Gangotri

The introduction and the first couple of chapters of The Life of Hinduism provides an excellent primer to the vibrant and multifaceted world of Hinduism to the Western reader. In these readings, perhaps the most significant point was that of the pluralism and inherent diversity that typifies the Hindu culture and tradition. At a glance, Hinduism’s ideas of oneness seem to be contradictory with the existence of the plethora of gods and goddesses. The sheer magnitude of the number of gods, from Shiva to Krishna, Lakshmi to Rama, can potentially cause a student of Hinduism to be at a loss for understanding how it is possible for the innumerable branches of the religion to merge in the one Reality. The explanation provided in the reading effectively allayed any preconceived notion about the inconsistency or incoherency innate to the Hindu religion: the key point that was made was that Hinduism accepts a multitude of separate paths to the one divinity; the paths to the ultimate reality are just as multitudinous as the means by which those experiences of that reality are expressed. Related to this idea of reconciling diversity with the ideal of unity is the idea of cultural diversity throughout India that manifests itself in religion and beyond. Given the extensive scope for Hinduism’s diverse yet harmonious paths to divinity, one cannot approach the religion expecting any degree of cultural or philosophical homogeneity throughout India. The reading indirectly establishes the fact…

such as Rongjuk. As one of the displaced women said “when we see the black clouds, we feel afraid.” The arrival of black clouds and disappearance of white snow in the cold desert is how climate change id entering the life of the Ladakhi communities. They did not cause the pollution, but they are its victims. This is the direct and cruel face of climate injustice – the polluters continue to pollute, they are insulated from the impact of their own actions. Others, thousands of miles away bear the…

North-East of India. These forests are also called evergreen forest e.g. ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber and cinchona etc. These forest receive rainfall of more the 200 cm. Tropical Deciduous Forests like Teak, Bamboos, sal, shisham, sandalwood are also called the monsoon forests and spread over the region receiving rainfall between 100 cm to 200 cm. Thorny bushes like babool found in regions with less than 70 cm of rainfall. This type of vegetation is found in the Rajasthan, Gujrat and some…

Kedarnath and Badrinath are attributed to him in several myths. The peaks, valleys, rivers and rocks of the Himalaya have long been perceived as sacred landscape to its peoples, pilgrims, and scholars as well as to it climbers, surveyors and scientists. Himalayas have been home to intensive religious life since times immemorial. Sages, rishis, yogis came to hidden places to meditate. Indian sacred texts and epics tell stories about miracles and revelations that have happened here. Much of…

limits due to flow of sewage and open defecation. Lidder River has been turned into a cesspool." It has been estimated that on one day of the pilgrimage, more than 55000 kg of waste is generated in the camps. The vehicles such as buses and trucks carrying people, security forces and essential commodities make the air pollution even worse. Navlakha says that the locals have to retain their right to resources in order save themselves from the exploitations of the mighty SASB. Many environmental…