New Delhi, April 7: Environmental Sustainability, ecological wisdom, human harmony with nature, traditional ecological knowledge, and the balance of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, sky) are essential for addressing global environmental challenges and enhancing biodiversity. This perspective was shared by Dr. Anil Mehta, Principal of Vidya Bhawan Polytechnic in Udaipur and an environmental thinker, during a special teaching session at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in New Delhi on Monday.
Dr. Mehta emphasized that India’s scientific knowledge encompasses environmental science, health science, psychology, ethics, and spirituality in a holistic manner. He highlighted that the Indian knowledge tradition conveys a message of ecological conservation and the balanced fulfillment of human responsibilities.
Expressing concern over increasing environmental disasters, climate change, and ecological imbalance, Dr. Mehta warned that without timely and concrete actions, humanity would face severe crises. He noted that wars around the world are intensifying, causing deep harm not only to human life but also to environmental systems, which will adversely affect future generations.
He proposed that the solutions to these crises lie in the Indian scientific environmental philosophy based on compassion and non-violence, the culture of revering the Earth as a mother, and a lifestyle grounded in the five elements. Dr. Mehta’s insights encourage virtuous conduct towards nature, rooted in Indian environmental perspectives and traditions.
He stressed the importance of balanced resource utilization, referencing the Isha Upanishad’s principle of “tena tyaktena bhunjitha…” as a foundation for circular bioeconomy, zero-waste lifestyles, and sustainable development.
Dr. Mehta highlighted the role of journalism students in disseminating the concept of “Harit,” which stands for Holistic Actions for Revitalization of Indigenous Traditions. He argued that the prevailing “green” concept does not adequately address the issues at hand, while ‘Harit’ embodies the essence of divinity in all natural resources. He asserted that merely adhering to the “green” concept is insufficient; experiencing the divinity in nature is the true solution.
Dr. Mehta called for a lifestyle-centered approach rather than a technology-centered one, advocating for a balanced, moderate, and nature-worshipping way of life. The teaching session was organized under the guidance of Professors Sangeeta Pranavendra and Prakhar Agarwal.