This World Environment Day, explore how ancient Indian wisdom—organic farming, sacred groves, and nature worship—offer time-tested solutions for today’s environmental crisis and a path to sustainable, mindful living.
Climate change, melting glaciers, shrinking forests, polluted air, contaminated rivers, and a stressed human life as noted by the UN Environment Programme,– this is the cost that we humans have paid for the so called developed modern world. In this fast-paced world driven by consumerism and convenience, it’s high time that we turn to something more essential – our relationship with Nature. Given the rising temperatures year after year and ecological breakdowns in the form of excessive floods or long-term droughts, we can’t afford to ignore it any longer. What’s the way out on this World Environment Day? Ancient India opens the doors to some impactful yet simple practices that not only ensure a sustainable environment but also an evolved human lifestyle. Let us revisit the past, not out of nostalgia, but for the wisdom it holds.
The ancient Indian civilization is renowned for its rich philosophy and spiritual wisdom. As a result of this thriving philosophy and spirituality the Indian community became profoundly eco-conscious. Today, ‘sustainability’ has become a buzzword, but the Indian society practiced it as a way of life, long ago.
Living with the Land, Not on it.
The industrial revolution and capitalism popularized the ‘anthropocentric’ model for the modern world, which means Man (humans) is the center of the ecosystem, and everything around him is for his consumption and comfort. However, ancient India firmly believed in and practiced an ‘eco-centric’ way of life where Nature was revered as the pivot around which life on earth flourished, and we, the humans, were just a part of this setup. The Atharva Veda proudly proclaims this belief in one of its verses, “माताभूमिः पुत्रोऽहम पृथिव्याः।” (Mātā bhūmiḥ putro’ham pṛthivyāḥ), which means the Earth is my mother and I am her son. This thought embodies the core Indian belief in environmental kinship. The concept of “Bhoomi Mata” (Mother Earth) encapsulates the notion that the Earth nurtures us, and in return, we must protect it. This gave rise to a whole system of eco-centered lifestyle, which exercised various customs and rituals to align as a civilization with Nature and its elements. Shouldn’t we revive this age-old philosophy on this World Environment Day?
Agriculture – A Dharma to co-exist with Nature
In ancient India, agriculture was more than a commercial activity. It was a sacred duty (Dharma) – a way to co-exist with Nature rather than exploit it. Ancient Indian farmers practiced what the modern natural farming movements are only now rediscovering.
- Organic and Natural Farming: It is interesting to see, now-a-days, the markets crazily flooded with several food items with a label ‘organic’ on them. Not just half-a-century ago, the capitalists ridiculed traditional farming and pushed for chemical fertilizers and pesticides for increased output. Today, the same coterie is now brandishing the organic tag on fancy packages calling the same chemicals as harmful and unhealthy once they had promoted.
- The ancient Indian farmers used natural manures like cow dung and plant waste to enhance soil fertility which along with a better harvest benefited microbial life and nourished groundwater. Moreover, the practice of crop rotation and mixed cropping not just mitigated nutrient depletion it promoted soil health, maintained bio-diversity, and minimized pest infestations – key features of sustainable farming.
- Farming Synchronized With Seasonal And Lunar Cycles: An age-old practice which still in vogue in several parts of India is the sowing, harvesting and irrigation with solar and lunar calendars. The timing and selection of crops are guided by Nakshatras (constellations) and Ritus (seasons). Celebration of Makar Sankranti, Basant Panchami, Onam, Bihu, etc., (as documented by the Ministry of Culture,) is testimonial to these agricultural and seasonal cycles. This results in reduced stress on land and water and improved yields, along with ensuring respect for natural rhythms and a better understanding of cosmic influences.
- Agroforestry and Sacred Trees: The periphery of farm lands was marked with trees, herbs and shrubs like Neem, Peepal, Banyan and Tulsi. Most of these had medicinal value, provided shade, prevented soil erosion, supported pollinators, and sustained ecological balance.
- Indigenous Crop Varieties and Seed Banks: After each harvest, Indian farmers saved seeds and shared them within communities thereby preserving agrobiodiversity and indigenous climate-resilient crop varieties that had evolved naturally over millennia.
Hence, organic farming in ancient India was marked with the RRR – reverence, restraint and responsibility. In today’s times of food insecurity, soil depletion and desertification, this ancient Indian agricultural approach blended human need and ecological balance. Should we consider revisiting them, will not only preserve our heritage but also heal the planet. It’s the most appropriate time we practice or at least promote such agricultural practices on this World Environment Day.
India’s Sacred Groves – Ancient Biodiversity Reserves
In ancient India, forest patches were protected by local communities due to religious and cultural beliefs. These are the sacred groves which preserve biodiversity as well as reflect India’s deep ecological wisdom.
For example, in the Kodagu district, Karnataka, India, according to India Biodiversity Portal, there are over 1200 such sacred groves which the locals revere as Devarakadu (God’s Forest). These groves rich in a variety of flora and fauna are dedicated to local deities and are protected since several generations. One such reference could be derived from the now famous movie, Kantara.
Similarly, Sariska sacred forests (Rajasthan), Khasi and Jaintiya Hills sacred groves (Meghalaya), Thaneshwar grove (Maharahstra), Allepey sacred groves (Kerala) and Umang Lai sacred groves (Manipur) have been revered, worshipped and protected by the local tribes. In some of these sacred groves, cutting even a single leaf is forbidden. For the locals, these groves are not just patches of green – they are living temples of ecological harmony. Such community-driven model of conservation resulted in vast expanse of forests being saved from the clutches of commercial exploitation through deforestation. Which of these sacred groves would you like to visit on this World Environment Day?
Reverence to Rivers, Trees, and Animals
The rivers in ancient Indian culture were not just water bodies, they were worshipped as goddesses and the divine Mother. The Rig Veda has many richas i.e. hymns dedicated to rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Sindhu and others. Even today, Ganga Arti, Yamuna Jayanti, and several rituals are performed acknowledging the significance of rivers for the foundation of the great Indian civilization. Festivals like the Goverdhan Pooja, Vriksha Bandhan, etc. were not about consumption – they were about coexistence. These practices are an indispensable part of nature worship in Indian culture.
The Most Respected Peepal and Banyan Tree
India’s cultural and spiritual ethos places a high value on these trees. The Peepal tree (Ficus religiosa) is mentioned in the Bhagavad Geeta where Lord Krishna says that among trees, He is the Ashwattha (Peepal). You can scarcely locate a temple in India without a peepal tree. The reason behind its significance could be that Peepal is known to produce oxygen even at night. The world famous Bodhi tree,under which Bhagwan Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment, was none other than the Peepal tree. Similar reverence and worship is performed to the Banyan tree as well, and it is considered much suitable for meditation and spiritual practices.
Animals Too Were Worthy of Worship
The very fact that every Hindu deity is depicted with an animal figure as their Vaahan tells us how animals were associated with divinity in ancient India. Apart from this, the worship of cow as holy mother, elephants as symbolic of Lord Ganesh, monkeys as companions of Lord Hanuman are some evidential practices of ancient India’s ecological consciousness. Not to forget the worship of Nagas or snakes since the times of Mahabharata or even before is still prevalent in contemporary times, as seen on the occasion of a popular festival called Naag Panchami. All these practices were blended as part of our culture to maintain ecological balance and align ourselves with the natural scheme of existence on this planet. Which animal would you like to feed on this World Environment Day?
“Minimalism” – A Norm in Ancient India
The term Minimalism is trending in the modern world. But this was normal lifestyle of ancient India. Everything the ancients used – from clay pots, cloth bags to leaf plates and metal utensils as echoed in sustainable living practices followed today – was either reusable or biodegradable. The houses had thatched roofs, made with mud and plant waste. The Buddhist and Jain philosophies propagated non-accumulation of excessive wealth and materials. Simple living, high thinking was the underlying thought of those times. Are you thinking of taking baby steps towards any of these lifestyle habits on World Environment Day?
Conclusion – Our Future Lies in Our Past
Every year, World Environment Day is observed and celebrated on June 5. It reminds us of the delicate relationship that we have with the natural world – a bond that has become very fragile due to our fast-paced consumerist lifestyle. Climate change, pollution, deforestation, drying rivers, shrinking flora and fauna – these are not just coffee table topics anymore. They are staring straight into our eyes and rubbing us hard. The impact can be seen on our lives, our cities, even the air that we breathe. And if we are trying to deploy some hi-tech solutions, it would probably be wise to look for them in ancient Indian environmental practices. Today, as we stand at the crossroads of an ecological crisis, maybe the answers don’t just lie in new inventions, but probably they lie in old wisdom. This is not regressive thinking, rather making wise choices. It shouldn’t be mistaken for revival of the past – instead it is moving forward, inspired by the past, with a sense of reverence and responsibility. This is tested and proven successful through initiatives like Telangana’s Haritha Haram or revival of natural farming in Andhra Pradesh.
This World Environment Day, pick some healthy habits like growing your own herbs and veggies on the terrace or in the balcony, spending time with and also in the natural world, avoid overconsumption, embrace simplicity, adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle and say NO to plastics. Let’s stop looking at Nature as a problem to be fixed, but embrace it as a guardian, a companion and a healer. Let’s not celebrate the environment once in a year, rather live it, every day, as ancient India did it by living in harmony with nature. Believe me, we can do that again.
Hey, Dear one, I am overwhelmingly grateful to you for visiting and reading this write-up on the ocassion of World Environment Day. Which of these ancient practices shall you adopt in your life? Would you share this with someone who believes in the wisdom of the past? I shall be truly fortunate to read your insights on the topics discussed here, your point of view and of course, a few generous words of appreciation that would keep me going. Thank you, again.
सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः। सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः।
सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु। मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत्॥
Sarve bhavantu sukhinaḥ, Sarve santu nirāmayāḥ,
Sarve bhadrāṇi paśyantu, Mā kaścid duḥkha-bhāg bhavet.
May all beings be happy. May all be free from illness.
May all see what is auspicious. May no one suffer in any way.
Thought provoking article…. sir
Dear Ajay Sir, thank you for your appreciation. I hope for your continued support.