What is it about?
India as a country has its identity deeply rooted in its rural culture. Whether we talk about agriculture, tradition, food, art, or music, the rural society of India has always proven itself a representation towards the national front. The Dayalbagh society in Agra city of Uttar Pradesh (India) is engaged to strengthen the nation’s roots through education, technology, sustainability, management, innovation, research, and most importantly, selfless service. The major potential for economic growth in India lies in the development of its rural areas. This article is an attempt to spot the outlook of a society that has its inception for the past 100 years and is continuously making efforts to glorify the message of sustainable development, environmental protection, and rural development through its effective plans in designing an eco-village-based society. Based on the narrative description approach, this article highlights the efforts and strategies employed by the Dayalbagh society to promote sustainable development, environmental protection, and rural development. The focus is on how society integrates education, technology, sustainability, management, innovation, research, and selfless service to achieve these goals. The Dayalbagh society’s initiatives have taken into consideration economic, social, environmental, and human aspects, demonstrating significant contributions towards sustainable development and rural empowerment. The philosophy and successful practices of the Dayalbagh society can inspire and guide others in developing action plans for effective environmental protection and sustainable rural development. By adopting such approaches, other organizations, decision-makers, and individuals can contribute to the overall growth and well-being of rural areas in India.
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Why is it important?
Introducing eco-village concepts in urban areas aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing multiple challenges simultaneously. By promoting eco-villages within cities, communities can significantly reduce carbon emissions through sustainable practices such as renewable energy use, waste reduction, and efficient resource management. Controlled industrialization within eco-villages ensures that economic growth is balanced with environmental conservation, minimizing pollution and ecological footprint. Additionally, these villages can serve as models for sustainable living, educating residents and neighboring communities about eco-friendly practices and resilience to climate change. By integrating green spaces, local food production, and eco-friendly infrastructure, eco-villages enhance urban biodiversity, improve air quality, and promote health and well-being. Ultimately, embracing the eco-village concept in urban planning fosters inclusive, resilient communities that contribute positively to global sustainability goals while mitigating the adverse impacts of urbanization on the environment and society.
Perspectives
Dayalbagh has evolved into a centre of great spiritual, academic, ecological, and moral values, offering consolation, satisfaction, calmness, and enlightenment to its residents and visitors, who flock in droves in search of inner and outer peace. The Dayalbagh philosophy articulates to live and promote an eco-village type of life, but it can be clearly noted from society’s perspective that actual rural life implies living in a healthy natural environment as an eco-village without having the focus of converting the rural life to urban life. The Dayalbagh philosophy sets an example and ideal model for a country like India, that we at urban societies should adopt the qualities of fresh environments like villages and must also include the elements of education, infrastructure, innovation, technology, and giving help to improve the lifestyle and make efforts for environmental protection. Dayalbagh exemplifies a remarkable model of sustainable development and community prosperity through its eco-village concept. By integrating principles of ecological stewardship, social cohesion, and economic resilience, Dayalbagh showcases how local communities can thrive while maintaining harmony with nature and promoting a better quality of life for all residents. The eco-village approach in Dayalbagh emphasizes sustainable agriculture, renewable energy adoption, and efficient resource management, contributing to environmental conservation and climate resilience. Moreover, the community’s commitment to education, healthcare, and cultural enrichment fosters holistic development and social well-being. As a role model for the world, Dayalbagh demonstrates that through collective action, innovation, and a strong sense of community, sustainable development goals can be achieved, offering valuable lessons and inspiration for creating a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future globally.
Dr. Hans Kaushik
Dayalbagh Educational Institute
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Advocating ‘eco-village’ for sustainable development: The dayalbagh way of life, Eco Cities, June 2024, Asia Pacific Academy of Science Pte. Ltd.,
DOI: 10.54517/ec.v5i1.2773.
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