RSS works towards bridging ancient Hindu environment wisdom and modern ecological practices through its campaigns.
Dr Shailendra Kumar Pathak
Hindu and Bharat centric, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has embarked on a massive mission to campaign on environmental issues and make economic development inclusive and sustainable.
As part of this campaign for preserving environment and ‘mother’ earth’s environment and re-build the ecosystem, RSS has drawn up significant plans drawing heavily from ancient Hindu scriptures and folk cultures.
As part of its five-fold transformative programmes, RSS has placed emphasis on environmental awareness, seeking to harmonize traditional wisdom with contemporary ecological practices and contribute to advancing environmental protection ideas rooted in Hindu teachings and folk traditions.
RSS and Environment
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is a Bharatiya Hindu nationalist volunteer driven socio-economic movement that was founded in 1925 by a staunch nationalist and freedom fighter Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. Known for its disciplined structure and commitment to societal transformation, RSS has evolved its strategies to address various socio-cultural and environmental issues. In recent years, RSS has initiated several programmes under five-fold transformation agenda, one of which focuses on environmental awareness and protection.
Conventional wisdom and geo-culture centric environment related campaigns run by RSS are part of its fivefold transformative agenda that also has social harmony, self-reliance, family awakening and civic duties.
Environmental awareness, sensitization and family-based campaigns seek to integrate age-old environmental philosophies from Hindu scriptures and folk cultures into modern environmental protection strategies.
Hindu scriptures are replete with teachings that emphasize on sanctity and protection of nature. These texts offer profound insights into maintaining ecological balance and promoting sustainable living. RSS has tapped into these resources to shape its environmental initiatives.
Vedas, among the oldest and most revered Hindu scriptures, contain numerous references to natural world and its elements. The Rigveda, for instance, includes hymns that praise various aspects of nature such as rivers, trees and animals. These hymns reflect deep respect for nature and an understanding of its critical role in sustaining life.
The hymn, Prithvi Sukta – Hymn to Earth — from Atharva Veda venerates Earth as ‘mother’ and underscores the interdependence between humans and nature. It promotes the idea of living in harmony with environment and calls for protection of natural resources.
Bhagavad Gita, the 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of Indian epic Mahabharata also contains significant environmental wisdom. Lord Krishna, in his discourse to Arjuna, speaks about interconnectedness of life and importance of performing one’s duty without exploiting nature.
Concept of Yajna in Bhagawad Gita emphasizes selfless actions for greater good which includes environmental conservation, protection and sustainability. The practice of Yajna is seen as a way to honour and sustain natural world. Puranas, a genre of ancient Indian literature, consist of narratives about history and evolution of universe, creation and genealogies of Gods, heroes, and sages. Many stories within the Puranas advocate protection of environment.
Matsya Purana includes guidelines for afforestation and preservation of water bodies highlighting the importance of ecological balance and sustainable resource management.
Bharat’s rich tapestry of folk cultures and traditions also holds a treasure trove of ecological wisdom. These practices passed down through generations offer practical insights into sustainable living and environmental stewardship.
Sacred groves that are patches of forest or natural vegetation continue to be conserved on religious or faith-based practices. These groves are protected by local communities due to their spiritual significance and often associated with deities and ancestral spirits.
Sacred groves act as reservoirs of biodiversity, preserving various plant and animal species. RSS has been actively involved in identifying and preserving these groves, recognizing their ecological and cultural importance.
Environment & Traditional Agriculture
Traditional agricultural practices in Bharat are inherently sustainable, focusing on crop diversity, organic farming and natural pest control methods.
Vrikhsa Ayurveda, an ancient Bharatiya practice involves the science governing plant life. It includes detailed descriptions of soil types, plant diseases and organic remedies. RSS has promoted such practices to encourage organic farming and reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
RSS has effectively utilized the wisdom from ancient scriptures and folk traditions to design and implement various environmental protection initiatives. These initiatives aim to address contemporary ecological challenges while staying rooted in traditional values.
One key element in environmental activities undertaken by RSS is afforestation and large-scale tree plantation drives. Inspired by reverence for trees found in Hindu scriptures, these drives aim to combat deforestation and promote greenery.
RSS organizes Vriksha Bandhan, an initiative where people tie sacred thread around trees, symbolizing their commitment to protect and nurture them. This practice draws from ancient Indian custom of Raksha Bandhan and emphasizes the bond between humans and nature.
Water Conservation Projects
Water conservation is another critical area where RSS has made significant contributions. Drawing from traditional water management practices mentioned in texts like Artha-shastra and Manusmriti, RSS has implemented projects to preserve and manage water resources.
Similarly, Jal Sanchar Abhiyan focuses on construction and restoration of traditional water bodies such as step wells, ponds and lakes. RSS volunteers have established partnership with local communities to revive these structures, ensuring sustainable water management.
RSS advocates organic farming practices that are deeply rooted in ancient agricultural traditions. By promoting use of natural fertilizers and pest control practices, RSS aims to create a more sustainable agricultural system.
Under Krishi Bhushan Yojana, RSS provides training and resources to farmers to adopt organic farming techniques. This initiative not only helps in preserving soil health but reduces environmental impact of conventional farming practices.
In addition to on-ground initiatives, RSS places a strong emphasis on environmental education and awareness. By educating the masses about environmental teachings found in Hindu scriptures and folk traditions, RSS aims to foster a culture of environmental responsibility.
Periodically, RSS shakhas or swayamsevaks / volunteers conduct various campaigns in schools and colleges to educate young minds about the importance of environmental conservation. These programmes often include lessons on ecological wisdom of ancient Hindu texts and practical activities like tree planting and waste management.
RSS also supports formation of Eco- clubs in educational institutions. Cleanliness drives, awareness campaigns and workshops on sustainable living practices are undertaken by these clubs.
RSS engages with local communities to spread awareness about environmental protection. Through seminars, workshops and public meetings, RSS disseminates knowledge about traditional ecological practices and their relevance in modern times.
Gram Vikas Yojana, the village development programmes include focus on environmental conservation. RSS works with village communities to implement sustainable practices in agriculture, water management and waste disposal.
RSS Environmental Projects
One notable project undertaken by RSS is rejuvenation of Narmada River. This initiative involved participation of local communities, religious leaders and environment experts. Traditional methods of water conservation such as construction of check dams and revival of ancient water channels were employed. The project not only aimed to restore the river’s flow but also to revive cultural and spiritual practices associated with it.
“Namami Gange” is yet another project undertaken to cleanse and rejuvenate the mighty Ganges River. RSS, through its affiliates, has been actively involved in this project conducting awareness campaigns and organizing clean-up drives along riverbanks.
In southern state of Kerala, RSS has been active in conservation of sacred groves. These groves, known as ‘Kavu’, are remnants of region’s ancient forests and considered abodes of deities. RSS volunteers have been engaged with local communities to protect these groves from encroachment and degradation. Awareness campaigns have been undertaken to educate people about ecological and cultural significance of these groves, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
In western state of Maharashtra, RSS launched several organic farming initiatives. These projects involved training farmers in sustainable agricultural practices, providing them with access to organic inputs and helping them market their produce. The emphasis has been to revive traditional farming methods that are environment friendly and economically viable. Success of these initiatives has led to resurgence of interest in organic farming benefiting both the environment and rural economy.
In the realm of sustainable agriculture, RSS has promoted traditional farming techniques like use of Panchagavya, a natural growth stimulant made from cow products. This practice not only enhanced soil fertility but also aligned with principle of Ahimsa or non-violence by avoiding chemical inputs.
RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagawat emphasized historic necessity for environmental awareness, critical analysis of modern lifestyles for their unsustainable and exploitative impact on nature at Prakriti Vandan Program- a campaign to worship and preserve the environment in August 2020.
Dr Bhagawat had pointed to viewing nature as resource for consumption, leading to environmental degradation. He had called for resuming traditional practices and customs where humans saw themselves part of nature and treating trees as living beings, feeding animals and demonstrating deep-rooted respect for nature.
Recently, on June 10, 2024 during a speech at the RSS training camp’s valedictory session in Nagpur, Maharashtra, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized the organization’s vision for a sustainable development model in light of the ongoing heat wave crisis in the country
In several states, RSS had launched ‘mission vidyut’ that led to monthly savings of ₹1.97 lakhs and ₹23.69 lakhs annually through various energy-saving measures like efficient use of tube lights and bulbs.
In Shankargarh hill area situated near Indore city of central state Madhya Pradesh alone, RSS volunteers had undertaken plantation of over 200,000 trees in partnership with several organizations turning the entire place into a green zone.
List of projects and campaigns undertaken by RSS in the realm of environment is too long. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s efforts and ideas towards advancing environmental protection are rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures.
RSS is contributing to the global movement towards sustainable living through its iconic projects that are known for designing in simplicity. Its initiatives in afforestation, water conservation, organic farming and environmental education demonstrate a holistic approach to environmental stewardship.
As the world grapples with pressing environmental challenges, RSS model of integrating ancient ecological wisdom with modern practices offers a valuable blueprint for sustainable development globally.
RSS environmental endeavors are a testament to enduring relevance of ancient Hindu teachings in addressing modern ecological issues. By fostering a deep respect for nature and promoting sustainable living, RSS is contributing to a greener and more sustainable world.
(Author is a Delhi based researcher & formerly an Assistant Professor of Political Science Views expressed are personal and solely those of the author)
References:
Agrawala V.S. Matasya Purana- A study Varanasi; All India Kashiraj Trust; 1963.
Kale A, Shakdwipee P, Environmental approach in ancient India Atharvaveda preaching, American International Journal of Research in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. 2019;25(1):16-22.
Lipner J, Hindus: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. Abingdon: Routledge; 2010.
Saikia P, Role of environment in Vedic literature, International Journal on arts management and Humanities 2018;7(1): 147-150.
https://paryavaransanrakshan.org/our-story/
https://www.rss.org//Encyc/2024/3/13/RSS-to-discuss-Panch-Parivartan-programme-for-the-Centenary-Year.html