Cities are living, breathing organisms. They pulse with life through their green spaces, flow through their water bodies, and hum with the stories of their people. Yet, over decades of rapid urbanization, this harmony has been lost. Greenery has given way to concrete, air has turned heavy with pollution, and the cultural soul of our cities has been diluted.
 
But this is not irreversible. Cities can be reclaimed—not just as places to live, but as spaces that inspire, nurture, and connect us to nature and each other. To achieve this, we need a Dharmic approach—one that emphasizes balance, respect for natural and cultural systems, and the collective responsibility of all citizens.
 
This article presents a roadmap to transform cities into vibrant ecosystems where nature, culture, and humanity thrive together.
 
1. Policies That Set the Foundation for Harmony
 
Urban transformation begins with bold policies rooted in sustainability, equity, and long-term thinking.
 
Green Spaces are mandatory – cannot be optional!
 
Green spaces are not luxuries—they are essential lifelines for any city. Policies must mandate that a significant portion of urban land is reserved for parks, forests, and gardens. These spaces should be accessible to all, improving air quality, promoting physical and mental well-being, and fostering a sense of community.
 
We need beautiful water bodies in addition to green spaces!
 
Neglected lakes, ponds, and wetlands must be revived—not just as functional water reserves but as vibrant ecological and social hubs. These water bodies cool cities, support biodiversity, and provide spaces for reflection and recreation.
 
Tree Planting Should be Done Strategically and Scientifically
 
Planting trees isn’t just about numbers; it’s about understanding. Indigenous species like Peepal, Banyan, Amla, and Ashoka are not only culturally significant but also critical for improving air quality and supporting local ecosystems.

 
Quiet Zones and No-Vehicle Days

Noise pollution disrupts not only our mental well-being but also the delicate balance of urban ecology. Designate quiet zones where noise is strictly regulated. Introduce no-vehicle hours every week and vehicle-free days every month to reclaim peace and reduce emissions.
 
Temples are energy vortexes (not just places of prayer and worship) that are vital for metal health of citizens
 
In the Indian tradition, temples are more than places of worship—they are centers of positive energy. Strategically locating temples near green spaces and water bodies can amplify their impact, creating sanctuaries for spiritual renewal and community gathering.

Stop looking at Sanatani temples as religious structures. These are energy vortexes that enhance the positive energy in and around where they are located. These should be strategically built all over the city adjacent to green areas and water bodies.

Design Should Blend Aesthetics with Functionality
 
Indian aesthetics emphasize harmony and meaning. Public spaces and buildings should reflect this ethos. Murals, carvings, and thoughtful architectural designs can tell a city’s stories while serving practical purposes. This is how we weave beauty into the fabric of everyday life.
 
2. Builders Should be Seen as Custodians of the Future – but they need education.
 
Builders and developers shape the physical identity of our cities. They must see themselves as custodians of harmony, responsible for designing spaces that honor nature, culture, and inclusivity.
 
Eco-Friendly Design Principles – through education, policy and inspiration
 
Incorporate green roofs, vertical gardens, natural ventilation, and sustainable materials into all urban developments. These aren’t just trends; they are necessities.
 
Water Conservation Should be incorporated in Every Project
 
Rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and artificial wetlands should be standard features in every building plan. These systems are critical for cities grappling with water scarcity and urban flooding.
 
How can we Design for Everyone
 

Architecture must reflect inclusivity by addressing the needs of:
     •           The Elderly: Accessible walkways, benches, and safe public spaces.
     •           Differently Abled Individuals: Barrier-free access, tactile pathways, and clear signage.
     •           Children: Safe play zones and creative learning environments.
     •           Women: Well-lit public spaces, clean toilets, and access to safe drinking water.
 
Gardens in Every Home
 
Every home can contribute to the city’s greenery. A balcony garden, a rooftop patch, or even a small planter box can collectively add up to a significant impact.
 
3. Education for Builders and Architects
 
Builders and architects must go beyond functional design to create spaces that reflect respect for nature and culture.
 
Training in Dharmic Architecture
 
Introduce builders to the principles of vastu shastra and other traditional Indian architectural practices that align structures with natural energy flows.
 
Workshops on Sustainable Practices
 
Regular workshops can equip builders with practical knowledge about eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient designs, and waste reduction strategies.
 
Creativity Through Contemplation
 
Encourage architects to engage in practices like meditation and reflection. Deep contemplation often leads to inspired designs that resonate with both people and the environment.
 
4. Establishing a Wise City Council
 
Urban governance must move beyond bureaucratic efficiency to reflect wisdom, integrity, and a deep connection with the city’s needs.
 

• Create a “Wise City Council” made up of educated, informed, rooted, connected long term residents of the city who have history in the place and care about what happens to the city. (Also, just like we have Home Owner’s Associations, there should be some city association separate from the Municipality that has a significant say in everything to do with the city. It should have a culture committee and many other such committees for planned growth while retaining the city characteristics and history/culture etc.) This should include architects who are knowledgeable in Indian architecture, ecofriendly architecture, eco friendly materials and also have first hand experience and knowledge of how nature works.
• Dharmic architecture and dharmic design would ensure harmony between human structures and activity and natural cycles and processes. This is very important. To achieve one would need deep sadhana. Without such a deep understanding architects will do copycat designs or designs that create friction and conflict between man and nature.
• Some other key ideas: Spread gardens, green lung spaces and water bodies throughout the city ensuring all the citizens have easy access to greenery and water. Revive dead or neglected lakes and ponds. Let every house have a small garden however small.

A Council of Rooted Experts
 
The council should include long-term residents, environmental scientists, urban planners, and architects with a strong understanding of the city’s cultural and ecological fabric.
 
Cultural Committees
 
Form subcommittees to preserve local traditions, languages, and arts. These committees ensure that modernization does not erase a city’s cultural identity.
 
Public Dashboards for Accountability – corporations, institutions, other commercial entities, universities, hospitals etc.
 
Introduce a public dashboard that tracks:
     •           Contributions to pollution and ecological degradation.
     •           Efforts to improve the city’s environment, culture, and livability.
 
Display this data at key locations such as airports, train stations, and public squares. Transparency fosters accountability and citizen engagement.
 
Corporate Town Halls
 
Empower the citizens’ councils to summon corporate leaders to town halls. These sessions would require them to explain their contributions to:
     •           Environmental sustainability.
     •           Cultural preservation.
     •           Community welfare and inclusivity.
 
5. Engaging Communities for Collective Action
 
The heart of any city lies in its people. Transformation is impossible without their active participation.
 
Quarterly “Let Us Make Our City Better” Challenges
 
Host contests in schools, colleges, and corporate offices to encourage innovative solutions for urban problems. These ideas can then be presented to local leaders, policymakers, and even the PMO, fostering a movement of citizen-driven change.
 
Monthly Cleanliness Drives
 
Organize neighborhood campaigns to clean streets, plant trees, and beautify public spaces. These initiatives build a sense of pride and ownership among residents.
 
Libraries and Cultural Centers
 
Set up libraries in parks, temples, and community hubs to preserve and promote local heritage. Mobile libraries can ensure accessibility to knowledge in underserved areas.
 
6. Transparency, Accountability, and Predictive Planning
 
Cities need tools that evaluate progress, hold stakeholders accountable, and anticipate future needs.
 
Predictive Models for Urban Needs
 
Develop a predictive model to calculate the ideal number of:
     •           Trees, green spaces, and water bodies.
     •           Meditation pyramids and spiritual hubs.
     •           Quiet zones and vehicle-free areas.
     •           Trash cans, libraries, and community meeting spaces.
 
This model can guide policymakers to meet the ecological and cultural requirements of every X number of residents.
 
Regular Environmental Reporting
 
Measure and publish data on air quality, water quality, biodiversity, and green cover. Making this information widely accessible fosters collective accountability.
 
Quarterly City-Wide Reflection Days
 
Designate rest days for cities, pausing non-essential activities to allow ecosystems to recover and citizens to reflect on their shared progress.
 
7. Centers for Local Research and Policy Input
 
Every city needs a Center for Urban Ecology and Culture to study its unique geography, topography, materials, flora, fauna, and cultural history. These centers can:
     •           Provide valuable data and recommendations to policymakers.
     •           Guide architects and urban planners in designing sustainable, context-sensitive spaces.
     •           Educate citizens about their city’s natural and cultural wealth, fostering pride and stewardship.
 
A Vision for the Future

Imagine a city where green spaces breathe life into neighborhoods, water bodies teem with biodiversity, and public art narrates stories of resilience and creativity. A city where temples serve as sanctuaries of energy, libraries preserve culture, and citizens actively participate in shaping their environment.
 
This is not a far-off dream. It is an achievable reality—one that begins with us. By embracing a Dharmic approach to urban development, we can create cities that are not just livable but deeply inspiring. Let us come together to reclaim our cities for ourselves and generations to come. The time to act is now.

The post Reclaiming Our Cities From the Edge of Chaos first appeared on Vinay Kulkarni.

In an era dominated by rapid growth of large urban centers and the success and value of everything being measured in terms of size and scale, somewhere we have lost track of the purpose of human life and have become like hamsters on a wheel. Who is going to blow the whistle and stop the circus? Do we realise the insanity of this greedy, unending quest for more and more? What will it take to make us realize that this kind of unbridled exploitation of natural resources, rather a shameless exploitation of nature is not sustainable and that there will be a big price to pay? Who will be the first to say that the emperor has no clothes? Or are we all enjoying this game so much that we do not want it to stop no matter what? Some day, when we sit down to create the P & L statement for the world, we will find that we have lost more than what we have gained!

“Just as fire born out of wind (fanned into flame) is extinguished by the same wind, so also that which is born of imagination is destroyed by imagination itself.” 
– Yoga Vasishta Sara

If I were to ask you what is the visible world made up of? Not in terms of the smallest building blocks but in terms of the big things that you see? And what are the categories of these big things? Let’s make a list, shall we?
Some of the big things we see: 

• Large Apartment Complexes 
• Large Office Blocks / IT Tech Parks 
• Large Shopping Malls 
• Huge Airports, Railway Stations, Bus Stations, Ports 
• Large Stretches of Highways and Expressways 
• Large Hotels and Hotel Chains 
• Restaurants, Cafes, Bistros and Coffee Shops 
• Big Schools, Colleges and Universities 
• Large Hospitals 
• Large factories and manufacturing plants 
• Large Refineries 
• Large Government Offices and Buildings Huge Army Cantonments / Bases

These are places which bring large groups of people together on a regular basis and there are different types of interactions that happen here. Now, the most prevalent and recurring designs of these types of buildings came out of someone’s imagination somewhere and somehow these designs start showing up everywhere. The same design gets replicated everywhere – whatever is commercially efficient, effective and expedient. In the process local culture, spirituality, cuisine, languages, aesthetics, tradition, history and environment – all take a beating and eventually you have a world where every town and city looks the same – concrete jungle made up of match box designs and millions of people running around like hamsters on the wheel. Thousands of hours of precious human life, that could have been used to realize life potential and help the world are spent navigating this concrete maze! 

Should commercial efficiency be the only consideration when designing infrastructure? Is this happening because of a lack of imagination, a lack of motivation or a lack of knowledge? I would venture to say, all the above! 
 

Now, what are some problems we are all experiencing in modern urban spaces all over the world (the differences are only in terms of scale)?

Air, Water and Sound pollution of course to begin with. So, what is new about it you might say! It is the scale and speed at which it is happening. Have we reached the point of no return yet?

Another issue is the proliferation of unhealthy food places and the proliferation of real world physical entertainment hubs that replicate the behavior of social media platforms in terms of how they manipulate the human mind through algorithms – all this is contributing immensely to the mental health crisis. Almost everything that is wrong in the world will eventually lead to mental health issues – it appears! 

I was at one of the largest malls in Bengaluru yesterday. You must see the craze for experiences that has overtaken the modern man! Even villagers in their native attire are lining up to experience the place and spending so much of their hard-earned cash to eat stale, processed, unhealthy food. It was so interesting watching villagers feasting on pizzas – those overpriced things sold as “food” – and the craze for 3D games etc. I interviewed the people who work in those arcades and malls. Really young fellows. They said they are dead tired when weekend comes. Head spinning and headaches. The sound of those kids screaming and machines whirring playing in their heads when they try to sleep. Imagine what will happen to them in a few years. India is starting at a huge mental health crisis coming soon!

Disappearing third places ( a neutral place where people can meet and interact without too many strings attached or having to adhere to too many rules – a place where your position in the world did not matter and you could let your hair down) and increasing loneliness amongst people of all demographics – a paradox increasing loneliness in the midst of growing crowds. Lack of direct human to human socialization and an increase in social media interaction are complicating the issue. This may be more of an American problem at this time but it is going to be a problem everywhere pretty soon.

When we were growing up the front gate of the house was kind of a third place – Just stand there and neighbours would come out to talk. There used to be frequent power cuts and instead of being irritated, neighbours would come out and socialize. And if it was a full moon day, mothers and grandmothers would arrange a “beladingala oota” – a meal under the moonlight. Now, neighbors do not talk to each other. Ancient India had 3 types of third places I guess: bazaars, temples and taverns. But most of all the temples. The temples were the center of all life in general. Not anymore!  All this is adding to the already worsening mental health crisis.

Increased interpersonal conflict and road rage can be experienced everywhere and there is increasing stress simply from living – even people with money and means are not immune to it. In other words life itself has become stressful or stress inducing. The increasing tech in our lives is creating a larger distance between us and the natural world. And we being children of the natural world – nature, miss it from the very core of our being but do not know it yet intellectually even though we are paying a heavy price for it. 

Lack of space to walk – all available space claimed by residential complexes, commercial buildings, parking lots, malls etc – anything that supports the idea of commercial success and expansion at scale. There is also a lack of green spaces and reducing forest cover which not only leads to poorer air quality but also contributes to increasing stress and declining mental health. Add to this the lack of natural water bodies – lake beds in most cities are being taken over by developers who want to keep building. This is happening because of lack of regulation with respect to construction and development, lack of enforcement of existing rules and policies and lack of dharmic consciousness in builders, developers and city planners.

All this commercial activity creates “Dust” – dust has always been there but has anyone paid attention to how the composition of this dust has changed over the years? An investigation is likely to reveal shocking findings! 

Increasing number of vehicles on the road – as the population of cities increase and automotive companies find buyers, the number of vehicles on the road will keep increasing. Has anyone thought of what is the upper limit? Does this ever come up when students are taught automotive engineering? Does this ever come up during deliberations on policy within government offices? Does this ever come up during discussions inside car companies? I guess no one wants to say the emperor has no clothes. Saying so would be detrimental to everyone’s interests! Or at least that is what they think!

Now everyone is talking about how celebrities like Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma are abandoning India for greener pastures abroad. Apparently because the current public infrastructure in India has not caught up to the standards of the west. This is because our celebrities are caught up in the Artha-Kama complex. As Artha increases, Kama increases Geometrically. Their dilemma becomes where can I live the lifestyle that my wealth now affords me. Whereas, in a DAKM paradigm, as Artha increases, the Kama to do good, help the society that made you rich, pull up the downtrodden and take up revival and restoration of our spiritual places on a mission mode (a la Ahalya Bai Holkar) will arise. If on a spiritual path, every Kama that is fulfilled leads to more Vairagya (I like to think of the Dharmarthakamamoksha chaturvidha purushartha paradigm as the Learn, Earn, Spend, Renounce model of human life envisioned by sages of ancient India). On the other hand if you are not on the spiritual path, every kama that is fulfilled will give birth to more desires like Raktabeeja. Each one of these celebs leaving India has the power to transform India but they don’t have the motivation to do it. This is really unfortunate. 

Puruṣārthas – The Cardinal Values of Life
1. While listing the Puruṣārthas (the four cardinal values of Life) namely Dharma, Artha, Kāma and Mokṣa, the order should not be altered. This sequence is perfect. For, Artha and Kāma must exist within the bounds of Dharma and Mokṣa.
2. Artha and Kāma are like mischievous cows. If you milk them, they would kick you. But if you milk them after tying their legs on either side to the pillars called Dharma and Mokṣa, they would pour nectar profusely. (Source: The nectarine nuggets of Sri Ranga Mahaguru)

But on the other hand for those seeking to live a spiritual lifestyle and craving for spiritual destinations, no other country in the world can match India. One cannot complete the list of spiritual destinations in one lifetime, you would need many lifetimes to visit all the spiritual places in India. As Swami Vivekananda said, the core strength and root power of India is spirituality. Any attempt to build power that is not based on that will not succeed. We have to know our core competence and as Sri Aurobindo said, our assigned role in the world.

Shivakumar GV sounds a word of caution: “Craving for new Experiences is an Eternal Reality because that is the ‘Nature of Srishti’. Since Moksha is perceived as the final difficult state it has to be articulated one level below. That Vairagya is an essential element for sustainable Artha Kama cannot be logically established. It can only be validated by experience.”

I am just counting my blessings for still being able to go and meditate in front of a Shivalinga installed by Bhima himself (in Kaivara)! I can drive up to Hampi and meditate in front of the Shiva Linga where Rama coronated Sugriva (Veerupaksha). I can drive 100 kms to Avani where Valmiki is supposed to have had an ashram. In the middle of all this crazy glittery experience seeking techno madness of Bengaluru I can find the experiences that I crave while others find the ones they crave! And both co-exist in the same place! I can drive to Basavanagudi and meditate in the Gavi Gangadharehwara temple – where Gautama Maharishi is supposed to have lived and done sadhana there. And there is a 900 year old temple (still functional and still active) a stone’s throw away from my office! Can I ask for anything more?!

Now, various statistics and studies on all the above issues is available plenty on the internet – in public domain. Yet, it is never a topic of major discussion. I find this at once strange, alarming and totally baffling! 

It is being asked if “urbanization is dharmic?” My response is: It is more a question of how it is done, with what purpose it is done, who are the stakeholders and how they are affected by it, who benefits from it, who is harmed by it, and such considerations. We have dharmic design in the past with mokshic intent. These considerations would need to be addressed in the context of every key decision made.

People don’t understand how much of a difference the architecture and infrastructure of a city makes! We will only realize when we have lost it all! But all modern things also present a great opportunity: malls, metro stations, airports etc. Real estate developers can help to rebuild Bharat – literally and metaphorically – without too much hullabaloo; quietly, slowly, deliberately- they can bring about change through design. But most are not aware of it or lack that motivation. 
 

Our IKS thinkers and leaders should allocate a whole army sized group to work with the real estate community. We can change the map of India in under ten years. You can build a community in such a way that people get healed just by living there. Your house can be designed to give you energy and heal you. That kind of knowledge is there in Bharat. 

I have interviewed a whole bunch of architects and architecture students – our education lacks imagination. Majority of them have no awareness of India’s architectural genius. Vastu has been relegated to a religious practice! Yes! One reason is the ease and efficiency of copy and paste. But city councils should step up and impose localized design. And cities and states should not lose the flavor of local language and culture! Indians have to re-establish their relationship and understanding of Soundarya! Now all Indian cities are beginning to look and feel the same! I can’t tell between Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Coimbatore anymore! Especially once you step into a mall!

We need to stop herding people all over the country into a single place, develop it to the point of ruin and then run to the next pristine place. Bengaluru is a prime example of this. We have untapped talent and potential all over the country! In every state every village – they just need guidance and support. It is not a good idea to push everyone to follow the Indian version of the American dream which has now turned into a nightmare. 

Let every region develop in its own unique way. Let India have a basket of dreams based on Swabhava and Swadharma rather than pushing a unidimensional dream on everyone. Only then we can once again produce geniuses in the tens and hundreds if not thousands. We have to redefine success through redefining the purpose of life – let everyone discover their own purpose instead of trying to live up to a holographically projected purpose. No state has to try and imitate another state. The problem with basing growth strategies on imitation metrics from elsewhere through sheer laziness, lack of imagination and creativity is that you create more problems than the ones you solve! 

Ultimately to ensure the wellbeing all human beings, Education, Architecture, Politics, Policymaking, Transportation, Entertainment, Food, Healthcare, Hospitality, Governance etc should be aligned with: 

(1) Rta, Dharma, Nature’s Intent and Design – the governing principle of the universe and the right harmonious actions that arise from that
(2) Ultimate purpose of human life 
(3) The actual yogic anatomy of the human body and the human being 
(4) Natural design – nature has designed all things – male, female, animal, bird, insect etc. In nature there is design and not equality – that means everything has a purpose, a role to serve in the design of the overall system – which is the universe.

To create thriving cities and towns, we must address:
            1.         Individual Needs:
Physical: Clean water, nutritious food, and access to healthcare.
Mental: Libraries, learning spaces, and quiet zones.
Emotional: Art galleries and recreational spaces.
Spiritual: Meditation halls, temples, and sacred groves.
            2.         Societal Needs:
Community: Gathering spaces, festivals, and local governance mechanisms.
Entertainment: Venues for simple joys like music, dance, and theater.
            3.         Environmental Needs:
Biodiversity: Preserve habitats for animals and integrate trees as stakeholders in urban planning.
Sustainability: Focus on renewable energy and eco-friendly materials.
 

To summarize, Urban spaces should prioritize walkability, bike lanes, and communal gardens, enabling people to stay active without conscious effort. Design cities that promote mindfulness through quiet zones, meditation spaces, and workshops to help residents articulate and pursue their purpose. Implement food policies that make plant-based foods affordable and accessible. Develop infrastructure that fosters community interaction, such as family-friendly spaces, faith centers, and social clubs and green spaces and community gardens to help reduce loneliness and promote mental health.

So, this dysfunctional, commercially oriented world that is going on self-replicating its unproven but commercially expedient self with shareholder value maximization as the only goal can be cured using the same power of imagination – by imagining a different, more benevolent, more harmonious, more dharmic world. That imagination will come from a proper understanding of the forces affecting the world today and developing methods and means to channel these forces in the dharmic direction – i.e., in the direction of harmony, overall human wellbeing, overall wellbeing of the entire planet and universe. 

The post Can we Imagine a Saner World? first appeared on Vinay Kulkarni.

In today’s interconnected world, WhatsApp groups have become vibrant hubs for sharing ideas, knowledge, and opinions. However, these platforms, while convenient, come with significant pitfalls that can derail meaningful conversations and lead to misunderstandings, unnecessary conflicts, and intellectual deadlocks. To effectively navigate these challenges, one must cultivate clarity, consciousness, and a heightened awareness of the dynamics of online group discussions.

Imaginary WhatsApp Group Discussion

Group Name: Global Thinkers

Members:

• Ravi: Historian, interested in India’s cultural heritage

• Amit: Technologist, often skeptical of cultural narratives

• Meera: Educator, believes in balanced perspectives

• Priya: Entrepreneur, occasionally blunt in her responses

Ravi: “Did you know that many ancient Indian astronomical concepts influenced Western knowledge? There’s evidence suggesting that ideas from texts like the Surya Siddhanta traveled to the Arab world and later to Europe.”

Amit: “Let’s not overstate things, Ravi. There’s always this tendency to make it seem like India invented everything. Western civilizations had their own advancements in astronomy—don’t forget about Copernicus and Galileo.”

Ravi: “Amit, I didn’t say India invented everything. I was pointing out specific historical exchanges of knowledge. It’s not about taking credit for everything, but acknowledging contributions.”

Priya: “Ravi, honestly, this sounds like another attempt to glorify India unnecessarily. We should stop romanticizing the past and focus on the present. The West has always been miles ahead in terms of technology.”

Meera: “Priya, I think Ravi is just suggesting we shouldn’t dismiss Indian contributions outright. It’s not about glorification; it’s about exploring historical nuances.”

Amit: “Nuances? Really? This feels like cherry-picking to me. If we were so advanced, why didn’t we dominate the world like the West did?”

Ravi: “Facepalm. Amit, domination was never the goal of Indian civilization. But it seems like people can’t value anything Indian unless it’s validated by the West. This is the colonized mindset in action!”

Priya: “Ravi, this colonized mindset argument is tiring. Not everything critical about India is a result of colonial brainwashing.”

Amit: “Exactly. And let’s not rewrite history to suit nationalist agendas. Why do we always need to prove we were better?”

Ravi: “I’m not proving anything! This isn’t about superiority. It’s about giving credit where it’s due. If we’re so dismissive, we’ll never even investigate the possibility.”

Priya: “And if we keep clinging to the past, we’ll never move forward.”

Meera: “Okay, everyone, let’s pause. I think the issue here is the medium—text can make all of us sound more extreme than we are. Ravi’s not saying India invented everything, and Priya and Amit aren’t entirely dismissing Indian achievements either.”

Amit: “Maybe. But Ravi’s phrasing made it sound like that. It’s frustrating when people make these sweeping statements.”

Ravi: “Amit, you assumed the worst of what I said without asking for clarification. This pendulum of extremes is exhausting!”

Priya: “And Ravi, you jumped in assuming we’re all dismissive. This tone of yours—‘colonized minds’—is provocative.”

Meera: “Guys, we’re going in circles. Maybe next time we try to clarify intent before reacting?”

Analysis of Problems Illustrated in the Conversation:

1. Assumptions Driving Conflict: Ravi’s initial point was about historical exchanges, but Amit assumed it was an exaggerated claim of India’s superiority, which triggered defensive responses.

2. Tone Amplification: Ravi’s frustration with being misunderstood led him to use phrases like “colonized mindset,” escalating the conversation.

3. Pendulum Effect: The discussion swung between extremes—either glorifying or dismissing India’s contributions—without settling in the nuanced middle ground.

4. Medium Limitations: Without tone or context, everyone’s statements were misinterpreted, making it harder to address the real issue.

5. Unstructured Dialogue: The lack of a shared goal or framework turned the discussion into a reactive exchange, rather than a constructive exploration of ideas.

This example highlights how WhatsApp’s limitations can derail discussions, emphasizing the need for tools and approaches to foster clarity, respect, and meaningful engagement.

The Nature of the Medium: A Breeding Ground for Assumptions

Text-based communication lacks the nuances of tone, body language, and context, leading participants to unconsciously fill in the gaps with their assumptions. Often, these assumptions lean toward extreme interpretations. For instance, in a heated discussion, a balanced statement might be perceived as polarizing or dismissive simply because it does not align with the assumed context.

Take, for example, a conversation about the origins of knowledge systems. If one mentions that Indian astronomical knowledge influenced Western traditions, the intent might be to highlight the need for an open-minded exploration of historical exchanges. However, without the nuance of voice or facial expression, others may interpret the statement as a wholesale denial of Western achievements, triggering defensive or dismissive responses.

This pendulum effect—where discussions swing to extremes—often prevents the conversation from settling into the middle ground, where balanced and productive dialogue can occur. The issue is not the lack of intellectual capability—WhatsApp groups often include highly accomplished individuals—but the medium itself, which inherently strips away essential communicative cues.

The Pitfall of Colonized Thinking

Another layer of complexity arises from deeply ingrained mental frameworks, such as the “colonized mind” phenomenon. Centuries of colonial dominance conditioned many to devalue their own traditional knowledge unless validated by Western authorities. This predisposition can manifest in group discussions where ideas rooted in Indian traditions are dismissed without investigation.

The antidote to this, as articulated in the principles of ancient Indian debate traditions like the Vada Parampara, is the practice of approaching discussions with intellectual curiosity and humility. Vada Parampara emphasized constructive debate aimed at the pursuit of truth, rather than the dominance of one perspective over another. This tradition teaches us to investigate claims thoroughly and engage with ideas respectfully, avoiding the trap of automatic dismissal or blind acceptance.

The Swinging Pendulum of Miscommunication

The cyclical nature of misunderstandings on WhatsApp groups often resembles a swinging pendulum:

        1.      Assumptions Amplify Misinterpretation: Without visual or tonal cues, participants often assume the worst or most extreme version of a statement.

        2.      Reaction Escalates the Swing: Responses to these assumptions escalate the discussion, leading to further polarizations.

        3.      Middle Ground is Elusive: The conversation oscillates between extremes, rarely achieving balance or resolution.

For instance, someone discussing the historical flow of knowledge from East to West might find their nuanced point overshadowed by accusations of bias or overgeneralization. These reactions then provoke defensive counterpoints, pulling the conversation further away from constructive discourse.

A Path Forward: Clarity and Awareness

To avoid such pitfalls, participants in group discussions must adopt a few key principles:

        1.      Pause Before Responding: Take a moment to re-read and reflect on a message before crafting a reply. This pause can prevent knee-jerk reactions based on assumptions.

        2.      Seek Clarification: When in doubt, ask questions instead of assuming intent. A simple “Could you clarify what you mean by this?” can prevent major misunderstandings.

        3.      Communicate Intent: When making a statement, explicitly state the intent behind it to minimize the risk of misinterpretation.

        4.      Cultivate Intellectual Humility: Approach discussions with a willingness to learn rather than a need to dominate or “win” the argument.

        5.      Revisit Ancient Traditions of Discourse: The Vada Parampara offers a valuable blueprint for respectful and constructive dialogue. Embracing its principles can transform the nature of group discussions into opportunities for collective growth.

        6.      Be Conscious of Biases: Both colonized thinking and its counterpart—overcompensation in defense of tradition—can cloud judgment. Recognizing and addressing these biases is essential for meaningful dialogue.

Reclaiming the Spirit of Inquiry

WhatsApp groups, despite their limitations, can become powerful platforms for intellectual exchange if approached with the right mindset. By fostering clarity, awareness, and a spirit of inquiry, participants can transcend the pitfalls of assumption-driven arguments and engage in conversations that rise in knowledge, echoing the wisdom of India’s Vada Parampara.

In essence, meaningful dialogue requires a conscious effort to overcome the medium’s limitations and embrace a balanced, respectful, and inquisitive approach to discourse. Let us aim to transform our discussions from swinging pendulums into steady platforms for shared understanding and growth.

Reimagining WhatsApp: A Vision for Thoughtful Communication and Constructive Discourse

To address the challenges of miscommunication, polarization, and lack of structure in WhatsApp group discussions, I envision an enhanced platform (see below) that integrates innovative features for thoughtful and productive interactions. Alongside tools to address misinterpretation and promote constructive dialogue, the app could include De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats, an AI moderator named YODA, and additional features like audio alerts and a discussion timer to create a truly transformative experience.

Features for Elevating WhatsApp Group Conversations

        1.      Voice-to-Text with Contextual Attachments

Communication thrives on tone and nuance, which text often lacks. An integrated voice-to-text feature would allow users to speak their thoughts effortlessly, converting speech into text while attaching the original voice note. This way, readers can choose to engage with the text or listen for tonal and emotional context, minimizing misinterpretations.

        2.      Cognitive Moderation: Extreme Stance Detection

The app could include an intelligent feature to detect extreme language or polarized views. It would gently warn users when their tone or stance leans towards unproductive extremes, encouraging them to reconsider and rephrase for balance and constructive engagement.

        3.      Learning from Indian Nyaya Shastra

Drawing from the profound wisdom of Nyaya Shastra—India’s ancient system of logic—the app could be equipped with AI-driven training modules. These modules would guide users in structured reasoning, argumentation, and respectful debate, gradually transforming the discourse into a collaborative quest for truth.

        4.      Dynamic Visual Debate Layout

To maintain focus, the app could feature a dynamic visual interface. The central screen would display the core topic or idea, keeping it “sticky” and front and center. Arguments for and against the topic could be visualized on either side of a vertical line, providing clarity and an overview of the conversation’s trajectory.

        5.      Periodic AI Summaries for Clarity

Every few minutes, the app could generate real-time summaries of the discussion. These summaries would help participants quickly understand the current state of the dialogue, reducing confusion and preventing repetitive arguments.

        6.      Live Fact-Checking and Community Notes

By connecting to online databases and integrating fact-checking tools, the app could provide real-time verification of claims. Community-driven annotations would allow for collaborative validation, fostering informed discussions.

        7.      Discussion Summaries and Action Items

At the end of every conversation, the app could generate a concise summary, highlighting key points, areas of agreement, and unresolved issues. It could also suggest natural action items, ensuring the group moves forward with purpose and clarity.

8.        De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats Framework

The app could integrate Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats to structure discussions by perspective. Users could select a “hat” while contributing, and the app would visually organize responses based on the selected hat:

             •    White Hat (Neutral): Focuses on facts and information.

             •    Red Hat (Emotional): Brings emotions and intuition to the forefront.

             •    Black Hat (Cautious): Highlights risks and potential problems.

             •    Yellow Hat (Optimistic): Explores benefits and positive outcomes.

             •    Green Hat (Creative): Encourages brainstorming and innovative ideas.

             •    Blue Hat (Organizational): Manages the flow and focus of the discussion.

A color-coded visual interface would group contributions under each hat, offering a comprehensive map of the discussion and promoting diverse viewpoints.

            9.   AI Agent YODA: The Wise Moderator

The platform would feature an AI agent named YODA, a virtual elderly statesman embodying the Blue Hat. YODA’s role would include:

             •    Moderating discussions with calm, balanced interventions.

             •    Providing reminders to stay on topic.

             •    Highlighting points of convergence and divergence.

             •    Ensuring respectful discourse and adherence to time limits.

10.     Audio Alerts for Key Events

Customizable audio alerts would notify users of significant discussion updates, such as new summaries, emerging consensus, or when someone joins with an important contribution. These alerts would enhance engagement without overwhelming participants.

11.     Discussion Timer

To maintain focus, the app could include a timer feature that sets a predefined duration for discussions. YODA could gently notify participants as time progresses, ensuring the conversation remains productive and time-efficient.

A Platform for Constructive Growth

These features represent just the beginning of what such a platform could offer. Imagine discussions transformed into opportunities for learning, where misunderstandings give way to nuanced understanding, and disagreements evolve into collaborative exploration.

This envisioned app would not only address the limitations of text-based communication but also inspire a culture of thoughtful engagement, deeply rooted in both modern technology and ancient philosophical traditions like India’s Vada Parampara. Maybe we can call it “Vadsapp” after that! 

Towards a New Era of Dialogue

As we continue to reimagine the future of communication, this vision offers a path toward a more balanced, conscious, and enlightened mode of digital interaction. By embracing innovation and integrating timeless principles, we can turn group discussions into powerful catalysts for shared wisdom and collective progress.

The possibilities are endless—this is just the start. What other features would you envision for such a platform? Let’s keep the conversation alive and evolving!

WhatsApp, are you listening? @WhatsApp

The post From “WhatsApp” to “VadsApp” – Transforming digital Group Discussions into Collegial Dialogue first appeared on Vinay Kulkarni.

In an era dominated by rapid technological advancement and relentless innovation, we find ourselves at a crucial crossroads. The compelling question before us is not whether we can create new technologies, but whether we should. This fundamental distinction brings us to the concept of dharma – not as an antiquated philosophical construct, but as a vital framework for evaluating and guiding technological progress in our contemporary world.

Chief Seattle (more correctly known as Seathl) was a Susquamish chief who lived on the islands of the Puget Sound. As a young warrier, Chief Seattle was known for his courage, daring and leadership. He gained control of six of the local tribes and continued the friendly relations with the local whites that had been established by his father. His now famous speech was believed to have been given in December, 1854. There are several versions of his letter; the following was provided by Barefoot Bob. Source: https://www.csun.edu/~vcpsy00h/seattle.htm

Chief Seattle’s Letter

“The President in Washington sends word that he wishes to buy our land. But how can you buy or sell the sky? the land? The idea is strange to us. If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them?Every part of the earth is sacred to my people. Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every meadow, every humming insect. All are holy in the memory and experience of my people.We know the sap which courses through the trees as we know the blood that courses through our veins. We are part of the earth and it is part of us. The perfumed flowers are our sisters. The bear, the deer, the great eagle, these are our brothers. The rocky crests, the dew in the meadow, the body heat of the pony, and man all belong to the same family.The shining water that moves in the streams and rivers is not just water, but the blood of our ancestors. If we sell you our land, you must remember that it is sacred. Each glossy reflection in the clear waters of the lakes tells of events and memories in the life of my people. The water’s murmur is the voice of my father’s father.The rivers are our brothers. They quench our thirst. They carry our canoes and feed our children. So you must give the rivers the kindness that you would give any brother.If we sell you our land, remember that the air is precious to us, that the air shares its spirit with all the life that it supports. The wind that gave our grandfather his first breath also received his last sigh. The wind also gives our children the spirit of life. So if we sell our land, you must keep it apart and sacred, as a place where man can go to taste the wind that is sweetened by the meadow flowers.Will you teach your children what we have taught our children? That the earth is our mother? What befalls the earth befalls all the sons of the earth.This we know: the earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.One thing we know: our God is also your God. The earth is precious to him and to harm the earth is to heap contempt on its creator.Your destiny is a mystery to us. What will happen when the buffalo are all slaughtered? The wild horses tamed? What will happen when the secret corners of the forest are heavy with the scent of many men and the view of the ripe hills is blotted with talking wires? Where will the thicket be? Gone! Where will the eagle be? Gone! And what is to say goodbye to the swift pony and then hunt? The end of living and the beginning of survival.When the last red man has vanished with this wilderness, and his memory is only the shadow of a cloud moving across the prairie, will these shores and forests still be here? Will there be any of the spirit of my people left? We love this earth as a newborn loves its mother’s heartbeat. So, if we sell you our land, love it as we have loved it. Care for it, as we have cared for it. Hold in your mind the memory of the land as it is when you receive it. Preserve the land for all children, and love it, as God loves us.As we are part of the land, you too are part of the land. This earth is precious to us. It is also precious to you.One thing we know – there is only one God. No man, be he Red man or White man, can be apart. We ARE all brothers after all.”

True or not, I love the above speech. I first read it when I was in high school and it continues to inspire me. It might as well have been written by one of our ancient sages.

The Eternal Relevance of Dharmic Principles

The wisdom encapsulated in ancient texts like the Bhagavad Gita remains surprisingly pertinent to our modern technological challenges. Just as Arjuna faced moral dilemmas on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, today’s innovators and technologists face complex ethical decisions in their pursuits. The core human questions remain unchanged: What is the right action? What serves the greater good? What are the long-term consequences of our choices? This is what I used to think! Now, sadly the conclusion is that these questions do not even come up when new tech is being envisioned or created. But they should come up!

Sri Krishna’s guidance to Arjuna offers a timeless framework for navigating these decisions. The essence of dharma – doing what is right, maintaining cosmic order, and serving the greater good – becomes even more critical in an age where our technological capabilities can have global ramifications.

The Current Technological Paradigm: Innovation Without Purpose

Much of today’s technological innovation follows a simple yet problematic logic: if something can be built, it should be built. This approach lacks what we might call “dharmic accountability” – consideration of the broader implications and responsibilities that come with innovation. We see this playing out in various sectors:

Urban Development and Environmental Impact

The transformation of Bengaluru serves as a stark example. The city’s journey from having 65% forest cover in the 1980s to merely 8% today starkly illustrates how our current model of development often translates to environmental destruction. This is not development in any true sense – it is degradation masked as progress.

The app driven Economy and Social Disruption

The emergence of platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, Zepto, and Blinkit represents a technological solution to convenience. However, these innovations often overlook their broader social and economic impacts. The concentration of large populations in urban centers, driven by such business models, creates unsustainable pressure on infrastructure and resources.

What is the way out? 

Towards a Dharmic Framework for Innovation

A dharmic approach to technological innovation would require us to ask several fundamental questions before pursuing any new development:

Purpose and Necessity

– Does this innovation serve a genuine need, or does it merely create artificial desires?

– Does it contribute to the greater good of society and the environment?

– Is it aligned with principles of sustainability and harmony?

Impact Assessment

– What are the long-term consequences for society, environment, and human well-being?

– How does it affect the most vulnerable sections of society?

– Does it promote or hinder human development in its truest sense?

Balance and Harmony

– Does the innovation maintain or disrupt natural and social balance?

– How does it impact existing systems and relationships?

– Does it promote sustainable and equitable growth?

The Internal Landscape

A crucial insight from dharmic tradition is that external changes do not necessarily address internal human challenges. As the provided perspective notes, “The changing of the external scenery does not change the landscape inside.” This wisdom is particularly relevant in our technology-driven age, where we often seek external solutions to internal problems.

Our technological capabilities have advanced exponentially, yet human beings continue to grapple with the same fundamental questions about purpose, meaning, and fulfilment. This suggests that true innovation must address both external efficiency and internal well-being.

Learning from Success: Dharmic Innovation in Practice

The path toward more ethical and sustainable innovation isn’t merely theoretical. Several successful initiatives demonstrate how dharmic principles can guide technological development while maintaining economic viability. Consider the case of Ahimsa Silk, developed in India as a response to traditional silk production’s destruction of silkworm pupae. By allowing the silkworm to complete its lifecycle, this innovation created a more sustainable and ethically produced fabric, proving that commercial success and dharmic principles can coexist. I still need to read more deeply on this dharmic innovation but on first glance it seems legit. 

In the realm of transportation, the success of bike-sharing programs in cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam demonstrates how rethinking our approach to mobility can reduce the need for personal vehicle ownership. These systems succeed not just because of their technology, but because they’re part of a holistic approach to urban planning that prioritizes human and environmental well-being over mere convenience.

Policy Frameworks for Dharmic Innovation

Creating an environment conducive to dharmic innovation requires thoughtful policy interventions that realign economic incentives with broader societal good. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, successfully implemented in countries like Germany and Japan, make manufacturers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products. This creates a powerful incentive to design products that are more sustainable and easier to recycle or reuse.

Another promising approach is the implementation of “true cost accounting” in regulatory frameworks. This would require companies to factor in environmental and social costs when pricing their products. For instance, if disposable diaper manufacturers had to account for the long-term health impacts and environmental cleanup costs of their products, more sustainable alternatives would become comparatively more attractive to both producers and consumers.

Public procurement policies can also play a crucial role. When government institutions prioritize sustainable and ethically produced products, they create reliable markets for dharmic innovations. This has been demonstrated in countries like South Korea, where government procurement of green technologies has helped drive sustainable innovation.

A comprehensive understanding of the following things should guide and inform policymakers and this can happen only if our education is policy is reimagined first:

1. What is a human being and what is the yogic / cosmic anatomy and physiology of a human being?
2. What is Earth and how is the planetary ecosystem designed and how does it function? How is it supposed to function and how our human interventions have damaged the planetary systems?
3. What is the purpose of human life?
4. What is the role of a human being in the universe – in this planetary system? What are the responsbilities of a human being who is inhabiting this earth?
5. What should be / are the limits or boundaries of human action with respect to the ecosystem in which we live?
6. What is the driving desire of every human being? If it is happiness what is happiness? How can a human being achieve and experience happiness of a lasting type?
7. If the answers to the above questions (there are many more and I am sure you can point them out) can help us define Need Vs Greed, then what is an “economy?”
8. How can we design and engineer a society, its culture, its economy and its politics in accordance with the role of a human being in this whole cosmic scheme of things?

The list of questions is in fact longer but the above should suffice for this discussion. A dharmic civilization would find these questions enlivening, enlightening and inspiring. A mechanical, ‘zombieized’, automaton-like civilization would find these questions irrelevant and will categorize you as delusional if you were to ask these questions in the parliament or at Times Square.

The purpose of public policymaking should be to ensure the well being of all life on the planet, not just human. We are not the only ones living here!

Ancient Wisdom in Modern Materials

Traditional knowledge systems offer profound insights for developing new materials and approaches. The ancient Indian understanding of materials as having both gross and subtle properties can guide us in developing truly sustainable alternatives. For instance, the traditional use of copper vessels for water storage, long dismissed as superstition, has been validated by modern science for its antimicrobial properties.

The concept of considering the three-fold impact of any action on the doer, the deed, and the environment – provides a framework for evaluating new materials and technologies. This principle encourages us to consider not just the immediate utility of an innovation, but its effects on the maker, the user, and the broader world.

Traditional knowledge about local materials and seasonal rhythms can inform the development of region-specific solutions. Instead of pursuing one-size-fits-all products, we might develop diverse solutions adapted to local conditions and resources. This approach aligns with both dharmic principles and modern understanding of sustainable development. Not only can localized economies be envisioned we can try to envision localized education, agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing and production. 

Synthesis: A New Path Forward

These examples and approaches point toward a new model of innovation that integrates dharmic principles with modern capabilities. This model would:

• Prioritize regenerative design principles, where products and processes contribute positively to environmental and social systems rather than merely minimizing harm.

• Foster deep collaboration between traditional knowledge holders and modern scientists, creating innovations that draw on both ancient wisdom and contemporary understanding.

• Create economic structures that reward long-term thinking and holistic problem-solving, rather than quick profits and narrow solutions.

• Build educational systems that cultivate awareness of interconnectedness and responsibility alongside technical skills.

The path forward requires us to recognize that true innovation isn’t just about creating new things – it’s about creating them in ways that honor our responsibilities to all life and to future generations. As the ancient warning about akasha reminds us, our technological choices have consequences that extend far beyond their immediate apparent impacts. By integrating dharmic principles with modern capabilities, we can create innovations that truly serve human needs while maintaining harmony with natural systems.

To integrate dharmic principles into technological innovation, we need:

1. Holistic Impact Assessment

Before deploying new technologies, we must evaluate their impact on all stakeholders – human communities, natural ecosystems, and future generations. This assessment should go beyond immediate economic benefits to consider long-term sustainability and social harmony. The paper cup and disposable diaper crises demonstrate how our failure to conduct thorough impact assessments leads to widespread health and environmental issues, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like infants and children.

2. Ethical Guidelines

Development of clear ethical frameworks that incorporate dharmic principles into technological innovation. These guidelines should emphasize responsibility, sustainability, and the greater good. They should also address why certain crucial problems – like developing safe alternatives to plastic-coated paper cups and chemical-laden diapers – remain unsolved while less important but more profitable innovations receive abundant funding and attention.

3. Sustainable Development Models

Creation of development models that balance progress with preservation, understanding that true development enhances rather than destroys existing natural and social systems. This includes rethinking our approach to venture capital and startup funding to prioritize solutions to real human needs over quick returns. We must question why innovations that potentially harm our most vulnerable populations continue to dominate the market while safer alternatives remain underdeveloped.

The Path Forward

The integration of dharmic principles into technological innovation is not about impeding progress – it’s about ensuring that progress serves its highest purpose. As we stand at this crucial juncture in human history, with unprecedented technological capabilities at our disposal, the wisdom of dharma becomes more relevant than ever.

The challenge before us is to harness our innovative potential while maintaining harmony with natural systems and human values. This requires a fundamental shift in how we approach technological development – moving from a model driven purely by capability and profit to one guided by wisdom, responsibility, and long-term well-being.

True innovation, viewed through the lens of dharma and universal wisdom, must contribute to the sustenance and enhancement of life in all its forms. Chief Seattle’s prophetic warning about “talking wires” blotting the view of ripe hills and the transformation from living to mere survival serves as a stark reminder of technology’s double-edged nature. When he asks, “Will you teach your children what we have taught our children? That the earth is our mother?” he poses a challenge that resonates deeply with dharmic principles of environmental stewardship and intergenerational responsibility. If we make it a habit to spend some time in the lap of nature, in a forest or jungle a couple of days every month for 12 months, we will begin to see and understand why the earth is revered as Mother Earth. It is difficult to relate to this concept when you are living in concrete jungles. In concrete jungles the mobile phone is mother and the internet is our father! 

When you have the experience of living in a village for a few months where your sustenance is provided for by the “cow” – milk, butter, ghee, curds, dung, muscle power and human like love and emotional support you will begin to understand why the cow is called “Gau Mata.” It is not a joke, but it has become a joke! In the rest of the world, holy cow is merely an expression in the English language. 

In the days of the wild wild west, stealing a man’s horse would invite death by hanging. Now, figure out why that was the case! 

Our technological advancement, while important, must be balanced with environmental preservation, social harmony, and human development in its fullest sense. As Chief Seattle reminds us, “The air is precious… the air shares its spirit with all the life that it supports.” This understanding of the sacred nature of our environment must guide our technological aspirations.

Ancient Technological Wisdom: Beyond the Physical Realm

The interplay between technology and the subtle dimensions of existence was well understood by ancient civilizations. A remarkable example of this understanding can be found in the Annapoorneshwari temple in Karnataka, southern India. Hidden in its rear section, an inscription in Hala Kannada dating back over 3000 years contains not just technical instructions for aircraft design, but more importantly, a profound warning about the consequences of certain technological endeavors.

This ancient inscription introduces us to the concept of ‘akasha’ – often mistranslated simply as “space” or “ether.” However, akasha represents something far more fundamental: it is a subtle dimension of existence, one of the five elements alongside earth, water, fire, and air. Unlike the modern concept of space as emptiness (kala or non-existence), akasha is very much ‘that which is’ – a vital, substantive element of reality.

The ancient warning is particularly relevant to our current technological trajectory: the disturbance of akasha through certain technological activities would lead to profound psychological disturbances in human beings, preventing them from finding peace in their lives. This eerily prescient observation seems to manifest in our modern world, where despite – or perhaps because of – our technological advancement, we witness increasing levels of psychological distress and disconnection.

The Illusion of Technological Mastery

Universal Wisdom: Ancient Voices on Human Hubris

The wisdom about humanity’s proper relationship with nature and technology transcends cultural boundaries and time periods. From the ancient inscriptions in Hindu temples to the words of Native American chiefs, we find consistent warnings about the consequences of technological hubris. In 1854, Chief Seattle of the Suquamish tribe delivered a message that resonates deeply with dharmic principles about our place in the cosmic order. His words, “Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself,” mirror both the dharmic understanding of interconnectedness and the ancient Indian wisdom about the delicate balance of akasha.

These diverse traditions share a fundamental understanding: that reality consists of more than just the physical realm we can measure and manipulate. Just as the ancient Hindu temple inscription warns about disturbing the subtle element of akasha, Chief Seattle speaks of the spirit in the air and the voice of ancestors in the water. Both traditions recognize that technological advancement without wisdom can disrupt not just physical ecosystems, but the very fabric of existence that sustains life and consciousness.

The Hidden Costs of Convenience: From Paper Cups to Baby Diapers

Our pursuit of convenience through technological innovation often comes with hidden costs that affect our most vulnerable populations. Consider two everyday products that exemplify this problem: the disposable paper cup and the disposable diaper. The paper cup releases 25,000 microplastic particles into hot beverages within just 15 minutes, while disposable diapers expose infants to a cocktail of harmful chemicals for extended periods throughout their most sensitive developmental stages.

These products represent a broader pattern in our approach to innovation – one that prioritizes immediate convenience over long-term health and environmental impacts. Just as a person drinking three cups of tea daily might unknowingly ingest 75,000 microplastic particles, an infant wearing disposable diapers is continuously exposed to potentially harmful chemicals during their most vulnerable developmental period. The scale of this exposure becomes even more concerning when we consider that these products are used by millions of people globally every day.

What makes these examples particularly troubling is that they represent “solutions” that actually create new, potentially more serious problems. The disposable diaper, marketed as a breakthrough in infant care, may be contributing to a range of health issues in children. Similarly, the paper cup, designed to make beverage consumption more convenient, has become a vector for microplastic contamination. These are not isolated cases but symptoms of a larger problem with our innovation paradigm.

This situation perfectly illustrates several critical failures in our current approach to innovation. First, it shows how we often solve one problem (the need for disposable containers) while creating new, potentially more serious ones (microplastic contamination). Second, it reveals the gap in our innovation ecosystem – despite the clear health implications, no major company or innovator has prioritized developing a truly safe alternative. The reason? The current system of venture capital and startup funding prioritizes scalable, high-return solutions over addressing fundamental human needs safely and sustainably.

The paper cup problem exemplifies what happens when we ignore dharmic principles in technological development. Instead of asking “Should we create disposable cups?” or “What are the long-term consequences of this solution?”, we simply proceeded with what seemed expedient. We could have created some dharmic constraints and requirements and added them to the design problem. We could have tried to find a biodegradable, eco-friendly solution to the problem of serving hot beverages to large numbers of people. I generally carry my own ceramic or steel cup with me whenever I travel – out of the house, out of the city or out of the country! 

The Scale of Unsustainable Development

The magnitude of our current trajectory becomes starkly clear when we examine global transportation trends. According to Bernstein research, the world is heading toward two billion cars on the road by 2040 – nearly double the 1.1 billion in 2015. Similarly, air travel is projected to more than double from 9 trillion revenue passenger kilometers to 20 trillion by 2040. The number of trucks is also set to double from 377 million to 790 million.

These numbers reveal a profound misalignment with dharmic principles of sustainable development. Consider what it means to add nearly one billion more cars to our planet: the massive extraction of natural resources needed for manufacturing, the extensive land required for roads and parking, and the enormous energy demands for operation. This mirrors the transformation we witnessed in Bengaluru, where “development” reduced forest cover from 65% to 8%. We are replicating this pattern globally at an unprecedented scale.

The growth is primarily driven by emerging markets like China and India, as rising GDP makes cars and air travel more accessible to growing populations. While this represents natural aspirations for better living standards, it raises a crucial question: Can we fulfill these aspirations through different means that don’t require such enormous environmental costs?

This challenge exemplifies why we need to reexamine our entire approach to development and innovation. Just as the ancient inscription in the Annapoorneshwari temple warned about disturbing the akasha through certain technologies, we must consider how the cumulative impact of billions of vehicles and massive air traffic might affect both physical and subtle aspects of our world.

The Build vs. Not-to-Build Dilemma

In the technology industry, teams regularly face “build vs. buy” decisions – whether to develop solutions in-house or acquire existing ones. However, a more fundamental question often goes unasked: should we build this at all? This question becomes even more critical when we consider the ancient warnings about disturbing natural balance of the planetary ecosystem. The implications of our technological choices extend beyond the visible physical realm into subtle dimensions that affect human consciousness and well-being.

The current startup ecosystem, with its emphasis on 10X returns and rapid scaling, creates an environment where thoughtful consideration of such deeper impacts becomes nearly impossible. When entrepreneurs are pressured to demonstrate explosive growth and quick returns, the space for dharmic consideration – let alone understanding impacts on subtle realms like akasha – shrinks dramatically. This creates a cycle where innovation is driven by market pressures rather than genuine needs or ethical considerations.

The wisdom from the Annapoorneshwari temple inscription suggests that even technologically advanced civilizations of the past recognized the need to consider the full spectrum of consequences – both visible and invisible – before proceeding with technological development. This ancient understanding that technological capability must be tempered by wisdom about its subtle impacts offers a crucial perspective for our modern innovation landscape.

As we move forward, let us remember that the most significant innovations may not be those that change our external world, but those that help us better navigate our internal landscape while maintaining harmony with the world around us. This is the true essence of dharmic innovation – one that serves not just human convenience, but acknowledges our role as conscious participants in a vast, interconnected universe. The question is not just whether we can build something, but whether we should, and how our creations align with the greater cosmic order.

I leave you with this great example of ecological consciousness from Kautilya’s Arthashastra.

“For cutting off the tender sprouts of fruit-trees, flower-trees or shady trees in the parks near a city, a fine of 6 panas shall be imposed; for cutting off the minor branches of the same trees, 12 panas; and for cutting off the big branches, 24 panas shall be levied. 

Cutting off the trunks of the same shall be punished with the first amercement; and felling the same shall be punished with the middle-most amercement. 

In the case of plants which bear flowers, fruits, or provide shade, half of the above fines shall be levied. 

The same fines shall be levied in the case of trees that have grown in places of pilgrimage, forests of hermits, or cremation or burial grounds. * 

For similar offences committed in connection with the trees which mark boundaries, or which are worshipped or observed (chaityeshválakshiteshucha,) or trees which are grown in the king’s forests, double the above fines shall be levied.”

This excerpt from Kautilya’s Arthashastra offers a striking example of ancient Indian wisdom that intertwines ecological preservation with dharmic principles. The detailed guidelines highlight a sophisticated understanding of environmental stewardship, where natural resources like trees are not only valued for their utility but also revered as integral to cultural, spiritual, and ecological well-being.

In the context of technological innovation, this principle underscores the importance of aligning development with the preservation of natural and cultural systems. The imposition of fines for cutting trees in various contexts—parks, pilgrimage sites, forests of hermits, and cremation grounds—demonstrates a nuanced approach that values:

                  1.             Environmental Responsibility: The protection of fruit-bearing, flower-bearing, and shady trees reflects a deep appreciation for biodiversity and the ecological benefits these trees provide.

                  2.             Cultural and Spiritual Significance: The higher penalties for damaging trees that are worshipped or mark boundaries emphasize their role in social harmony and cultural practices.

                  3.             Context-Specific Penalties: The scaled fines for minor branches, trunks, or entire trees reflect a thoughtful balance between practicality and deterrence, ensuring proportionality in enforcement.

In modern terms, this approach aligns with sustainable development practices such as biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services valuation, and the integration of cultural heritage into environmental policies. It provides a framework for how ancient wisdom can inspire technological innovation by ensuring it serves not just economic and functional purposes but also respects the intrinsic value of natural systems and cultural heritage.

Integrating these principles into technological advancement could lead to innovations that prioritize environmental sustainability and cultural sensitivity, ensuring harmony between human progress and nature. For example, urban planning informed by such dharmic principles might include stringent protections for green spaces and sacred sites, promoting ecological health alongside technological growth.

The post The dharmic Dilemma in Tech: To Build or not to Build first appeared on Vinay Kulkarni.