By Shashank Pasupuleti
Hyderabad, July 10, 2026: The ECG Foundation underscored the need to place environmental sustainability, biodiversity and public health at the heart of India’s development agenda during the Forum for Nationalist Thinkers programme held at Hotel Taj Deccan in Hyderabad.
The conference, themed “Democracy, Diplomacy and Development: Foregrounding India’s People, Partnerships and Progress,” featured Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda as Chief Guest and keynote speaker, while Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy attended as Guest of Honour. Vice Chancellors, senior academicians, policymakers and intellectuals from diverse fields also participated.
A senior ECG Foundation delegation comprising doctors, scientists, environmentalists, psychologists and academicians interacted with dignitaries on environmental conservation, healthcare, education, mental well-being and sustainable development. As part of its green initiative, the Foundation presented plants to dignitaries and participants, promoting biodiversity protection and sustainable living.
Padma Shri Prof. Dr. P. Hanumantha Rao, Founder of Sweekaar Rehabilitation Centre, said environmental protection must be recognised as a public-health and human-development priority.
“Protecting nature is ultimately about protecting people. Every tree we plant and every ecosystem we preserve contributes to the health, dignity and well-being of future generations,” he said.
Prof. Dr. Tulasi Rao, IFS, Former Director, Biodiversity, said development planning must move beyond plantation numbers and focus on restoring native ecosystems and protecting biodiversity.
“Ecological security is fundamental to long-term economic and human security. Protecting native species, water systems and natural habitats must become an integral part of development planning,” he said.
Prof. Dr. Markandeyulu, Founder-Secretary of ECG Foundation, Senior Pediatrician and Environmentalist, said environmental conservation and mental well-being are deeply interconnected, stressing that biodiversity protection is an investment in the physical, emotional and psychological health of future generations.
Other members of the delegation included Dr. Nomula Venkateshwarlu, Senior Psychologist; Sri Santhan Kumar, Retired Director, ISRO; Prof. Dr. K.L. Narayana Rao, Senior Counsellor and Psychotherapist; Prof. Dr. Ramaswamy, Author and Poet; Prof. Narasimha Das, Horticulture Scientist; Prof. Dr. Kodati Vijayalakshmi, Senior Gynaecologist and Genetics Specialist; Prof. Dr. Dhanasri, Senior Gynaecologist and Physiologist; Dr. Shruthi, Infertility Specialist; Dr. Jyothsna, Senior Pediatrician; Dr. Raju, Facio-Maxillary Surgeon; and Dr. Ramohan, Wellness Coach.
The ECG Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to plantation programmes, biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness initiatives across Telangana and India under its guiding message: “Think Globally and Act Ecologically.”
