Read the following statement by a well-known environmental thinker, David Suzuki: "The way we see the world shapes the way we treat it. If a mountain is a deity, not a pile of ore; if a river is one of the veins of the land, not potential irrigation water; if a forest is a sacred grove, not timber; if other species are biological kin, not resources; or if the planet is our mother, not an opportunity—then we will treat each other with greater respect. Thus is the challenge, to look at the world from a different perspective." Discuss in small groups. What do you think this statement means? What implication does it have for our actions with respect to the air, water, land, trees and mountains around us?
The statement means that our worldview shapes our actions. Seeing Nature as sacred rather than as a resource leads to respectful, protective behaviour. When mountains are deities, rivers are veins of the land, and forests are sacred groves, we treat them with reverence instead of exploiting them.
This perspective implies we should reduce air pollution, conserve and protect water bodies, prevent land degradation, preserve forests and trees, and protect mountains from destructive activities. We would treat natural elements with respect, recognising their intrinsic value beyond utility.
Explanation
(a) The chapter supports this worldview by explaining how sacred geography has historically protected Nature in India. (b) The chapter provides examples like the Dongria Khond tribe protecting Niyam Dongar hill and Sikkim identifying sacred natural sites for protection.