EP36 - Mother Earth Bhumi Global - with Gopal Patel - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast

The idea of ‘One World’ or ‘One Family’ - ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ - is one of the central themes in the Hindu philosophy. And no other issue has highlighted this truth in recent times as has the effects of climate change that the world has been experiencing lately. Changing weather patterns, natural disasters, melting glaciers and the rising water levels have heaped large-scale destruction of lives and resources in various parts of the world. Not to mention the effect on food chains, agriculture and the pervading effect on our lives coming from the financial stress of inflation. Thus, we, the collective, are interlinked with the environment. After years of consumerism with hardly a thought of the consequences, there is a rising recognition of the urgent need for corrective actions. However, such changes require massive, concerted and sustained efforts, and at such times, the society can do with a few torch-bearers leading the way.

In this episode of The Vichaar Manthan Podcast, we explore the subject of climate change with Gopal Ji Patel. Gopal Ji, who derives his inspiration from the very central Hindu concept of ‘the living earth’, walks us through the need for addressing what he calls the ‘triple planetary crisis’. To leverage the power of community engagement, he highlights the need to come together to work towards addressing various aspects leading to a sustainable solution to the current set of climate issues. He also paints a vivid picture of how organisations, especially religious institutions, can play a leading role in creating a conscious community that can be inspired to contribute actively towards such causes. He reflects and reminds us that the earth is a gift that sustains us, and that we all have a moral, ethical duty to care for it. Hence, in this episode, we ask and explore: What are the key ideas that inspire and drive large-scale efforts for addressing the universal problem of climate change?

Gopal Ji Patel studied computer science at Oxford, but with an inherent interest in the Hindu philosophy and a passion to address the issues of climate change prompted the Bhumi Global, an organisation that works to participate and promote conversations and activities on climate change, biodiversity and sustainability. He is an environmentalist, consultant, and co-chairs the United Nations Multi-faith Advisory Council. He is also a member of the Advisory Board to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

Follow Bhumi Global & Gopal Patel:

https://www.bhumiglobal.org

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gopal-d-patel-82a1a728/

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The VM Podcast, a Vichaar Manthan project looking to explore modern-day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explores how we can better understand dharma, our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing.

Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org

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