significant increase in enforcement powers for the water regulators so regulators can take tougher and faster action to protect customers and the environment.

It will make sure the water companies are held to account.

Where there is persistent law-breaking, this Bill will make it easier for the Environment Agency to bring criminal charges.

It will create new tougher penalties - including imprisonment - for water companies if companies obstruct Environment Agency and Drinking Water Inspectorate investigations, and offences will be triable in both the Crown and Magistrates’ Courts, where previously the punishment in most cases was merely a fine.

The Environment Agency will get new powers to recover the costs of their enforcement activity from water companies, and ensure the Environment Agency has the resources, including staff, to take the enforcement action needed to hold polluters to account.

The previous Conservative government weakened the regulators by cutting their resources.

This government will make the polluter pay to get that firepower back.

Fixed Monetary Penalties will also be imposed by the Environment Agency as Automatic Fines - including for pollution and water resources offences, and for failure to comply with information requests and reporting requirements.

We will lift the current £300 cap on the penalties to reflect the scale of damage pollution is having on our waterways.

Since 2020, water chief executives have paid themselves over £41 million pounds in bonuses, benefits and incentives – despite the damage their companies have been causing.

This Bill will give Ofwat new powers to ban bonuses for the executives and senior leadership of water companies unless they meet high standards when it comes to protecting the environment, their consumers, financial resilience and criminal liability.

Water executives will no longer get away with polluting our rivers, lakes and seas – and then awarding themselves a bonus.

They will be held accountable – and if they fail to meet these standards, companies may need to remove executives from post or take other corrective actions.

To increase transparency, we will ensure there is independent monitoring of every single sewage outlet, including emergency overflows which are currently not fully monitored.

We will require water companies to install real-time monitors so the public and regulators have full transparency on where sewage spills are happening – within an hour of them happening. 

Companies will publish this data in a clear, accessible format - which will be independently scrutinised by the regulators and used as evidence in their investigations and there will be a new statutory requirement for water companies to publish annual plans to set out the steps they are taking to address their pollution incidents to ensure they do not keep happening.

This Bill is a significant step forward in fixing our broken water system.

It is an immediate down payment on the wider reform that’s needed after years of failure and environmental damage.

It holds polluting water companies to account after years where there has been no accountability. 

But we also face a much wider set of issues. 

Water companies need to attract the levels of private investment required to upgrade crumbling infrastructure and keep pace with population growth.

Major infrastructure projects to increase water storage capacity and sewer upgrades must be delivered at speed.

We need to better prepare for future impacts of climate change such as flooding and droughts, which are already causing significant impacts to our farmers. 

We need to better serve customers and the environment at a local and regional scale, with a catchment-level approach to tackle pollution sources such as chemicals, agriculture and road run-off. 

We need to reform the entire water system to resolve these very deep-rooted and complex problems which brings me to stage three of our long-term plan for change.

The government will carry out a full review to shape further legislation that will fundamentally transform how our entire water system works and clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.

We will ensure the framework that underpins our water sector delivers long-term stability, with clear, achievable targets that reflect the needs of customers and the environment at a catchment, regional and national scale, as well as enabling housing delivery and supporting the government’s growth mission.

We will invite views from a range of experts covering areas such as the environment, public health, consumers, investors, engineering, economics - as well as campaigners and this will include a public consultation to test the proposals and bring in a diverse range of views.

I will set out further details on the review later during the autumn.

Meanwhile, PR24 will proceed as planned to bring in much-needed investment.

By strengthening regulation and enforcing it consistently, we will create the conditions needed in a well regulated private sector model to attract the global investment required to rebuild our broken water infrastructure.

A sector that has been associated with decline and cover-ups will become one of growth and opportunity.

It will unlock the biggest ever investment in our water sector, and the second biggest private sector investment into any part of the economy for the entirety of this Parliament.  

This will help build nine new reservoirs and multiple large-scale water transfer schemes, 8,000 kilometres of water mains pipes and upgrade 2,500 storm overflows so they’re fit for purpose.

It will clean up our rivers, boost economic growth around the country by creating tens of thousands of jobs, and increase the resilience of our water supply that underpins every single home and every single business in the UK.

This is the change the country voted for. Greater investment to restore pride in our countryside; to ensure our landscapes remain places of beauty, attracting millions of visitors every year to support our rural economies; to provide opportunities for sports and recreation in clean waters, whether it’s rowing on the Thames, going for a morning dip at the local bathing spot, or fishing in a chalk stream; it will protect wildlife and biodiversity-rich water habitats that, in turn, can help us tackle the ever-growing impacts of climate change.

This is my approach, because it is the most effective way to clean up our water.

Nationalisation, which some have advocated, would cost billions of pounds and take years to unpick the current ownership model, leaving sewage pollution in the meantime to get worse and halt the much needed investment.

I am more interested in a model that works.    

The people represented in this room have the skills, ingenuity and determination to turn the sector around.

The stronger regulation introduced today sets the foundations for the investment we need and will ensure we deliver a better service for customers and the environment.

To generate sustained, long-term change, we must also recognise the need to restore nature.

This includes increasing tree planting and protecting habitats that store water such as peatlands and wetlands, which act as a natural barrier to flooding and reduce storm surges.

We will work with farmers to reduce agricultural run-off in our rivers and lakes, including progressing efforts to improve slurry storage and promote regenerative models of farming.

We will pioneer solutions through agri-tech, such as using satellite data and AI to apply fertilisers more precisely, and in Precision Breeding, such as higher yielding crops that could reduce the need for fertilisers that run into our rivers.

And we must all take individual responsibility for our own water use to reduce strain on the system.

Data obtained by Water UK showed every person in the UK uses an average of 152 litres of water a day – and 94% of us underestimate how much we use.

We have a target to reduce the amount of water used per person by 20% by 2038, and we will help consumers make more efficient water choices to achieve this, including working towards a Mandatory Water Efficiency Label for products, and working with regulators and industry on the rollout of smart meters to enable faster leak detection and repairs.

There’s a memorial on Victoria Embankment that commemorates Sir Joseph Bazelgette. It praises the man who “put the Thames in chains”. But this does not reflect what he did. Bazelgette freed the river so it could be used once more by the Londoners – and the wildlife - who relied on it.

As we face a renewed crisis in our waterways today, we too need to free our rivers, lakes and seas from the pollution that is killing them.

Our waterways should be a focus of national and local pride but they have been left filthy by years of pollution and underinvestment, for which there has not been enough accountability.

This government will reform the sector so we can invest in our waterways, boost economic growth, and clean up our polluted rivers.

This is a government of service focused on improving peoples’ lives.

I’m offering the water sector a reset and a new partnership to help us achieve that together.

There’s a lot of work to be done. And it won’t be done overnight.

My immediate focus is to make sure, from now on, that customers and the environment always come first, and that the water sector can attract the investment that’s needed.

Looking further ahead, our review will deliver a radical, long-term approach to reform the water sector and ensure we can sustain our communities and the environment in the decades to come.

I want to thank everyone who’s campaigned to bring this issue to the fore, and to those who work daily to protect our natural environment – the charities, eNGOs, national parks, Defra’s arm’s length bodies – and those who work in the water sector because they care about improving it.  

While I’m clear there is work to be done – I want to thank the water companies for working with me and signing up to my initial package of reforms.

I know, with the right approach, we will deliver the change this country wants to see.

Some of my fondest memories as a child are camping under the stars at scout camp, rock pooling down in Cornwall and paddling in the sea.

This is our opportunity to make sure our children – and their children – have the chance to create those same wonderful memories - to splash about in our lakes, row on our rivers, or spot a kingfisher on a summer’s day.

This is our opportunity to clean up our water once and for all.

Let’s seize that opportunity together.

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Police arrest spiritual speaker 'Maha Vishnu' over controversial speech on karma, rebirth

07 september 2024, 02:42 pm ist.

Representational Image | Canva

Chennai: Motivational and spiritual speaker Maha Vishnu has been detained by police on Saturday following his controversial remarks on karma and rebirth during a speech at government schools in Tamil Nadu. His comments, made on Teachers' Day, reportedly blamed children’s life struggles on their past actions and attracted widespread criticism.

State School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi assured that action will be taken against the speaker for his controversial speech at a government school here.

Members of the DYFI and SFI staged a protest here questioning the School Education Department for permitting spiritual awakening classes in state-run schools at Saidapet and Ashok Nagar, and demanded action against the speaker "Maha Vishnu" who runs Paramporul Foundation, an NGO.

Two government schools that invited Maha Vishnu to deliver a motivational speech too faced criticism, as he had used the school premises to blame the children and for brazenly addressing a differently-abled teacher who confronted him for his religious remarks.

In his speech, he had blamed the British for systematically destroying Gurukulams and claimed that by mere chanting of certain mantras one could cause a rain of fire, cure ailments and even fly.

"All these were written as scriptures by our ancestors but the British erased them," he had said in a video that went viral.

"If God was kind, everyone should be born equal. One is born rich or poor, a criminal or a hero. Why such differences? You have been given in this life based on what you did in your previous birth," he had said.

To this, a teacher objected and said, in the video, that he was invited for a motivational talk and not spiritual discourse on school premises. This led to an argument with Maha Vishnu who accused him of having "ego issues."

Amid the controversy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said that he had been emphasising the importance of education and the need to develop scientific thinking at numerous events since the last three years.

"Science is the way to progress," he said in a post on the social media platform X on Friday.

The best scientific ideas that the students needed to know were available in the high-quality textbooks. The teachers could bring out the best ideas needed to face future challenges with confidence and enhance knowledge, he said.

"Steps will be taken by the school education department to provide the necessary innovative training, and social education with the help of appropriate departmental experts and scholars," the Chief Minister said.

He had ordered the formulation and issuance of new guidelines to regulate various programmes in schools across Tamil Nadu, ensuring that all the school children who are the future generation received progressive scientific ideas and lifestyles.

Expressing shock over the speech, TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai claimed the speaker made irrational comments to promote superstition under the guise of a self-confidence motivation programme in a girls' school.

"I strongly condemn the speaker for publicly uttering Sanatana ideas which incite certain religious sentiments among the students. I welcome the transfer of the headmistress who organised this event," Selvaperunthagai said in a statement here.

The attempt of communal forces to infiltrate Tamil Nadu in the name of God and religion cannot be allowed in the land of rationalist leader Periyar Ramasamy and great leader Kamaraj, he said and stressed that schools should be a common place for all religions.

PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss accused the speaker of converting the school premises into a veritable ground for propagating superstitions and called for stringent action against the perpetrator.

Congress MP from Karur Jothimani condemned the incident and said this would undermine all efforts of the government's ideological battle.

"The government must act against whoever invited and allowed him to speak against the scientific temper, the very basic foundation of our education system, and humiliate the teacher who asked the right question," she said in a post on X.

Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram, who took to X said, "distressing to see a charlatan peddle gobbledygook in a government school in Tamil Nadu."

Meanwhile, a source in the School Education Department said the principals of the two schools who invited Maha Vishnu have been transferred and a departmental inquiry was on.

Tamil Nadu BJP state vice-president Narayanan Thirupathy sought to know why the school principal was transferred though she had clarified that the lecture was organised to motivate the students and that no religious comments were expressed.

The Minister's action on the principal, based on some social media posts, was not only ridiculous but also reprehensible, the BJP leader said.

"Without knowing that spirituality is science, the Tamil Nadu government is supporting the inimical forces that are sowing anti-Hindu thoughts in the name of rationality," he said in a post on the social media platform X and demanded that the government withdraw the transfer action initiated on the principal.

In another post, Narayanan wondered whether the Indian Constitution stated that spirituality should not be discussed in government schools. (with PTI inputs)

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Jagmeet Singh says he planned to break up with Trudeau 'way before' Poilievre dared him to

A day after the NDP leader pulled out of a deal with the Liberals, he holds a press conference that sounds very much like a campaign launch

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TORONTO — After tearing up his agreement to prop up the Liberal government, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh on Thursday held an election campaign launch event that seemed to do everything but launch an election campaign.

Jagmeet Singh says he planned to break up with Trudeau 'way before' Poilievre dared him to Back to video

It had all the elements of political show time: a coterie of supporters lined up behind him in a church basement in Toronto’s west end, applauding just a little too long at repetitive lines, even once barely saving a Canadian flag from awkwardly falling over. Local candidates showed up to introduce the boss, including former school trustee Norm Di Pasquale, whose initials make his name the most politically evocative in Toronto politics since former mayor John Tory.

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“This used to be a country where working hard earned you a good life, where a paycheque from a decent job got you a home that fit your family and a fridge full of groceries,” Singh said.

“Generations of Canadians fought to build a health-care system for everyone. Where the size of your wallet should never determine the quality of care you get — or who gets care the fastest. For millions of Canadians, the Canadian dream is fading. They are working harder than ever and falling farther behind. So many have lost hope, that they will ever be able to buy a home, that health care will be there for them in time, or that they will be able to retire.”

The lectern in front of him was emblazoned with a campaign slogan, “Restore Hope,” an empty vessel into which voters are invited to pour their dreams.

But this was not an election campaign launch. Not really. An election is “more likely,” Singh said, because of his decision to tear up the supply and confidence agreement, but he will still review any confidence or budget votes on a case by case basis.

For now, free of this agreement, it is the NDP alone against the rest of them.

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Justin Trudeau is too weak and selfish to stand up to corporate interests, Singh said, and he “has proven again and again that he will never stand up to the elites. He will always cave to corporate greed. And Canadians pay for it every time we pay our bills, buy our groceries or pay the rent.”

Pierre Poilievre will throw fuel on the fire of corporate greed, he said, turning Canadian civic life into “a free-for-all for the rich and the powerful with no one standing between the greedy giants and the rest of us.”

Singh spoke about his recent Liberal allies with scorn, almost in the past tense, as the cause of “endless disappointment and delay.” But he saved his most cutting lines for the Conservatives.

The choice in the next election — which despite Singh’s gambit still might not happen for another year — is between his NDP and Poilievre’s Conservatives, he said.

“There is a battle ahead of us, the fight for the Canada of our dreams, the fight against Pierre Poilievre and his callous agenda of Conservative cuts, the fight to restore hope, and the promise that working hard gets you a good life,” Singh said. “I’m ready for the fight.”

Dressed more for a funeral than a campaign launch in a grey suit and a black tie, Singh staked out the competing visions that he says will define the ballot choice.

“Everything Pierre Poilievre does is designed to take from you and give to the ultra-wealthy. He will sacrifice our kids’ future so that big oil companies can make more money, and so that rich CEOs can make higher profits off the backs of working people,” he said.

“Canadians aren’t selfish or cynical. We believe in lifting each other up, not tearing each other down. We’re a nation of people who take care of our neighbours. We’re a nation of builders. We’re a nation of believers. We will not let them tell us it can’t be done. Because if we are together, nothing is impossible. Big corporations and wealthy CEOs have had their government. It’s the people’s time.”

But he did not quite call for these visions to be put to the electoral test, or linger too long over his role in this government supposedly owned by fat cats. There are plenty of reasons for him not to seek an immediate election, not least that his party has kept the Liberals in minority power thanks to the first ever use of an unusual supply and confidence agreement.

Provincial New Democratic parties might balk at the federal party fighting a third election in five years, particularly in the West. Singh also dodged the question whether his party could even afford it.

Nor was it entirely clear what brought Singh the kingmaker to the brink of regicide.

Singh was adamant that it was not because Poilievre dared him to. He even snickered at the suggestion, and said Poilievre has been saying that for two years.

“I will never ever take advice from Pierre Poilievre,” Singh said.

He claimed his video about ending the deal with the Liberals was prepared “way before” Poilievre challenged him to pull out of the pact at a press conference last week, casting Poilievre’s heckling as more of a political gamble that paid off than a principled call to action.

He did not address recent NDP polling numbers, which are not great, although pretty close to even with the Liberals.

But he was clear that the forced arbitration that ended the recent railway lockout and stoppage was a major factor in his decision. He described that as two large profitable corporations that “colluded to set up a scenario where both those companies were in a labour dispute at the same time.” This is “suspect,” and “not a coincidence,” he said.

But instead of putting the blame on the railways, or letting the labour negotiations proceed, Trudeau “decided to basically reward bad faith,” Singh said.

“That absolutely added to the evidence that we had that Justin Trudeau and the Liberals were too beholden to corporate interests to actually stand up to them, to stand up for Canadians,” Singh said.

All in all, this was an effort to cast a failed relationship as a sort of new beginning, to look back on the New Democrats’ minority marriage to the Liberals in the most charitable light of self-regard, and to let loose bitter criticisms after months of bottling them up.

“We accomplished some significant things for Canadians,” Singh said. “We got dental care for millions of Canadians, we were able to get the first steps on pharmacare. We were able to get things done that made people’s lives better. But it became very clear to me, after having got those important things done, that people need more. And Justin Trudeau is unwilling, does not have the courage, doesn’t have the strength, and is too beholden to corporations, to stop big corporations from ripping off Canadians, which is driving up the cost of groceries, driving up the cost of rent. So we have have now ripped up the agreement, and will move to a vote by vote basis.”

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Two FIRs against Nitesh Rane for alleged hate speech against Muslims

In videos from the two rallies, rane is seen threatening members of muslim community if they said anything against hindu seer mahant ramgiri maharaj..

Mumbai: The Ahmednagar police have registered two first information reports (FIRs) against Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Nitesh Rane for allegedly delivering hate speeches and creating a rift between communities. The FIRs were registered at the Shrirampur and Topkhana police stations after members of the Muslim community protested and demanded action to be taken against the Kankavli MLA for his provocative remarks.

Rane addressed two public meetings in Shrirampur and Topkhana on Sunday in support of Hindu seer Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj, who had last month made derogatory remarks about Islam and Prophet Muhammad.

In videos from the two rallies that have gone viral, Rane is seen threatening members of the Muslim community with violence if they said anything against the seer. “I am threatening you in the language you understand. If you say anything against our Ramgiri Maharaj, we will enter your mosque and beat you up one by one. Keep this in mind,” he said.

Also Read | Mumbai police issues notice to BJP MLA Nitesh Rane in Disha Salian death case

Rane’s comments caused an uproar, with Muslims gathering in big numbers outside the Ahmednagar police superintendent’s office on Sunday, demanding a case to be registered against the BJP MLA. The police then registered two FIRs against Rane late on Sunday. Rane is expected to be summoned for questioning by police in a couple of days.

In a post on X, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader and former MLA Waris Pathan requested Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde and deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to arrest Rane for spreading hatred against Muslims. “This is inflammatory and hate speech. BJP is trying to create communal violence in Maharashtra before the state assembly polls,” he said.

Reacting to the criticism, Rane said on Monday, “My statement was a reaction to an action. My statement was to assure Hindus that they should be scared, and I am a Hindu Gabbar Singh.”

After his objectionable remarks last month, Ramgiri Mahara too was booked by the police in many places across Maharashtra.

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