UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Friday evening stressed the need for ecological balance and harmony with nature.
He said that the state and India could progress if all worked in unison with a larger vision.
"India's strength was the unity of all faiths. Mahatma Gandhiji had said we should take from nature what was necessary. Excessive exploitation led to imbalances which could be stopped through mass movements. Changing life styles had led to degradation of environment. We have to be careful about using our natural resources," he said at a musical programme "Ek sur, Ek Taal," by 11,000 students at the Eklavya Stadium here.
He hoped all sections of society will come forward to protect environment.
Akhilesh also presented cheques worth Rs.50,000 each to 16 gymnasts.
