Environment & Sustainability
Indian civilisation viewed nature not as a resource to be consumed, but as a living sacred continuum — forests, rivers, mountains, wildlife and human life bound together through Dharma, Ahimsa and Prakriti Pujan. Ecological balance was maintained through restraint, circularity and reverence, not regulation. Ancient texts from the Vedas, Arthashastra and Manusmriti embedded environmental ethics in governance, economy, agriculture and social conduct emphasising santulan (balance) between prosperity and preservation.
As the world confronts climate change, resource depletion and ecological imbalance, there is an urgent need to revive this civilizational consciousness, where protecting nature is a national responsibility and not just a policy mandate. Bharat Ki Soch envisions a future where sustainability is rooted in Indian knowledge systems, powered by modern science and lived through responsible consumption, mindful production and community participation – ensuring resilience for future generations.
Objectives
Revisit India’s Civilisational Ethic of Ecological Harmony
Study ancient Indian ideas of Dharma, Ahimsa and Prakriti Pujan as frameworks for sustainable living.
Examine how nature was treated as sacred, interconnected and part of daily life.
Analyse Vedas, Upanishads, Arthashastra and Manusmriti for ecological values embedded in law, governance, economy and social conduct.
Build a Knowledge Framework for Circular and Regenerative Economies
Study traditional resource cycles — the 4 R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle, recover as models for a circular economy and waste minimization.
Map sustainable livelihoods rooted in forests, biodiversity, agro-based industries and nature-aligned occupations.
Examine how ancient India achieved prosperity without extractive exploitation guided by satvik and mindful consumption.
Study potential convergence between ancient sustainability principles and modern renewable energy systems such as wind, solar, water and bioenergy
Embed Environmental Responsibility and Promote Community-led Ecological Governance and Resilience
Examine nature-based festivals, rituals and local institutions that strengthened people–planet relationships.
Analyse how local community-based models made citizens custodians of biodiversity, land and water systems.
Explore ways to integrate ecological ethics into school curricula, community learning and parenting.
Identify frameworks for public environmental awareness through RWAs, travel circuits, museums and civic participation.