SADIK AHMED PRANTO

In John Milton’s epic Paradise Lost (1667), Adam and Eve were exiled to Earth as punishment. But have we, however, turned this Earth into a hell? A planet we were cast out of is now being destroyed by us.

In today's war-torn, environmentally struggling world, the question arises: Are we the guardians or destroyers of the Earth? In seeking the answer, we may lose ourselves from this Earth, as five mass extinctions have occurred before.

In Milton’s narrative, Earth is a place of punishment for humans. But today, the wars we create bring not only human misery but environmental devastation. As a result, forests are being cut down, fossil fuel use is increasing, and carbon emissions are rising. When a bomb blast kills all the members of a family and only one member survives, he/she witnesses the tragic death of loved ones. Can we truly understand his/her plight and the extent to which war harms their life?

Have we turned the Earth into our enemy, or have we sacrificed it to fulfill our desires? From the First World War to the Israel-Palestine conflict, wars have only weakened the Earth, and we are responsible. Yet, this planet is our only refuge. The paradox is that we think of Earth as a punishment, yet by destroying it, we only intensify our suffering.

What is the purpose of human existence? Are we here only to consume nature’s resources, or is it our duty to protect the Earth for future generations? In Jibanananda Das’s poem Bodh, he expresses despair over the exploitation of nature, a sentiment that resonates strongly today. His lines:

সব চিন্তা—প্রার্থনার সকল সময়

শূন্য মনে হয়,

শূন্য মনে হয়।

We claim to love nature but cut down trees, pollute rivers, and release toxins into the atmosphere. Our "prayers" seem meaningless. Has this neglect of nature led to our existential crisis? If we only consume, the Earth will one day reject us. To be protected, must we first become protectors? Yes.

In Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis, Gregor Samsa wakes up one day to find himself transformed into an insect. Are we, like him, trapped in a mechanical existence? As we get involved in competition, greed, and hatred, we lose our humanity. In the age of technology, relationships have become pixelated—broken family ties. Love, trust, and empathy are fading. Are we not losing the meaning of our existence? Wars, pollution, and greed are signs of us turning into 'insects.'

The more we become mechanical, the more we will be disconnected and alienated from society, nature, and family. Is this detachment leading us to our downfall? Instead of falling into mechanical lives, we must embrace nature and live harmoniously with it. As Jibanananda Das writes in Aat Bochor Ager Ekdin:

However, even in this despair, there is hope. Humanity is capable of changing the course of the planet. History proves that when we unite, we make the impossible possible. The restoration of the ozone layer, wildlife conservation, and the use of renewable energy prove our capabilities. Where Jibanananda’s despair ends, our new journey begins. To protect nature, we must first awaken our humanity. We must build social bonds rather than fall into mechanical lives. We must move away from globalization and head toward localization. Standing against every war and pledging to save every tree and forest could be our path to freedom.

Thus, the answer to the question, "Are human beings a burden on the Earth?" lies in our actions. If we continue to write a history of destruction, we will surely become a curse. But if we learn to live in harmony with the Earth, we will soon become its blessing. The decision is ours: Will we become insects, or will we use wisdom to build a sustainable world? This responsibility lies with us.

The writer is a  Columnist, Writer, Student,English Department, Gopalgonj Science and Technology University.