India, Nationwide Release:

Delegates from across India assembled at the packed NSE Auditorium in BKC, Mumbai on 27th November witnessed a special event – “LiFE 2024: Conference on Bharatiya Perspective on Sustainability”. This uniquely themed Conference was organized by Govardhan Ecovillage (GEV) – India’s prominent UNWTO winning eco-tourism destination. The Conference was conceptualized by and organized under the able guidance of Gauranga Das, Director, GEV.

During recently concluded 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) at Baku, Azerbaijan, and G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil, India has reiterated its commitment towards meeting climate change and UNSDGs. Over the past few years, India has established itself as a role model for other countries by setting and pursuing ambitious climate and sustainable development goals.

Ancient Bharatiya perspective is extremely relevant for sustainability and sustainable development in modern context. Age-old Indian wisdom is fundamental in dealing sensibly with the sensitive environment and ecosystems, while balancing the economic progress and development. A well-structured, targeted, and continuous effort at all levels can work miracles to overcome nagging environmental challenges globally. While on one hand, India has a challenge to deal with its own carbon footprint, on the other hand, it has an opportunity to showcase applications of its ancient perspective in the modern context to re-establish its position as the ‘Vishwa-Guru’ and lead the world for a better, safer and more sustainable future.

Two central themes of the Conference (1) Consciousness, Culture & Sustainability and (2) Leveraging Sustainability Economics echoed throughout the sessions by the expert speakers. The basic tenets of age-old Indian culture leading to ideas around ‘conscious consumption’, ‘cleanliness led wellness’, ‘culture of respect for natural resources’, ‘best from the waste’, ‘living in harmony with nature’, ‘use of recyclable products’, ‘optimized production-distribution-consumption-reuse chain’, ‘trusteeship approach’, and the like – which were the spotlights of the event.

Another key idea deliberated in the conference was how to effectively leverage modern technologies in a way complimentary to ancient Indian practices to enhance sustainability at scale – at the individual, family, social, national and global levels. This will certainly optimize the use of resources and consumption, bring in efficiencies in product value chains, optimize distribution chains, and increase recyclability through responsible product development.

Enhanced focus on renewable energy and methods of adopting energy-friendly lifestyle will also be key to our balanced progress, as we march ahead towards becoming the world’s third largest economy in terms of overall GDP.

A structured approach to develop Indian Knowledge System on sustainability, centered around Indian traditional roots, wisdom literature, scientific yet practical outlook, nature-friendly living, and sustainability embedded in rich cultural traditions, that becomes foundational to multi-faceted sustainability initiatives was proposed and well-appreciated. Delegates also expressed their whole-hearted commitment in one voice for a wide-spread education of Indian traditional systems and practices that collectively lead to conservation of environment and natural resources.

The event brought together Subject Matter Experts from the Indian administration, academia, industry, and social impact sectors, who mesmerized the audience by their deep knowledge, and shared actionable insights on achieving sustainability through the integration of ancient Indian principles and modern technologies.

In addition to leading academicians from IIT’s, the esteemed panel of speakers included Shri C P Radhakrishnan, Hon. Governor of Maharashtra; Gauranga Das; Shri S Gurumurthy – well-known corporate & legal advisor.

The Hon. Governor emphasized that development and environmental preservation are two sides of the same coin. He stated that India’s accelerating progress must go hand in hand with the conservation of natural resources. Stressing the role of humanity as trustees of the planet’s resources, he urged that it is our collective responsibility to hand over a healthier, more sustainable Earth to future generations.

Gauranga Das spoke about an approach to sustainability rooted in Bharat’s traditional wisdom and culture, highlighting the concept of Ashta Lakshmis. He explained that Lakshmi encompasses far more than material wealth, extending to broader dimensions of prosperity. He seamlessly aligned this perspective with the conference theme, LiFE 2024: Bhartiya Perspective on Sustainability.

S Gurumurthy Ji outlined a four-pronged approach to advancing India’s journey towards sustainability. He called upon concerned individuals to unite in transforming development into a greener, more sustainable endeavor. He also reflected on India’s traditional way of life, which emphasizes harmony with nature and minimal resource consumption, contrasting it with the consumption patterns of the West.

Other speakers, including Prof. Varadraj Bapat, IIT Mumbai, SJMSOM; Prof. Ganti S Murthy, IIT Indore; Ar. Hiten Sethi, Founder, HSA; Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan, IIT, Mumbai.

The Conference was organized in association with Kotak School of Sustainability – IIT Kanpur, NIT – Warangal, and Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). National Stock Exchange (NSE) was the Venue Partner, and Nityo Infotech, Global IT Services & Solutions Company, was the Banquet Sponsor.

Towards the end of the Conference, Gauranga Das led the team of delegates to define a roadmap and create an executable plan as an effort to contribute meaningfully to the cause of sustainability and sustainable development.

Delegates from various walks of life, including policymakers, academicians, industry professionals, researchers, and corporates, and a large number of students were in attendance – highlighting the growing awareness about sustainability in today’s highly motivated young generation.

Govardhan Ecovillage is committed to play its role in sustainability in the district of Palghar, Maharashtra. This Conference was one such initiative to address the pressing issues through constructive actions that create high social impact.