Spirituality, Culture and the Politics of Environmentalism in India

Three main themes run through this article. The first theme points out the distinct character of environmental activist movements India. Unlike environmental movements in the West, they are firmly tied to issues of social justice and equity, human rights and women's rights, and are for the survival of the large number of very poor who depend on the resources of their immediate environment. Religious symbolism is embedded in these activist movements. The second theme indicates the practice of utilitarian conservationism as opposed to protectionist conservationism by Hindus in their daily life. The role played by Hindu tradition in such cognitions and behaviours is explored. The third and final theme is the investigation of the causes of large–scale environmental degradation in India. It is argued that environmental pollution is largely a consequence of political, economic and administrative set–ups, population pressures, over–stretched infrastructure, corruption, individual and societal norms, and indifference towards the environment. The paper concludes with a perspective on the contribution of a Hindu environmental ethic to addressing sustainable development issues.