Climate change: IAS Subodh Agarwal talks about echoes of ancient wisdom and foresight

“Climate change has been predicted by sages, but have we looked closely enough? For the wisdom of the ages lies not in the predictions themselves, but in the heed we give to them.” – IAS Subodh Agarwal

Earth’s temperature has increased by an average of 0.11° Fahrenheit (0.06° Celsius) per decade since 1850, totaling about 2° F overall. However, the rate of warming has accelerated significantly since 1982, rising more than three times as fast at 0.36° F (0.20° C) per decade. According to climate.gov, 2023 was the warmest year on record since global records began in 1850, and it was by a substantial margin.

 

It is clear that Climate change is one of the biggest problems humanity faces today. Global warming has an impact on our planet and its inhabitants because of rising sea levels, extreme weather, and ecosystem changes. As we confront this looming crisis, we need to look back at what our ancestors knew about taking care of the environment. Mauj Ji Maharaj, a revered sage, made predictions about climate change that align with what we’re seeing now.

This article examines what Mauj Ji Maharaj said about ‘mountains melting’, the ‘Earth heating up’, and ‘the barriers between Earth and sky breaking down’. It also shows how these ideas match with what science tells us about climate change. IAS Subodh Agarwal, the Director General of the Indira Gandhi Panchayati Raj Sansthan in Jaipur, emphasizes the importance of heeding ancient wisdom to address contemporary challenges, particularly in safeguarding our planet’s future.

With extensive experience working in tribal areas, Agarwal has held significant positions across various sectors, including mining, energy, public health distribution, irrigation, and industries. His past assignments also encompass responsibilities related to the public distribution system, which includes food and civil supplies, as well as overseeing the public health engineering department focused on drinking water. By leveraging his diverse expertise, IAS Subodh Agarwal advocates for a holistic approach to sustainable development that integrates traditional knowledge with modern practices.

Mauj Ji Maharaj foresaw profound environmental changes, mainly the melting of mountains, which he described with the phrase “पर्वत गिरी ने पाणी होसी,” symbolizing the transformation of solid ice into water. This metaphor reflects the current reality of glacier retreat and rising sea levels, as glaciers worldwide continue to melt due to increasing global temperatures, significantly threatening coastal communities and ecosystems.

 

He also predicted the Earth’s heating, likening its color to copper with “धरती तो तांबा वरणी होसी,” a vivid representation of the current global warming crisis driven by human activities, particularly fossil fuel consumption. The consequences of this warming are evident in extreme weather events, altered precipitation patterns, and widespread ecological disruption.

 

Furthermore, Mauj Ji Maharaj warned of the breaking of barriers between the Earth and sky, articulated as “जमीन आसमान का पर्दा टूटेगा,” which can be interpreted as a caution about ozone layer depletion and rising atmospheric pollution, allowing harmful ultraviolet radiation to reach the Earth’s surface and posing risks to human health and biodiversity.

 

Subodh Agarwal states, “Mauj Ji Maharaj’s ability to foresee these environmental changes decades ago is striking considering the contemporary indifference towards climate issues on a global level. Despite clear evidence of environmental degradation, society has often reacted when problems have escalated into crises.”

 

Decoding this lack of pro-activeness from all the governments around the world, Subodh Agarwal, says “The lack of action to address climate change stems from several reasons. Many people and leaders put quick financial gains ahead of long-term care for the environment.”

 

“There’s also a gap between what scientists know and what the public understands, which makes people underestimate how urgent climate issues are.” He adds

 

In some cultures, other social or economic problems take center stage pushing environmental worries to the side. All these factors work together to slow down the steps we need to take to lessen and adjust to the effects of climate change. The Urgent Need for Action Given Mauj Ji Maharaj’s prophetic insights, society must take his words and work towards a sustainable future.

 

“As Indians, we all recall the charm of our cities in our youth, but today, cloaked in the guise of progress, we find ourselves surrounded by concrete buildings and a climate that seems to worsen with each passing year.” States IAS Subodh Agarwal he further adds “we have so many local farming practices and traditions that we follow that are sustainable but we are not using them as widely as we should! India has the answers to the world problems but we need to stop looking at it with a global lens.”

 

India’s traditional practices offer valuable approaches to mitigating climate change, deeply rooted in cultural heritage and sustainable living. One significant method is agroforestry, where crops are grown alongside trees, enhancing biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Integrated farming systems, which combine crop production with livestock rearing, optimize resource use and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Additionally, many communities maintain sacred groves—protected forest areas revered for their spiritual significance—that play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity and acting as carbon sinks. Traditional water conservation techniques, such as step wells and check dams, capture and store rainwater, ensure a sustainable water supply, and mitigate the impact of droughts. Natural farming practices, including the use of organic fertilizers like cow dung and urine, promote soil health while reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers that contribute to emissions.

 

The revival of indigenous crop varieties that are resilient to climate change also ensures food security while minimizing the ecological impact of agriculture. By integrating these traditional practices into modern climate strategies, India can enhance its resilience to climate change while fostering sustainable development and preserving its rich cultural heritage.

 

“Indian culture emphasizes a harmonious relationship with nature, encouraging sustainable lifestyle choices such as vegetarian diets, minimal waste, and communal living, which collectively reduce environmental footprints. we must promote these age old practices instead of following western research.” Believes Subodh Agarwal.

 

Mauj Ji Maharaj’s teachings serve as an undying reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity and its surroundings. By acknowledging his understanding and taking proactive measures, society can move towards a sustainable destiny that honors the sensitive balance of our planet’s ecosystems. The time to act is now.