By Niranjan Dev Bharadwaj
Researcher and Analyst, Global Foundation for Advancement of Environment and Human Wellness. Author, Environmentalist and TED speaker
As wRamnavami and the Environment: A Divine Call for Climatmi, the birth of Lord Rama, we immerse ourselves in stories of dharma, righteousness, and harmony. But in today’s age of ecological crisis and climate breakdown, Ramnavami is more than a mythological remembrance – it is a reminder of our duty toward Mother Earth.
Lord Rama – The Symbol of Balance with Nature
Lord Rama’s life, especially during his exile, reflects a deep connection with forests, rivers, animals, and the cycles of nature. His journey through the Dandakaranya forest and interactions with tribal communities symbolize a life lived in tune with the environment, respecting its sacredness and sustaining its rhythm.
The forests that sheltered Lord Rama now face deforestation; the rivers that once flowed free now carry pollutants. What would Rama, the protector of righteousness, say about our devastation of nature?
Ramrajya and Ecological Justice
The ideal of Ramrajya – a just, peaceful, and prosperous society – is incomplete without ecological justice. In Ramrajya, prosperity wasn’t measured just in wealth, but in clean air, fertile soil, flowing rivers, and content communities. Today, the vision of Ramrajya must include climate action, environmental protection, and sustainable living.
Can we truly celebrate Ramnavami if we ignore the plight of our planet?
Climate Change and Spiritual Responsibility
Ramnavami falls during peak summer, when heatwaves, water scarcity, and rising temperatures are becoming the new normal in many parts of India. This seasonal shift is not just a coincidence – it’s a climate warning. As followers of Sanatan Dharma, which sees nature as divine – Vriksho devata, Nadi mata, Pavan dev – we must remember our spiritual responsibility to protect creation.
Lord Rama always chose the path of duty over convenience, righteousness over comfort. In our times, that duty means:
Reducing carbon footprints
Conserving water and electricity
Planting trees and preserving forests
Supporting eco-friendly festivals
Demanding climate-conscious policies
A Pledge for Ramnavami
Let this Ramnavami be different. As we chant Jai Shri Ram, let it echo with our commitment to the Earth. Let us plant a tree in His name, switch to sustainable habits in His honor, and protect nature as a modern form of Ram dharma.
Because the battle of our times is not just between good and evil, but between sustainability and destruction, action and apathy.
Jai Shri Ram. Jai Prakriti. Jai Bhumi.
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