Actor and UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza recently joined Soha Ali Khan’s podcast All About Her for a candid chat that was equal parts heartwarming and eye-opening. Recorded around World Environment Day, the episode also featured author-photographer Aarti Kumar-Rao. But it was Dia’s reflections on motherhood and the planet that stole the spotlight.
The Cellular Shift of Motherhood
When Soha asked how becoming a mother changed her relationship with nature, Dia didn’t hold back. She described parenthood as causing a ‘cellular shift’ — a transformation that makes you ‘so awake and alive to every moment.’ While she was already environmentally conscious before her son Avyaan was born, she admitted that his arrival amplified that feeling like never before.
Dia firmly believes that you cannot teach children to love and respect nature unless you actually take them into nature. And she walks the talk. Avyaan, now four years old, wakes up to birdsong, watches butterflies and bees, and has already visited more wildlife sanctuaries than many adults she knows. Mother and son regularly explore green spaces together, building a genuine connection with the natural world through lived experiences.
Simple Habits, Big Impact
At home, the Mirza household keeps things simple but meaningful. Dia focuses on easy eco-habits like turning off the tap while brushing teeth or washing hands. But the real game-changer is gratitude. After every meal, Avyaan thanks the person who cooked his food, the farmer who grew it, and Mother Earth. It’s a tiny ritual that helps him understand exactly where his food, water, and resources come from.
Dia admits that raising a child in a highly consumptive urban environment isn’t easy, but she and her husband consciously place greater value on experiences rather than material things. Even amid the chaos of city life, they make sure Avyaan stays connected to the planet.
Gratitude and Experiences Over Things
The podcast episode is a gentle reminder that meaningful change often begins with small, everyday choices. Through Dia’s honest anecdotes and Aarti Kumar-Rao’s thoughtful insights, listeners are inspired to rethink how they raise the next generation. Dia’s approach proves that you don’t need grand gestures — just a willingness to step outside, say thank you, and let nature do the rest.
The full conversation is streaming on YouTube for anyone looking for a dose of positivity and parenting wisdom.