Brief speech of Tarun Debnath - 5th June, 2014 at BIT, Kolkata

Sree Tarun Debnath

Sree Tarun Debnath, a social activist and lead in SHGPF [SHGPF is a state level network of SHG promoters including widely recognized Self Help Promotional Agencies (SHPs), Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs), Capacity building Institutions (CBIs) and prominent individuals who strongly believe in Self Help movement towards sustainable development by empowering rural and urban women especially from deprived, backward and marginalized sections of our society. SHGPF provide a wide platform for sharing, learning and addressing policy and operational issues of the sector towards improving the operational environment for SHG based development approach. This is done by bringing in SHGs, Clusters and Federations, Civil Society Organizations, Banks, Government Departments, Local Self Governments, NABARD, SIDBI and Insurance Companies under one umbrella in rural and urban West Bengal [weblink: http://www.shgpromotionalforum.org/index2.html] thanked BITM Kolkata chapter for organising this seminar for observance of World Environment Day. But he emphasised that we must not restrict ourselves in mere observing this day as a ritual. While deliberations on this day is important, but more important is to act now to save earth, save us and save our civilisations. Einstein said “if we keep doing the same thing what we are doing, we are going to keep getting what we are getting. One definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing and expect different results. So we have to act now and act differently”.

The earth is in very critical stage. Due to anthropogenic causes, the earth has lost its regenerative capacity. We all are aspiring to emulate western development level i.e. their consumption levels. But this target is not only unreachable, but also unsustainable. “'We should live in a simple way for others to be able to live as well', Mahatma Gandhi.   We must find new definitions of “development” beyond materialist consumptions. His point was to think differently and new paradigm must emerge.

He said that a new study sponsored by Nasa's Goddard Space Flight Center has highlighted the prospect that global industrial civilisation could collapse in coming decades due to unsustainable resource exploitation and increasingly unequal wealth distribution. The study challenges those who argue that technology will resolve these challenges by increasing efficiency: The study warns that: "While some members of society might raise the alarm that the system is moving towards an impending collapse and therefore advocate structural changes to society in order to avoid it, Elites and their supporters, who opposed making these changes, could point to the long sustainable trajectory 'so far' in support of doing nothing."

In this regard, he referred to the new thinking going on in Latin America. Bolivia and Equador have constitutionally recognised that nature has rights.  Buen Vivir as an emerging concept breaks with conventional concepts in several ways, in that it relies on indigenous traditions and visions of the cosmos; it breaks with traditional concepts of development; it focuses on the relationship to nature.” Living Well is not the same as living better, living better than others, because in order to live better than others, it is necessary to exploit, to embark upon serious competition, concentrating wealth in few hands. Trying to live better is selfish, and shows apathy, individualism.“Our Living Well proposal emphasizes on harmony between humans and with nature, and the preservation of 'natural capital' as primary concerns. Living Well also means unplugging the TV and internet and connecting with the community. It means having four more hours a day to spend with family, friends and in our community, i.e., the four hours that the average person spends watching TV filled with messages about stuff we should buy. Spending time in fraternal community activities strengthens the community and makes it a source of social and logistical support, a source of greater security and happiness....“Among presently over-consuming societies, less really will be more. Basic compliance with Living Well conditions include sufficient food, shelter, clothing; good health and the values of strong community engagement; family security; meaningful lives; and the clear presence and easy access to a thriving natural world.”

But how we can initiate change through our acts? Especially when the “aspiring Indians” do not let go the chance to consume like the Americans do. Individual and exclusive life styles disregarding any environmental considerations.  See our bye-pass where the road space is occupied by 95% individual passenger cars carrying 5% commuters, whereas 5% public vehicles struggle with 95% passengers. 

Let us face the challenge and identify at least few actions for a beginning to change.