National Saraswat Award for Mumbai green activist

Mumbai: Under the series ‘Shabd Yudh, Aatank Ke Virudh’, (war of words against terrorism), city-based green activist NatConnect Connect Foundation Director B N Kumar has been felicitated with the ‘Saraswat Award’ under the Environment category.

Arvind Sharma ‘Rahi’, chairman of Shruti Samvaad Sahitya Kala Academy which instituted the annual awards, said attack on the environment is no less serious than a terror attack. Hence, the literature awards committee has decided to include the environment as a serious subject for the Saraswat Awards. The word Saraswat has been derived from goddess of education Saraswati.

The award citation for Kumar noted that he and his NatConnect have been instrumental in the campaign to get the Flamingo City tag for Navi Mumbai.

It also appreciated the activist for his relentless drive to protect mangroves, wetlands and the hills in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) from destruction under the guise of development, and increase awareness among the people and accountability among the officials.

Talking to Bizz Buzz, Kumar said, “I dedicate it to all fellow environment activists for their selfless fight.”

The other award winners include Prof Nandlal Pathak (Lifetime achievement award for literature), Vimal Mishra (Journalism), Vinod Dube (Popular Literature), Naresh Kumar (Dr Anant Srimali Memorial Official Language Award), Dr Dayanand Tiwari (Education), Alka Pandey (Social Service), Shankar Mishra (acting) and Adv Suresh Sharma (Citizen Awareness).

The award function was held at the Institute of Engineers, CBD-Belapur on Saturday night.