I just wanted to share this recent op-ed by Shyam Saran. It seems very encouraging, and outlines the kind of inspiring vision for India that we need, I think!

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/shyam-saran-sustainable-strategies/382803/

Some of the key points:

"The world is at the cusp of an energy revolution... from reliance on carbon-based fossil based fuels to... renewable energy sources" 

He describes this as a "revolutionary shift" as it "seeks to change a pattern of economic activity and development which has remained largely unaltered since the industrial revolution began". He adds that the world is "moving away from linear growth models", and that although we have grasped the concept of energy security, we need to "extend the concept to encompass resource security".

Significantly, he notes that "current trends of growth of the global economy, in particular the growth of India and China, cannot be sustained".

With respect to production, he says "recycling must become an integral part of the business model of the future" and with respect to consumption that our value system "based on use and discard... that encourages waste, devalues thrift and sets conspicuous consumption as the standard" must be questioned. "Concepts of linear growth must yield to concepts of sustainable growth".

He underscores this as "an opportunity for India to position itself to meet the demands of a new age and a new humanity, that values sustainability over excess", and highlights the leadership role that India can play, with its traditional culture that places a high value on sustainability, as well as its intellectual and entrepreneurial resources.