Satyagraha for Conservation: A Hindu View

I believe like the author, Dwivedi, that by reintroducing the ancient educational system which taught respect for nature and reasons for its preservation, the environmental problems in India might very well improve. However, I think that it could be argued that there is a fear that by reinstating the ancient educational system, they open the door to reinstate and reinforce the brutally oppressive caste system. Putting a caste system back in place may indeed help the environment by emphasizing and increasing sustainable consumption and development. Despite the potential environmental benefits, many people would not want to do anything that might strengthen the caste system and would therefore reject the ancient educational system. I feel that many people would resist anything that they would perceive as an attempt to force them into arbitrary castes, because they are well aware that in this system the people’s desires and hopes have always basically been completely disregarded. This is because in the caste system, there is no hope for social mobility or personal advancement through hard work. Environmental ethics and working towards environmental sustainability is an extremely important issue. Indeed, it is perhaps the great challenge of our time and could ultimately define our generation. However, attempts to protect and preserve the environment, however effective and well-intentioned they may be, have to be balanced with a concern for human rights. Taking away liberty and hope from people through arbitrarily forcing them into castes that do not allow for any personal advancement or success does not accomplish this balance.