Scribd
Upload
55 views2 pages

Vandana Shiva

Vandana shiva

Uploaded by

shankargu36
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
55 views2 pages

Vandana Shiva

Vandana shiva

Uploaded by

shankargu36
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

In this interview with IDR, Dr.

Vandana Shiva discusses her journey in biodiversity


conservation, drawing insights from her experiences with the women in the Himalayas
and how her knowledge of quantum theory informs her work in ecology. She also
emphasizes the need to redefine the term 'development' from its economic implication
to an ecological one.

Dr. Vandana Shiva, a renowned scientist, nuclear physicist, and environmental activist,
reflects on her unexpected journey into environmental activism. Growing up in the
Himalayan forest, she initially pursued physics to understand nature and dreamt of
joining the atomic energy commission. However, her perspective shifted during her work
on a nuclear reactor when she realized the lack of information about the harmful effects
of radiation. This realization led her to pursue a Ph.D. in quantum theory to study the
nature of matter and energy at a sub-atomic level.

The turning point in Dr. Shiva's activism came when she witnessed the transformation of
the oak forests into apple orchards and the depletion of a once-thriving stream. The
news of the Chipko movement, a nonviolent response by women in the Himalayas
against deforestation, inspired her to volunteer and join their cause. Dr. Shiva attributes
her foundational lessons in self-organizing, solidarity, and ecological understanding to
her experiences with the Chipko movement.

The Chipko movement, according to Dr. Shiva, taught her about the interconnectedness
of the forest and the river, the value of self-help and solidarity, and the ecological
functions of the forest. It also instilled in her the importance of humility and the
recognition that everyone possesses knowledge. She emphasizes that the movement's
insights into ecological principles preceded mainstream scientific acknowledgment.

Drawing from her background in quantum theory, Dr. Shiva discusses the relevance of
certain principles, such as potential and context, in shaping her intellectual framework.
She emphasizes the importance of understanding potential, the interconnectedness of
elements, and the role of context in determining outcomes. Dr. Shiva relates these
principles to the Chipko women's understanding of the interconnectedness of the forest
and the river.

Dr. Shiva delves into her decision to shift her focus entirely to activism, recounting her
involvement in a study on limestone mining in Mussoorie hills in 1982. The study
highlighted the ecological impact of mining, leading to a Supreme Court ruling against
destructive practices. Motivated by this success, Dr. Shiva founded the Research
Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology and dedicated herself to environmental
activism.

The interview also explores Dr. Shiva's entry into the realm of genetically modified
organisms (GMOs). In 1987, she attended a meeting on biotechnology where she learned
about the intent to commercialize GMOs to secure profits. Concerned about the lack of
safety assessments, she founded the non-profit organization Navdanya to advocate for
seed sovereignty and educate people about the impact of GMOs.

Dr. Shiva reflects on her activism against global conglomerates like Monsanto,
highlighting the importance of fearlessness, knowing one's truth, and nourishing societal
truths. She acknowledges the challenges posed by powerful entities but emphasizes the
eventual decline in individual stamina among those opposing her.

Regarding the current development narrative, Dr. Shiva stresses the need to reclaim the
term 'development' as a biological and ecological concept, rooted in structural
transformation from within. She advocates for movements that focus on autonomy,
sovereignty, and the common good. Dr. Shiva encourages the development community
to engage with local issues, learn from those most affected, and create inclusive agendas
that uphold diversity.

In concluding thoughts, Dr. Shiva expresses her desire to be remembered as someone


who lived by her truth, remained courageous, and demonstrated compassionate courage
in solidarity. She hopes her legacy includes the thoughts she has contributed, particularly
the connections she made between quantum theory and activism, emphasizing the
power of free confluences for solidarity. Additionally, she wants to be remembered as
her son's mother, highlighting the nurturing and protective aspects of motherhood that
have influenced her activism.

You might also like