Are we on the brink of extinction? Heaven forbid. Alas! Humankind is pushing us towards it. How? Well, let’s not ignore the signs of climate change. Melting glaciers, global warming, two-degree increase in overall global temperature, increasingly extreme climate – these are all indicators (Lorin Hancock; Rebecca Lindsey and Luann Dahlman; M. Monirul Qader Mirza; Bhopinder Bahadur Singh). It’s possible that many islands will eventually disappear due to rising sea levels (Michael B. Sauter, John Harrington). Of course, humanity may find a solution to these challenges. Historically, we’ve managed to ensure our own survival, even as countless creatures larger, stronger, and more attuned to their surroundings have perished. Earth can only support a finite number of living beings, and as we’ve multiplied, we’ve pushed out other organisms (The Royal Society). Admittedly, some species vanished before humanity’s global presence, and the dinosaurs disappeared long before we arrived. However, it’s undeniable that the spread of humanity has drastically hastened the rate of species extinction. In essence, the ascent of man has marked the decline of many other life forms. Is humankind a menace to the mother Earth? Perhaps!
It is not always the case. I believe things began to change when humans proclaimed themselves as the center of the universe. The first humans were simply one of many creatures, but now they have positioned themselves as separate and masters of all. Initially, they were companions to the trees, but now they view them as mere capital gains. Have you ever delved into the Ramayana? Which era are you referring to? Please keep such stereotypes to yourself. Undeniably, humans have drastically altered the face of the earth. Yes, you are right – the earth has been completely transformed. I call this type of progress anthropocentric development. And what is anthropocentric development? It is a form of progress that cannot be sustained if it completely disregards other living beings for human welfare. Are you implying that this progress has come at the expense of the earth? To a certain extent, one could argue that it has. I believe we have achieved remarkable feats, never imagined before by humanity, only by relying on reason. So, should we abandon reason? Definitely not. What do you propose then? I do not wish to propagate pessimism, nor do I aim to write a critique of pure reason. What is your contention then? I believe we are not progressing. Progress is essential however, it must be sustainable, with responsibility.
To truly understand our place in the universe, we need to listen to wise individuals who have emphasized that humans are not the center of the universe, but rather a part of it. Just like animals and plants, we rely on the natural environment to fulfill our needs, but unlike them, we have not been contributing to its well-being. Our collective wisdom, including literature and the arts, stresses the need for dreams that stem from both the heart and the mind. In various folklore and myths, creatures are depicted as equals to humans, possessing intelligence and consciousness.
South Asian literature, influenced by its natural surroundings, recognizes the significance of forests, mountains, and rivers. This literature embraces the river as a crucial element for life rather than a mythical entity. South Asian literature often showcases a deep-rooted cultural and spiritual connection with human nature and the environment. From epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana to contemporary multilingual literature, themes related to environmental awareness consistently hold significant importance. Many South Asian literary traditions incorporate themes of cohabitation, reciprocity, and stewardship of the land, as well as disasters and heterotopias (SK Sagir Ali & Swayamdipta, 2024). The rich folktale and folklore literature frequently highlight the collective ethos of marginalized people (Surinder Singh, 2008). It is the dreams inspired by literature and art that have driven our progress, not just our intelligence or the desire for advancement.
We can benefit from the dreamers with compassionate hearts to envision a better future through literature and art. Therefore, we need such sensitive humans who can practice and inculcate methods of cohabitation, so nothing extinct, nothing endangers but everything grows, everything flourishes and everything lives together.
