Jain Journal 2014 07

Author(s): Satyaranjan Banerjee
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 40

Impact of Jainism on Environmental Sustainability
Dr. Chandranath Chatterjee*
Introduction:
Sustainability is a 'buzz' word in present scenario. In today's global environment every country is focusing on sustainable development. Sustainable Development implies meeting the need of present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (Brundtland Commission, United Nation, 1987). In other words sustainabitlity is the longterm maintenance of responsibility, which has environmental, economic and social dimensions.
For the purpose of increasing awareness regarding environmental sustainability world over and determining the severe environmental issues an Earth Summit was organized in June 1992 at Rio de Janerio. It is popularly called as Rio Earth summit. This summit comes up with a future conservation plan for sustaining environment and for this a blue print was prepared. Interestingly, ancient Indian civilization also knows the importance of nature and in this regard several principles were developed and practiced in ancient India which is very much similar to Rio principles. The modern holistic methods of ecological sustainability are replicated in many ancient indian literature. The Vedic, Jain, Buddhist, and Kautilya's Arthaśastra established the principles of sustainability centuries ago, earth is to be respected and protected like mother "bhoomimataputrohamprithivyah". In many parts of India, communities have inherited the rich tradition of love and reverence for nature through the ages. Religious preaching's, traditions and customs played
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*. Assistant Professor, Dept. of Zoology, Bankura Christian College.