The Rising Nepal: Rights Of Nature Embedded In Hindu Texts

“Though they have not used the term ‘rights of nature’, they have given recognition to the supremacy of the sun, water, air, and forests.”

Shrawan Sharma, CDER Nepal Associate

CDER’s Nepal Associate, Shrawan Sharma was recently featured in The Rising Nepal with the article, “Rights Of Nature Embeds In Hindu Texts.”

Sharma discusses the current rights of nature conversation, exploring how the movement seeks to preserve nature. Further, he writes how Hindu texts illuminate this idea from an Eastern perspective. For the country of Nepal, he writes, the rights of nature is a Vedic concept already present.

He writes: “The Veda venerated deities like Varuna, Indra, Maruta, and Aditya by granting them a defined supreme authority to balance the vital elements of nature such as fire, air, water, and sun. Forests, mountains, water, air, and fire were considered almighty deities, which give life to the living and non-living beings on this planet. “

As he explains, this means that ever since the dawn of these texts, there is an ever-present understanding of honoring the authority of the universal ecosystem. Sharma further confirms that this change of perception is key to protecting the Himalayas and the full breadth of the beauty of Nepal. Click here to read the full article.