By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra (RLEK), a Dehradun-based NGO, on Thursday conferred an environmental award to Dr Asha Rawal, in recognition of her continuous support for environmental causes and her efforts to promote sustainability through community engagement.
RLEK, which works to promote environment protection and human rights, confers Environmental Awards to individuals who have made notable contributions to the ecosystem in the memory of its founder Padmashree Avdhash Kaushal.
This year, the award was presented to Dr. Asha Rawal, an RLEK statement said.
RLEK also organized a special event themed “doing away with plastic pollution” to mark the World Environment Day.
The event aimed to inspire collective action against plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices. Volunteers from RLEK, comprising law and journalism students, undertook a significant environmental initiative at Maldevta. The team not only cleaned the riverbanks but also engaged with tourists through interviews and performed an effective Nukkad Natak to raise awareness on the escalating issue of plastic pollution.
The event concluded with an emotional and inspiring address by Dr. S. Farooq, who left the audience deeply moved with his words: “Jhulasati dhoop me, maine jise ek din paani pilaya tha, woh chidiya roz aati hai mujhe duaa deke jaati hai.” His message served as a gentle yet powerful reminder of the compassion we must extend — not just to fellow human beings, but to all living creatures.
Ending on a poignant note, he urged everyone to protect the environment with these stirring lines: “Jannat sa vatan yaaro, dozakh na bana dena hoshiyaro.” His words encapsulated the spirit of the day — a call to preserve the beauty of our land through conscious and collective action.
Pratima Menon, Chairperson of RLEK, addressed the gathering and shared heartfelt reflections on the organisation’s journey and its continued commitment to the legacy of Avdhash Kaushal. She praised the youth for their active participation and reminded everyone that lasting change begins at the grassroots level.
The program featured awareness-driven activities including the nukkad natak, presentations and interactive sessions designed to engage and educate the audience. The atmosphere was both reflective and hopeful, inspiring attendees to consider their personal impact on the environment and take steps toward more sustainable living.
The event concluded with closing remarks from the dignitaries, who emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in protecting our environment. As conversations continued beyond the formal program, one message stood clear: each individual has the power to make a difference, starting today.