Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: An Indian Insights of Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

Human activities are having a negative impact on ecosystems around the world. Activities such as overexploitation of natural resources, indiscriminate deforestation and industrial pollution have not only disturbed the ecological balance but also caused great loss of agricultural production and biodiversity. This situation most affects the lives of communities who depend on water, forests and land for their livelihood. In fact, this situation can be seen as a direct result of the neoliberal economic framework, which promotes uncontrolled exploitation and excessive consumption of natural resources. Neoliberal economics, which emerged as a dominant economic theory in the eighties, emphasized market freedom, privatization, and abolition of regulation. In this system, excessive and uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources has been carried out for economic growth, which is a matter of serious concern. In this context, India's philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'which considers all living beings as one family, presents a relevant alternative. This philosophy inspires us to adopt a more responsible attitude towards the environment and move on the path of sustainable development.