It is often said that Mughal-e-Azam remains one of the most referenced films in Indian popular culture. Decades after its release, Salim, Anarkali and Akbar continue to appear in jokes, memes and political commentary. On World Environment Day, I decided to imagine what a conversation between Salim and Anarkali might sound like.

Salim: Anarkali, aaj World Environment Day hai.

Anarkali: Toh?

Salim: Shahenshah ne “Mughal Green Mission” shuru kiya hai. Farman jaari hua hai. Har darbari ko ek paudha lagana hoga. Maa ke naam par paudha lagane par do extra points bhi milenge.

Anarkali: Meri Maa mujhe bahut tang karti hain. Kya main Papa ke naam par ped laga sakti hoon? Aur ped ko paani kaun dega?

Salim: Papa ke naam par social media par likes kam aate hain. Paani dene ke liye alag department banaya jayega. Uska faisla agle saal ke World Environment Day par hoga.

Anarkali: Isiliye kehte hain, privatisation mein hi samajhdari hai. Mere bhai ki company ne bhi World Environment Day par mail bheji hai, “Think Green.” Chaudah pages lambi hai aur saath mein teen PDFs attached hain.

Salim: Umm…

Anarkali: Salim, pichhle saal paudha lagate waqt tum bahut khush lag rahe thay.

Salim: Kyunki tasveer achhi aati hai.

Anarkali: Aur paani dete waqt?

Salim: Tab photographer nahi tha.

Every year on 5 June, the nation wakes up with a sudden urge to save the planet. People who defend the cutting of hundreds of trees to widen roads share inspirational quotes about nature. For twenty-four hours, social media turns everyone into an environmental expert. Timelines fill up with messages declaring, “There is no Planet B.” Corporate offices distribute saplings to employees and launch green campaigns through lengthy emails.

Meanwhile, the neighbourhood tree continues its thankless service. It provides shade during scorching summers, oxygen without subscription fees, shelter to birds, and a convenient landmark for directions and parking. The friendly neem tree is fortunate that nobody calls it “do kaudi ka” before cutting it down. No prime-time debates are held to defend its existence. No emotional farewell speeches are delivered. One day it is simply gone.

The irony is that trees ask for very little. They do not need hashtags, certificates, awards or commemorative photographs. A little water, a little care and a little space are usually enough.

So by all means, celebrate World Environment Day. Hug a tree if you wish. Water a plant. Avoid printing unnecessary documents. Carry a cloth bag, refill your water bottle, switch off lights that are not needed, and try to keep a balcony plant alive through the summer.

The Earth will appreciate these gestures far more than another motivational quote or a green-heart emoji. It would probably prefer fewer speeches and slightly more watering cans. Planting a ceremonial tree once a year is a good beginning, but wasting less, planting more, conserving water, and treating public spaces as our own are what truly make a difference.

Photos and text by Prerna Jain. Mughal meme created by AI.