Springing To Action, Not So Silently
[April 2024 Vol 38]
Welcome to another edition from our hot and sunny deck. If you live somewhere cool and nice, do take a moment to appreciate nature's gift.
In 1969, a massive oil spill in California prompted a US Senator and an activist to call upon students to speak up for the environment. 20 million Americans answered their call. They turned up on the streets, protesting against air and water pollution. Thus Earth Day was born in the US. 1990 saw it take on a global hue, becoming World Earth Day—now celebrated on the 22nd of April.
Earth Day has prodded nations to prioritise environmental issues for 50+ years. The Paris Climate Accord was also signed on Earth Day in 2016. Signing countries committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to minimise climate change. India promised to propagate "a healthy and sustainable way of living based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation."
As we parched Bengalureans await the rains, an ancient prayer comes to mind.
काले वर्षतु पर्जन्यः पृथिवी सस्यशालिनी ।
देशोऽयं क्षोभरहितः सज्जनास्सन्तु निर्भयाः ॥
Let there be timely rains. May Mother Earth be clothed in green.
Let our land be free of misery. May citizens live without any fear.
Storytelling goes beyond fiction
By now you are acutely aware of our obsession with stories. Our company tagline is “Stories that start conversations”. Even this newsletter is called "Stories from the CB Deck".
We use storytelling to build learning programs as well as present facts and figures. Numbers are hard to remember. They don't evoke emotion. But wrapped in a story, they present the reader with the full context and make an impact.
Yes, we make every attempt to share our love for stories with everyone. And, in all our interactions😀.
Dare to Dream. Create Reality.
Unless you are a born storyteller, you may need to practice and hone your storytelling skills. If you would like to use stories to connect better with your customers or negotiate a better deal in sticky situations, check out the SmartEES Creator pack.
Celebrating the power of books
April 23rd is World Book Day. UNESCO chose Shakespeare's death anniversary for this celebration of books and reading.
This fortnight, let’s celebrate Rachel Carson’s seminal book "Silent Spring" which caused a furore when it was published in 1962. She highlighted the extent of damage commonly used pesticides caused to wildlife, domestic animals and humans. This bestseller book created mass awareness and unwittingly set the stage for the first Earth Day.
“In nature nothing exists alone.”
—Rachel Carson in “Silent Spring”
Peace✌🏽
- Madhavi Nadig
An Animal-Loving Bibliophile