Divinizing Nature for Sustainable Global Growth: The Indian Perspective

Abstract

The recent catastrophic climate conditions and the spate of wildfires, floods, cyclones, etc. on an unparalleled scale sweeping most parts of the globe has sent mankind in a tizzy. Despite numerous summits and conferences of world leaders and the action plans continue to make headlines even though the real effect on the ground seems suspect. Faultlines flagged include the seemingly unsustainable global market economy, high-level consumerism, widespread deforestation, emissions from ever-burgeoning number of automobiles and fossil-fuel fed industries, use of chemicals, building of big dams, etc. While all this is true, the real change has to come about in human attitude to nature. From the urge to exploit nature, it has to be of an interdependence based on respect for the natural elements and creatures because these maintain balance and provide congenial environment for life. My paper analyses the situation and concludes that for this to happen, we need to involve heart and soul as much as the mind. Our native cultures existing since ages and finding expression in ancient as also contemporary literatures provide an answer to tackle the fearsome scenario facing us, and this is to treat nature not just as a living being, but rather a divine being.