A look at the future

ANIL AGARWAL

-- "India has rich democratic and entrepreneurial traditions and has, in the face of emerging rural crisis, thrown up numerous outstanding examples of communities struggling to improve their environment, some of which have shown through the dint of their hard work and persistence that dealing with 'ecological poverty' is, in fact, the starting point of dealing with 'economic poverty'. There is, therefore, no dearth of opportunities that can and should be seized to get rid of poverty and illiteracy, improve living standards, and maintain a balance between want and waste. However, the urban scenario shows a deepening crisis. We not only have to learn how to be a good 'Gandhian in poverty' but also a good 'Gandhian in wealth'. This can be done. All that it needs is a caring heart and a mind aware of its neighbours and natural surroundings."