We often hear that the global green cover is depleting. Scientists have raised alarm bells over excess pollution, industrial wastes, fertilizers, sewage and emissions from factories and vehicles and now, the recent scourge of electronic waste across planet earth.
Proponents of development and modernisation argue that the trade-off is inevitable and that unbridled expansion in the mining, industry, transport and infrastructure sectors is an absolute must. Yet, a greener revisit to ‘re-engineer’ the inputs and processes of each of these sectors is indeed needed to mitigate the ecological damage. Simultaneously, a greater sensitivity to the eco system, with our age-old prescriptions of conserved usage of water, food, electricity and just about anything that we consume is warranted. This small step by every citizen could dramatically address our mindboggling concerns!
A primer towards this sensitivity could start with pleasant ‘outings’ to be right in the midst of nature, with none of the usual trappings that we are used to! As we are with nature, safe and protected but without the stilts of electricity, canned/bottled foods, vehicles and so on, we open ourselves to be touched, moved, inspired and educated by her. I had an occasion to experience this some time ago.
Spending time at the little Rann of Kutch, it was amazing to see a unique ecosystem, which presented both freshwater and seawater species of birds and animals. The ‘chief inspiring educator’ was the chestnut brown Asiatic Wild Ass or Ghudkar. Widely found across the sub-continent in the past, they are now only to be found here. Evolved from the zebra, the Ghudkar is a shy yet very rugged animal that survives in the rough terrain on a very low-calorie, herbivorous diet. Yet, it can run at speeds of 70 to 80 kmph. Their canter and gallop across the barren brown-scape was sheer, delightful poetry. Toned graceful bodies, wagging tails and flipping ears were a treat to watch. Their living so gracefully in such tough weather conditions was quite a lesson for us city dwelling consumers who find it hard to deal with even slight discomfort or unease.
The salt-cracked land stretching right up to the horizon also housed a variety of birds — greater and lesser flamingoes, pelicans, eagles, ducks, kites and cranes. Each seemed to be absolutely poised, in a calm yet totally ‘present’ state. This was the picture of a ‘harmony-exuding’ eco-system and not the more familiar ‘ego-system’!
I have often noticed stark difference between city-bred children and village kids. Not having to jostle for space or time, not being cooped up in matchbox houses or classrooms or driven by the needle of the clock, rural and tribal children often exude a calm ‘restfulness’. This contrasts with the rampant ‘restlessness’ in the consumer class, city-bred children. Wouldn’t it be nice for city children to get a chance to visit such sanctuaries as part of their school activities? If only they could quietly spend their time, absorbing the experience…
As an instant part-answer to my prayer, I met nearly 50 high-school students, who had come to the sanctuary to participate in the forest department’s nature camp. This was right there in the lap of the parched, cracked little Rann with no electricity. Such an immersion into nature’s culture, for consumers of almost all ages and backgrounds would be as refreshing as educative. It would make a great difference and be life-changing for many of us, I believe. Seeing the majesty of nature, we may feel inspired to consume less, simultaneously contributing more towards cleaning and greening the earth. Such an attitude would sure make the world get back her goodness, bounty and glory.
Jayanti S Ravi
The author is a Harvard educated civil servant and writer, now working in the education sector
