Tag: Conservation & Sustainability

Conservation is the process of maintaining and managing change in a way that sustains and where appropriate enhances its significance.

Nabapatrika: When Nine Sacred Leaves Bring the Goddess Home

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Currents17 Comments

As autumn begins in Bengal, Durga Puja brings joy and festivity with rituals like Nabapatrika, representing Goddess Durga through nine sacred plants. This tradition, unique to Bengal, honors fertility and nature and reflects familial bonds in a charming folktale. Although overshadowed by idol worship, Nabapatrika endures, emphasizing ecological reverence and the cyclical essence of life. It intertwines culture and spirituality, vital to the rich tapestry of Durga Puja celebrations, celebrating the triumph over evil and community.

Preserving Nature’s Guardians: The Legacy of the Bishnois

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Currents12 Comments

The Bishnois of Rajasthan, India, have a centuries-old tradition of protecting the environment, notably demonstrated by the Khejarli Massacre in 1730. Their unwavering commitment to nature compelled the ruler to enact laws protecting wildlife and trees, leaving a lasting legacy. In modern times, facing environmental challenges, their example serves as a beacon of inspiration, emphasizing the vital connection between human welfare and ecological health.

Navigating the Maze of Global Climate Politics: A Game Theory Perspective

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings21 Comments

On June 1st, President Donald Trump announced the US withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, igniting global outcry and reigniting discussions around global cooperation. The move, justified by potential economic losses, has drawn sharp criticism. The situation resembles the "Prisoner's Dilemma" from game theory, prompting a critical question: Can nations find a path back to cooperation despite the allure of short-term gains and the complexities of global politics?

Whanganui River Granted Legal Personhood: A Historical Shift

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings24 Comments

A river in New Zealand has become the first in the world to be legally recognised as a living entity and granted the same rights as a human. The sacred river will be granted all the corresponding rights, duties and liabilities of a legal person after a 170-year battle led by a local Maori tribe known as the Iwi. Rights of Nature or granting legal personhood to nature may finally provide balance in legal systems around the world that tend to view nature as only an economic resource for humans.

Iraq’s Scorching Summers: The Impact of Climate Change

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings17 Comments

High temperatures in Iraq are worsening due to growing desertification, prompting the government to declare a two-day official holiday. The World Meteorological Organization warns of record high global temperatures and rising levels of carbon dioxide. Iraqis demonstrate resilience to the heat, but urgent action on climate change is needed for the region and the planet.

Celebrating World Environment Day: Tree Conservation in India

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings24 Comments

World Environment Day encourages global action for environmental protection. The importance of this can be seen in historic Indian tree conservation movements, notably the Chipko Movement and the Amrita Devi-led Movement. The Chipko Movement in the 1970s saw villagers hug trees to prevent them from being felled. The Amrita Devi-led Movement in the 18th century involved a woman sacrificing her life for a tree, inspiring the Bishnoi community and becoming an enduring symbol of environmental conservation.

Food For Thought: Stopping Food Waste

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings10 Comments

As the global population increases, so does the pressing concern of food waste, with a third of globally produced food lost or wasted annually. France has emerged as a forerunner in battling food waste by banning supermarkets from disposing of unsold food and compelling restaurants to offer takeaway containers. Worldwide, food waste costs the economy $750 billion and is especially rampant in Asian countries. Solutions for food waste reduction can be found on individual, business, and governmental levels, and involve initiatives like efficient supply chains, waste reduction at the source, and donations to those in need.

Karma Puja: Nature, Dance, & Community in Jharkhand

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Currents19 Comments

Karma Puja is a vibrant festival celebrated in Jharkhand, India, deeply rooted in indigenous tribal traditions. It is dedicated to the worship of the deity Karma, believed to be the protector of forests, fields, and crops. The festival involves various rituals, including tree worship, offerings, and the captivating Karma dance. It symbolizes gratitude towards nature and seeks blessings for prosperity and well-being. Karma Puja serves as a unifying force, fostering a sense of community and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Jamshedpur’s Eco-Friendly Plastic Roads: A Sustainable Innovation

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Muse & Musings1 Comment

Jamshedpur, India, a steel city, is also a leader in environmental innovation. The Jamshedpur Utilities and Services Company (JUSCO), a Tata enterprise, has notably constructed roads using waste plastic, providing durable and eco-friendly surfaces. These plastic-cum-tar roads are more resilient and water-resistant, reducing maintenance costs and environmental degradation. JUSCO's initiative sets a benchmark for sustainable urban development.

Sarhul Festival: A Tribute to Nature & Tribal Heritage

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Currents38 Comments

The Sarhul festival in Jharkhand, celebrated primarily in April, honors nature and signifies the arrival of spring. Indigenous tribes, such as the Munda, Ho, and Oraon, engage in rituals centered around the sacred Sal tree, representing fertility and spirituality. The festivities include traditional music, vibrant dances, communal feasting, and ancient folklore, promoting cultural heritage and environmental consciousness while fostering community unity and gratitude toward Mother Nature.