December 26th 2024.
Rahul Durai was ecstatic when he received the news that he had won an award for his exceptional work in the field of environmental conservation. He expressed his gratitude, saying it was a true honor to be recognized, especially by such a prestigious organization like Save the Dunes.
Being a first-year student at Indiana University, Durai was well aware of the significance of Save the Dunes in the state of Indiana. He acknowledged their long history and their role in protecting the environment in Northwest Indiana for decades. Durai was proud to be chosen as the recipient of the Dorothy Buell Youth Environmental Award, named after the founder of Save the Dunes.
Another award winner, Indra Frank, who had recently retired from the Hoosier Environmental Council, also received recognition for her contributions. She was honored with the Paul H. Douglas Memorial Award, named in honor of the late Illinois Senator who played a key role in establishing the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Frank expressed her gratitude for the award and the legacy it carries.
Betsy Maher, the executive director of Save the Dunes, stated that these annual awards are the highest honor given by the organization. The Paul H. Douglas Award recognizes individuals who have made significant efforts in preserving and protecting the Indiana Dunes, while the Dorothy Buell Award is given to young individuals or groups for their advocacy in the Lake Michigan watershed.
Save the Dunes, founded in 1952, is headquartered in Michigan City and serves Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties. Maher emphasized the importance of protecting the national park for future generations and commended the efforts of those who continue to work towards this goal.
Throughout the year, Save the Dunes accepts nominations for exceptional individuals who have made a positive impact on the environment. Durai was recognized for his work with Confront the Climate Crisis, a youth-led organization advocating for climate action in Indiana. He also played a crucial role in protecting wetlands during the 2024 legislative session.
Durai, who is a West Lafayette native, is passionate about water issues, particularly those affecting the Wabash River and the greater Lafayette community. As part of a Sustainability Scholars Program at IU, he plans to conduct research on the effects of climate change and ways to adapt to it.
According to Durai, it is crucial for people, especially his generation, to be involved in environmental advocacy as it will have a profound impact on the future. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy environment for the sake of the economy, public health, and overall quality of life.
Maher also acknowledged the difficulty of the work and the overwhelming feeling that can come with it, especially in Northwest Indiana. She stated that taking a moment to celebrate their successes and acknowledging those who continue to advocate for the environment is equally important.
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