The Importance of Earth Day Celebration Globally

Daily writing prompt
What makes you nervous?

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EARTHDAY.ORG including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries. The official theme for 2024 is “Planet vs. Plastics.” 2025 will be the 55th anniversary of Earth Day.

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Earth Day, observed annually on April 22, is a pivotal event dedicated to endorsing environmental protection. Launched in 1970, this day marks an era of increasing environmental awareness and advocacy. As we approach the 55th anniversary of this crucial occasion in 2025, it’s essential to look back at its origins, achievements, and the ongoing efforts to safeguard our planet.

The Inception of Earth Day

The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, catalyzed by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as a nationwide teach-in on environmental issues. It mobilized 20 million Americans from various social backgrounds to advocate for a healthy, sustainable environment. This overwhelming response highlighted the importance of the environment in national discourse and led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Additionally, it spurred the passage of critical environmental laws, such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.

Global Expansion and Impact

Over the decades, Earth Day grew from a national event in the United States to a global movement. Coordinated by EARTHDAY.ORG, the initiative now encompasses 1 billion people across more than 193 countries, making it one of the largest secular observances in the world. Each year, activities range from tree planting and community clean-ups to educational forums and policy advocacy, all aimed at fostering a sustainable future.

Earth Day 2024: “Planet vs. Plastics”

The theme for Earth Day 2024, “Planet vs. Plastics,” underscores a critical environmental challenge. Plastics, particularly single-use plastics, have become a ubiquitous and formidable pollutant, clogging our waterways, harming marine life, and contributing to health problems in humans and animals. The focus on plastics aims to ignite change in consumption patterns, promote alternatives to plastic products, and encourage policies that reduce plastic waste.

Toward the 55th Anniversary

As we approach the 55th anniversary of Earth Day in 2025, it is a moment to reflect on past achievements and renew our commitment to environmental stewardship. The challenges we face today—climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution—are daunting, but the spirit of Earth Day encourages collaborative action and innovative solutions.

How to Participate

Participating in Earth Day can take many forms, whether it’s joining a local clean-up, educating oneself and others about sustainable practices, or supporting environmental policies. Everyone’s involvement counts. As individuals, we can make impactful changes in our daily lives, such as reducing plastic use, recycling more efficiently, and supporting sustainable businesses.

Conclusion

Earth Day serves as a yearly reminder of the power and responsibility we hold to maintain and enhance the health of our planet. It is a day for action and advocacy, a chance to unite globally around the protection of the environment, our shared home. As Earth Day continues to evolve and inspire, the call to protect our planet becomes more urgent. Let’s heed this call and ensure that every day is Earth Day.

References

Bowman, K. (1996). Attitudes toward the environment twenty-five years after Earth Day (pp. 179-189). Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

Christofferson, B. (2009). The man from clear lake: Earth day founder senator Gaylord Nelson. University of Wisconsin Pres.

Dehalwar, K., & Singh, J. (2015). A Critical Evaluation of the main Causes of Water Management Problems in Indian Urban Areas. International Research Journal of Environment Sciences. 48.

Dehalwar, K. (2015). Basics of Environment Sustainability and Environmental Impact Assessment. In Basics of Environment Sustainability and Environmental Impact Assessment (pp. 1–208). Edupedia Publications Pvt Ltd. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8321058

Dunaway, F. (2008). Gas masks, pogo, and the ecological Indian: Earth Day and the visual politics of American environmentalism. American Quarterly60(1), 67-99.

Freeman III, A. M. (2002). Environmental policy since Earth day I: what have we gained?. Journal of Economic Perspectives16(1), 125-146.

Sharma, S. N., Dehalwar, K., Kumar, G., & Vyas, S. (2023). Redefining Peri-urban Urban Areas. Thematics Journal of Geography12(3), 7-13.

Sharma, S. N., Kumar, A., & Dehalwar, K. (2024). The Precursors of Transit-oriented Development. Economic and Political Weekly59(14), 16-20.

Tips of writing a Good Resume for job

Daily writing prompt
What makes you nervous?

Creating a compelling resume is crucial in the job application process, as it’s often your first opportunity to make a good impression on potential employers. A well-crafted resume can help you stand out from the competition and secure an interview. Here are some practical tips for writing an effective resume:

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1. Tailor Your Resume to the Job

Customize your resume for each job you apply to. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job description. Use keywords from the job listing to improve the chances of your resume passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

2. Keep It Concise

Limit your resume to one or two pages depending on your experience. Be concise and to the point. Employers often skim resumes quickly, so make sure your most relevant accomplishments are easy to find.

3. Use a Professional Format

Choose a clean, professional layout. Stick to traditional fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri, and keep the font size between 10 and 12 points. Use bullet points to organize information and make it easily digestible.

4. Start with a Strong Summary

Include a brief summary at the top of your resume that outlines your qualifications and career goals. This should be tailored to align with the job you’re applying for, showing how your goals and skills match the needs of the employer.

5. Highlight Your Achievements

Focus on your achievements rather than just your duties. Use action verbs such as “developed,” “led,” and “enhanced” to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments. Where possible, quantify your achievements with figures and facts to show the impact of your work.

6. Include Relevant Skills

List skills that are relevant to the job. Include both hard skills (like software proficiency or languages) and soft skills (like communication or leadership). This section can help you stand out if you possess skills that are highly desirable for the position.

7. Education and Certifications

Include your education and any relevant certifications or training. List the degree, the institution where you obtained it, and the graduation year if it’s within the last five years. For recent graduates, education can be listed above professional experience.

8. Professional Experience

List your professional experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Include your title, the name of the company, and the dates of your employment. For each position, provide a brief list of your responsibilities and achievements.

9. Use a Cover Letter to Add Context

Always include a cover letter unless specifically instructed not to. This is your chance to explain your resume in more detail and personalize your application. The cover letter can address points that your resume doesn’t, such as employment gaps or major career shifts.

10. Proofread

Errors can make you look careless. Thoroughly proofread your resume for spelling and grammar mistakes. Consider having a friend or a professional review it to catch errors you might have missed.

11. Include Volunteer Work or Side Projects

If relevant, include volunteer work, side projects, or hobbies that demonstrate skills applicable to the job. This can be particularly useful for candidates who lack formal work experience but have relevant skills developed elsewhere.

By following these tips, you can create a resume that not only showcases your skills and experiences but also aligns closely with the job you are applying for, increasing your chances of landing your next job interview.

Understanding Sociology: Scope and Relevance of the Discipline

Daily writing prompt
What makes you nervous?

By Kavita Dehalwar

Sociology is a captivating field of study that delves into the intricacies of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. It explores the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts. By examining social and cultural phenomena, sociology helps us understand the underpinnings of our everyday experiences and broader societal issues.

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Overview of Sociology as a Discipline

Sociology emerged in the early 19th century, during a time of profound social transformation in Europe. The industrial revolution, urbanization, and the emergence of modern states shaped the original questions sociologists sought to answer. Pioneers like Émile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Max Weber developed foundational theories that illuminated how societies maintain and change their structures, and how individuals and groups influence and are influenced by these structures.

At its core, sociology is the systematic study of social behavior and human groups. It focuses on understanding the ways in which people behave in society, how social and economic forces influence that behavior, and how societies and their various institutions are structured and function. Sociologists use various methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about social order, disorder, and change.

Scope of Sociology

The scope of sociology is extremely broad. It covers everything from the analysis of short conversations between strangers on the street to the study of global social processes. Here are the key areas:

  • Social Organization: Examines the structure of social groups and organizations, including families, workplaces, and religious congregations.
  • Social Psychology: Focuses on how individual behavior is shaped by social interactions and how social environments influence personal decisions.
  • Social Change: Studies how societies change over time, considering factors like technological advancements, economic shifts, and cultural trends.
  • Sociological Theory: Develops theories to explain social behaviors and phenomena, often looking at issues of power, inequality, and social structure.
  • Comparative Sociology: Compares social phenomena across different cultures and historical periods to identify patterns and variations.

Methods in Sociology

Sociologists employ a range of methods to gather and analyze data. Quantitative methods, such as surveys and statistical analysis, help in understanding patterns and making generalizations about societal behaviors. Qualitative methods, including interviews, field observations, and ethnography, provide deeper insights into the meanings, experiences, and contexts of social life.

Relevance of Sociology

Sociology holds immense relevance in understanding and addressing contemporary social issues:

  • Social Inequality: By studying patterns of inequality based on class, race, gender, and sexuality, sociology provides insights into the causes and effects of these disparities and suggests ways to address them.
  • Globalization: Sociologists examine how global interconnectivity influences economic dynamics, cultural exchanges, and political movements.
  • Urbanization: Exploring issues related to urban life, including housing, gentrification, and community organization, helps in planning better cities.
  • Health and Wellbeing: Sociological research into health disparities and access to healthcare services informs public health policies and practices.
  • Technology and Society: As technology transforms how we live and work, sociology studies its impact on social interactions, employment, privacy, and ethical considerations.

Conclusion

Sociology offers valuable perspectives on the complexities of social life, equipping us to better understand ourselves and the world around us. Its broad scope and diverse methods allow sociologists to address both timeless social questions and pressing contemporary issues. As societies continue to evolve, the insights provided by sociology will be crucial in shaping public policies, enhancing social welfare, and promoting a deeper understanding of social dynamics. Thus, sociology not only enriches our understanding of the social world but also empowers us to actively participate in its ongoing transformation.

References

Alexander, I., & Robertson, S. (2004). Understanding project sociology by modeling stakeholders. IEEE software21(1), 23-27.

Barkan, S. E. (2011). Sociology: Understanding and changing the social world. Boston, MA: Flat World Knowledge, Incorporated.

Brown, R. (2013). Understanding industrial organizations: Theoretical perspectives in industrial sociology. Routledge.

Dehawar, K. The Harsh Reality of Slum Life in Bhopal: A Closer Look at Poor Living Conditions.

Dehalwar, K. Sociology and Sociological Imaginations.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2024). Exploring the Distinctions between Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods. Think India Journal27(1), 7-15.

Plummer, K. (2021). Sociology: the basics. Routledge.

Sharma, S. N. (2023). Understanding Citations: A Crucial Element of Academic Writing.

Sharma, S. N. Embracing Individuality: Exploring Personal Traits That Make Us Unique.

Sharrock, W., Hughes, J. A., & Martin, P. J. (2003). Understanding modern sociology. Sage.

Stark, W. (2020). The sociology of knowledge: Toward a deeper understanding of the history of ideas. Routledge.