Thinking Point
Yashwant Deval
Member of the IUCN Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social Policy (CEESP), Geneva, Switzerland; World Economic Forum Community Member; Associate Director (Honorary) of Centre for River Affairs (CRA) at South Asian Institute for Advanced Research and Development (SAIARD); Area Director and Country Head – India & Bangladesh, Riverrecycle Ltd, Finland Founder & Chief Synergy Officer at Gromatica India Pvt Ltd; Member South Asia for Environment Sustainability Rotary Action Group Member Rotary Eco club
Indian ancient culture offers rich insights into sustainability, resilience, and circularity, long before these terms became modern buzzwords. Many of the practices, philosophies, and traditions from ancient India were rooted in the understanding and respect for nature and the interconnectedness of life. Here's how these concepts manifest:
1. Sustainability
Vedic Philosophy: The Vedic texts, such as the Rigveda, emphasise the balance between human activity and nature. The concept of Dharma (righteousness) stresses the importance of living in harmony with nature, ensuring resources are used judiciously and without exploitation. The idea of Ahimsa (non-violence) further extends to the environment, advocating for minimal harm to nature and all living beings.
Traditional Agriculture: Ancient Indian agricultural practices, like crop rotation and organic farming, focused on maintaining the fertility of the land without depleting its resources. The practice of Vrat (ritual fasting) often connected people to seasonal cycles, encouraging respect for the land's natural rhythms.
Water Conservation: Ancient Indian communities used rainwater harvesting techniques, such as Johads, Talabs, and Step Wells, to store water efficiently, ensuring a sustainable supply throughout the year.
2. Resilience
Adaptability to Environmental Changes: The Indian subcontinent's diverse climates and geographical features have led to the development of highly resilient agricultural practices and architectural designs. For example, traditional houses in Rajasthan or Gujarat were built to withstand extreme heat, utilising materials like mud, stone, and wood in a way that maximised insulation and airflow.
Spiritual Resilience: The philosophical concept of Samsara (cycle of life and rebirth) encourages resilience by teaching individuals to embrace change and hardships as part of the larger cosmic order. The idea of Karma (action and its consequences) reinforces the understanding that challenges can be faced with wisdom and positive actions.
Community-Centred Resilience: In many Indian villages, collective resilience was prioritised through cooperative systems like Panchayats (village councils) and Self-Help Groups that work together to address local challenges such as natural disasters, famine, or social unrest.
3. Circularity
Waste as a Resource: Ancient Indian practices often embodied circularity by seeing waste not as something to discard but as a resource to be reused. For instance, organic waste was composted to enrich the soil, and even cow dung, a vital material in rural India, served as fuel, fertiliser, and building material.
Rituals and Cycles of Nature: Many Hindu rituals, festivals, and traditions were designed to align with the cycles of nature, including the solar and lunar calendars, agricultural seasons, and the rhythms of the earth. Chakras (spiritual energy centres) and the concept of cycles of life (Samsara) symbolise the interconnectedness of all existence, reinforcing the idea that everything is part of an ongoing cycle.
Ayurveda: The ancient system of medicine, Ayurveda, is based on a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and nature. It emphasises balance and encourages using natural elements in harmony, ensuring the renewal and health of both individuals and the environment.
Conclusion: Indian ancient culture’s approach to sustainability, resilience, and circularity showcases a deep- rooted understanding of the importance of balance, respect for nature, and living in harmony with the environment. These principles, passed down through generations, offer valuable lessons that resonate strongly with modern-day challenges, urging us to adopt practices that support a more sustainable and resilient world.
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