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Eco-spirituality has its Roots in Ancient Indian Culture: Prof. Shalina Mehta
7th August, New Delhi:
On the occasion of ‘Hariyali Teej’, the Janapada Division of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts celebrated its annual day. The festival of ‘Hariyali Teej’ was celebrated with great enthusiasm, featuring folk artists from Haryana and Rajasthan who enchanted everyone with their folk dances and bin (musical instrument) performances. A ‘Teej Bazaar’ was also set up, offering various types of handicrafts and traditional attire. Subsequently, a mehndi (heena) stall was available for the women employees of IGNCA. A special lecture was organized during the annual festival of the Janapada Sampada Division, delivered by Prof. Shalina Mehta, former Head of the Department of Anthropology at Punjab University, Chandigarh. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Rambahadur Rai, President of IGNCA. The chief guest was Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA. The guests of honour were Prof. Suhas Shetgovekar, Director of the School of Social Sciences at IGNOU, New Delhi, and Smt. Malvika Joshi, an educationist, storyteller, and poet. Prof. Anil Kumar, Head of the Janapada Sampada Division, was also present during the occasion.
During her special lecture, Prof. Shalina Mehta emphasized that while the term ‘eco-spirituality’ is gaining prominence today; it has been an integral part of Indian culture for thousands of years. She noted that modernization has caused a drift from this spiritual connection, questioning whether we have truly acknowledged the spiritual aspect of festivals like ‘Hariyali Teej’. Prof. Mehta highlighted that concepts like deep ecology, now being discussed in the West, have long been embedded in India’s existence and knowledge systems. She elaborated that ecology and culture in India are intertwined, and what is now termed ‘eco-spirituality’ has always reflected the plurality of Indian society, rooted in liberal theology. Quoting ancient scriptures, she reminded the audience that the universe is a creation of a supreme power intended for the benefit of all. Prof. Mehta observed that the West is beginning to return to primal spirituality and incorporate it into rituals to preserve nature. She concluded by asserting that ‘eco-spirituality’ is the essential path forward in contemporary times.
Smt. Malvika Joshi expressed her happiness over the celebration of ‘Hariyali Teej’ during the annual festival of the Janapada Division and delighted the audience with the swing song “Jhoola Dheere Se Jhulao Banwari.” Prof. Suhas Shetgovekar remarked that festivals reflect our culture and are more than just holidays; they hold significant importance. They are scientifically meaningful, environmentally friendly, and enhance communal spirit.
Shri Rambahadur Rai, in his address, stated that celebrating Hariyali Teej on August 7 is a historic event. On this day, 119 years ago, on August 7, 1905, four great Indian leaders—Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Sri Aurobindo, and Lala Lajpat Rai—met in Kolkata (then Calcutta), marking the beginning of the Swadeshi Movement. August 7 connects Hariyali Teej with the Swadeshi movement, our culture, and our pride.
During the event, four books were released: ‘Gurudwaras of Punjab’, ‘Pandanu ke Kade’, ‘Uttarakhand ki Sanskritik Virasat’, and ‘Endangered Toda Tribe: Buffalo Culture and Language Preservation’. Subsequently, four films were also released, ‘Saheb Bandagi’, ‘Mangarh: A Valor Saga of Bhil Tribe’, ‘Ramleela of Odisha’ and ‘Yamuna: The River of Gods and Humans’.
The occasion began with a welcome speech by Prof. K. Anil Kumar, followed by a detailed presentation of the works of the Janapada Division by Dr. Rembemo Odyuo. In the final phase of the event, folk artists from Haryana and Rajasthan were invited for cultural performances. Their incredible dance and melodious bin performances enthralled the audience. The cultural segment also featured two teams of artists from Haryana and one team from Rajasthan, who captivated the audience with their splendid performances. The event was hosted by Ms. Shatabdi Manna from the Janapada Division.
