Guwahati: Ancient wisdom views human beings as an integral part of the natural ecosystem, rather than its masters and this it advocates for equitable human progress achieved in harmony with ecology, said Dibrugarh Declaration 2024, adopted on the concluding day of 8th International Conference and Gathering of the Elders of Ancient Traditions. Organised by the International Center for Cultural Studies (ICCS) at Dibrugarh in northeast India, the conference (28 January to 1 February) witnessed the participation of 125 foreign delegates from 33 countries representing their ancient traditional wisdom, where they highlighted three major agendas namely reviving traditions, ecological knowledge and collaborative governance.
“Humanity has experienced remarkable advancements in the past century, thanks to modern science & technology. The fulfillment of material needs and creation of comforts for a significant portion of the population are undeniable achievements. However, growing economic disparity, escalating mental health issues, and the alarmingly increasing levels of environmental degradation pose significant challenges,” said the important declaration, adding that recognizing the positive aspects of achieved material progress, the gathering pointed out that a predominantly human-centric development leads to the imbalance.
The declaration emphasized on promoting an ecofriendly lifestyle, prioritizing the well-being of both humanity and the environment by the children of Mother Earth. It also recognized an urgent need for the practitioners of all ancient traditions to be more effectively organized. With the blessings of the ancestors and guidance from the elders, it’s believed that a selfless, transparent, and accountable social leadership can emerge. To achieve this, a robust mechanism for consensus-based decision making and conflict resolution should be established, stated the declaration insisting on an urgent need to revive and promote the ancient traditions in all corners of the world.
Moreover, the idea of shared sustainable prosperity should be promoted for the well-being of humanity and ecology, said the declaration, adding that initiatives should be taken to conduct community programs promoting compassion, patience, and ethical conduct. Moreover, documenting oral traditions and recognising the ancient knowledge systems, the human race should be encouraged to engage in responsible production and consumption with equitable distribution of resources. It also advocated the individuals pursuing ancient traditions to interact more and understand each other in a better way as well network, cooperate, and collaborate on common larger issues.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale, while addressing the valedictory function, also commented that sustainable development can be ensured only through sustainable consumption. While the prosperity should be shared equitably, the earning and distribution remain the core philosophy in every society, governed by the ancient wisdom, asserted Hosabale, adding that the ancient traditions are the only ones on the planet to have recognized feminine divinity and these traditions emphasise family values and sustainable living in a common way of life. Highlighting on the sustainable prosperity, he also asserted that it must not happen at the cost of Mother Earth’s exploitation.
