First of all, one cannot trust such surveys % predictions as their sample size and coverage/geography is so limited for the vast variety of Indian populace.
However from the trend they have published, we can see, some important aspects regd India & our people get buttressed.
1. Hinduism has no single specific scripture/God/Guru etc. So people follow what they feel is generally good (its democratic). They will oppose any unsubstantiated bindings even if it is not affecting them. (the spirit of SarveApi Sukhinah Bhavantu.)
2. Not supporting ban indicates, general opposition to hegemony. No wonder many cultures developed, religions patronized/accepted by the residents of this great country. (Diversity)
3. Not burning crackers indicates acceptance to change, adaptability and readiness to change even in most personal matters. Acceptance of Hindu Code bill of 1955 is another great example of this.
4. Self driven cultures keep going continuously even if they face adversities. But Once this self-driving force is disturbed, you will see collapse of many social institutions in our society. Thats why our laws should be in consonance with our cultural ethos and should not be based on foreign ideas which are almost incompatible.
BTW, China & Russia did skip this.
It shows difference between the communist mindsets and Indian mindset. Many of us remember chipko andolan by poor peasant women. It happened in 1973 in UP by as well as in 1730 by Bishnois. There was no oncept of Global warming then. But dtill we did it.
Indians who treat planet Earth as Mother Earth and world as a family, will always be taking care of these things.
Thank you for sharing these interesting observations and examples. The Chipko movement was revolutionary indeed.
As you point out, all ancient cultures grew out of a deep reverence and respect for nature.
Our contemporary lifestyles and global supply chain based economy distances us from realising the environmental impact and costs of our day to day consumption and lifestyle choices.
Reluctance to give up these comforts for the sake of greater good is always going to be a tough ask.
I believe the willingness to act urgently on climate change will be the defining aspect of our generation if and when history is written about these times in the future.
The past surveys are in line with this too even if not entirely accurate. Can't wait to watch the yearly progress with all of you for almost a century I've left. :-D
Hopefully the MoEF or HRD ministry will conduct one that is robust and more representative, soon.
The LocalCircles’ survey received around 28,000 responses from Indian households in 371 districts nationwide.
“63 per cent respondents were men and 37 per cent were women; 41 per cent respondents were from Tier 1, 33 per cent from Tier 2 and 26 per cent respondents were from Tier 3, 4 and rural districts,”
Nevertheless I though this finding was significant: On why households were choosing not to burn crackers this Diwali, the most commonly cited reason was air pollution — 63 per cent.
Change is in the air!!! (Or as Bob Dylan sang: the answer my friend is blowing in the wind)
Diwali Crackers Pollution Survey: 42% households in favour of some type of ban on cracker burning on Diwali; 53% not in support of any restrictions
www.localcircles.com
