On the occasion of World Environment Day, celebrated globally on June 5, renowned philosopher and spiritual teacher Acharya Prashant was honoured with the “Most Impactful Environmentalist” award by the Green Society of India. The recognition acknowledges his pioneering role in blending spiritual insight with ecological responsibility, inspiring millions to adopt sustainable lifestyles.
Accepting the award, Acharya Prashant delivered a compelling message that climate collapse is not merely an external phenomenon but a reflection of internal human turmoil. “The glaciers are melting because our minds are burning with greed. Oceans are rising because our desires know no bounds. Before we act responsibly, we must learn to think clearly. True environmentalism begins not in policy, but in consciousness,” he declared.
Challenging the conventional discourse on environmentalism, he posed a critical question: “When we talk about the environment, we mention forests and rivers — but what about ourselves? What kind of inner pollution drives us to destroy the planet?”
Acharya Prashant warned against reducing environmentalism to metrics and data, noting, “We obsess over the Air Quality Index, but never talk about the ‘Human Quality.’ The problem lies not in the air, but in us.”
He criticized the prevailing utilitarian mindset in environmental activism, stating, “If we were handed another planet after destroying this one, most people would stop caring immediately. That’s not reverence — that’s opportunism.”
To catalyze change, Acharya Prashant has launched “Operation 2030”, a nationwide campaign to awaken India’s youth to the urgency of the climate crisis. The initiative aligns with the UN’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C by 2030 and aims to create a new generation of ecologically conscious leaders equipped with inner clarity, courage, and collective vision.
A unique aspect of Acharya Prashant’s approach is his ability to link timeless spiritual wisdom with modern environmental challenges. His Bhagavad Gita Teaching Program, which has engaged over 100,000 learners, is central to his ecological outreach and recently hosted the world’s largest Gita-based spiritual examination online.
Drawing from Vedanta, Buddhism, existentialism, and Western philosophy, his teachings resonate deeply with students and intellectuals across top institutions including UC Berkeley, Bard College, IITs, IIMs, IISc, and AIIMS.
In his concluding remarks, Acharya Prashant issued a stirring call to action: “We are not running out of time — we’ve already run out. 2030 is not just a target, it’s a lifeline. This planet needs a million mutinies — in how we live, consume, and think. Real change must erupt within classrooms, homes, workplaces — and inside ourselves. The only real solution now is an inner revolution.”
As the world marks another World Environment Day, Acharya Prashant’s message cuts through surface-level pledges, offering a profound reminder: ecological transformation must begin within — and the time to start is now.