Written By Yashvi Jalan (Grade 9)
“Water is the driving force of all nature” – Leonardo Da Vinci
An elixir is often defined as a substance held capable for prolonging life indefinitely or a medical concoction that is considered to be the cure of all diseases. The aforementioned can be an apt definition for water in the context of life.
Be it agriculture or industries or domestic chores, water is the backbone of everything a human mind can conceive. In fact, taking history into consideration, we can presume that all civilizations and committees were formed near perennial rivers so that there was no hindrance in meeting one’s daily requirements. For example, the Harrapan Civilization (3300 – 2600 BCE) was located near the Indus River, the Sumerian Civilization (4100 – 1750 BCE) was found between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers and the Egyptian Civilization (around 3100 BCE) also developed along the Nile River. Even our ancestors were aware of the significance of water. But somehow, we have forgotten it!
During viral or bacterial infections, one is advised to increase their intake of water as it drains out the toxic materials from the body. Starting from acne on the skin to a sore throat, water can provide a cure for everything. Complex procedures such as haemodialysis and dental treatment are entirely reliable on water. This implies the therapeutic power of water. Nevertheless, we humans undermine the value of the same.
However, I would like to accentuate a point of immediate concern. Can you imagine a life without water? Well, as far as my instincts are concerned, the answer would be ‘No’. On the flip side, 4 billion people from all across the world are dwelling with this condition as of now. It is estimated that this number would rise to a great extent by the year 2025. This is because water resources are depleting at an alarming rate. Out of the total water available on Earth, merely 1% of it is consumable. By not using such a small amount judiciously, we are not only endangering our existence but are also putting the life of our future generation at stake.
This article does not unfold with itself extraordinary facts. Each individual is well acquainted with these, but the problem is that we remain unaffected. It does not matter to us whether water is losing its grandeur and essence because we still get to live an extravagant life and all our desires are fulfilled. It doesn’t matter to us whether billions of people are thirsty for a drop of water whereas we are daily wasting tons of the same because it is after all their problem. It is well said that in order to understand one’s difficulty, we have to step into their shoes. We will realise the notability of water only when we are subjected to the same situation. Many reformers have tried to instil a change in the mindset of people by advocating conservation measures such as rooftop rain harvesting. But we continue to remain unchanged!
So, it’s high time that humans appeal to their self-consciousness before it’s too late to rectify our mistakes.
Featured Image Courtesy – Britannica
