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What a Small Indian Village Teaches the World About SustainabilityWhat a Small Indian Village Teaches the World About Sustainability
Dilip PungliyaIndustry Expert & Contributor
Mon Dec 15 2025
Sustainability was never a trend in my childhood, it was instinct. In my village, where nothing was wasted and nature set the rhythm of life, conscious living unfolded without theory or terminology. Decades later, as burnout, climate crises, and ethical fatigue rise, those early spiritual principles reveal a powerful truth: simplicity is not regression, it is evolution.
I grew up in Dhorimanna, a small village where life moved with nature. We never used words like “sustainability,” “eco-consciousness,” or “circular economies.”
That was just how we lived.
Nothing in our home was wasted. Clothes were passed down through siblings and carefully altered to fit the next wearer. Groceries arrived without plastic packaging; the local shopkeeper provided grains and spices wrapped in paper, along with something equally valuable, trust.
School competitions were not about purchasing the newest supplies or showcasing material abundance. Creativity came from scarcity. Old clothes were transformed into handmade bags and crafts. What others might call “reuse” or “upcycling” today was simply common sense then.
Mindfulness was not something we practised intentionally; it was instinctive. Sustainable living was not a choice; it was the only way we knew. Nature was never viewed as a commodity to be used. It was a living relationship, one built on respect and reciprocity.
At the time, this lifestyle felt entirely ordinary. It was only years later that I understood how extraordinary it truly was.
His holiness The Dalai Lama quote which always inspires me “Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.”
The Village That Taught Me the Future
Dhorimanna gave me more than memories of childhood. It offered a living, breathing model of sustainability long before the world began searching for one. Living close to nature taught me how to conserve without calculation, how to be grateful without instruction, and how to respect resources without fear of scarcity.
These lessons have stayed with me as I navigate today’s fast-paced, globalised environment, one defined by speed, consumption, and constant expansion.
What is now labelled eco-friendly living or low-impact lifestyle was once simply everyday existence. There were no slogans or certifications—only habits passed down through generations, shaped by necessity, wisdom, and humility.
The Paradox of Modern Living
When I left the village for modern life, or even today, villages with the information era have turned modern. Everything has changed. Convenience took the place of awareness. Packaging replaced purity. “Use and throw” became the norm, driven by ads and the idea of a modern lifestyle.
Plastic was seen as a sign of progress. Without realising it, we moved away from the wisdom that had supported generations.
Now, as environmental problems affect the whole world, nature is giving us a gentle but clear reminder:
The future we want is the way we used to live.
Returning With New Eyes
Dhorimanna shaped me before I even knew it. Its lessons went beyond lifestyle choices.
They were a philosophy:
- Respect what you have.
- Use only what you need.
- Let nothing go to waste.
- Live in harmony, not in dominance.
These principles are timeless and urgently relevant.
Modern sustainability needs technology and policy, but it also needs something deeper:
a spiritual shift in how we value resources, relationships, and the planet.
When saving resources feels like gratitude and reusing things feels like respect, sustainability stops being a trend and becomes a way of life.
Today, the Bishnoi community in India stands as a beacon of inspiration, faithfully upholding ancient practices of environmental preservation. Whether in marriage, at social gatherings, or in daily life, the Bishnoi lead by example, demonstrating that true stewardship of nature is woven into every aspect of their culture. For centuries, they have protected trees and wildlife, sometimes even at great personal sacrifice, embodying a living legacy of harmony between humanity and the natural world. Their actions remind us that the most powerful change often begins with ordinary people making extraordinary commitments.
Nature as Teacher: The Seeds of Conscious Living
In my childhood:
- There was no plastic.
- Nothing was wasted.
- Tools were repaired, not replaced.
- Food was shared with gratitude.
- Water and sunlight shape our daily routine.
This wasn’t planned sustainability. It was just natural.
Nature taught me patience, balance, renewal, and humility. Principles that now guide ethical innovation, responsible leadership, and sustainable business practices.
What started as mindful living in rural India now aligns with global movements such as conscious capitalism and regenerative development.
Sustainability as a Spiritual Practice
In the village, spirituality was part of daily life. It showed in what we did:
- Serving neighbours
- Caring for elders
- Sharing resources
- Living lightly on the land
These experiences taught me something deeper:
Sustainability is not just about the environment. It is also ethical, emotional, and about community.
It asks us to give before taking, nurture before demanding, and build before taking away.
From Village Values to Global Business Ethics
Today, businesses face a new expectation:
to respect people and the planet, not just focus on profit.
This calls for:
- Conscious use of resources
- Respect for all stakeholders
- Transparent, ethical operations
- Long-term thinking over short-term gain
Like Bhutan’s idea of Gross National Happiness, prosperity is measured not just by growth, but also by well-being, purpose, and harmony.
The values of simplicity, integrity, and care from rural India fit well with modern business leadership.
Journey-Inspired Practices for Conscious Living & Business
1. The “Use-Until-It’s-Complete” Rule
Inspired by repairing everything in the village.
Practice: Before discarding, ask: Can this be repaired, reused, or repurposed?
Benefit: Reduces waste and builds resourcefulness.
2. The “Nature’s Rhythm Planning” Framework
Days began with sunrise and slowed as daylight faded.
Practice: Align demanding tasks with peak energy hours.
Benefit: Enhances efficiency and prevents burnout.
3. The “Gratitude-for-Resources” Ritual
Even water and grain were treated as blessings.
Practice: Reflect monthly on how responsibly you use resources.
Benefit: Cultivates mindfulness and organisational integrity.
4. The “Community-First Conflict Resolution” Model
Villagers restored harmony before ego.
Practice: Approach conflicts with empathy and shared purpose.
Benefit: Creates stronger, healthier teams.
5. The “Desert Economy” Principle
In scarcity, every choice matters.
Practice: Treat all resources as precious.
Benefit: Encourages thoughtful spending and sustainable growth.
Conclusion: Sustainability as a Way of Being
From barefoot days on sand dunes to boardrooms with global goals, one thing has not changed:
Live simply. Consume mindfully. Act responsibly.
True progress is empty without compassion. True innovation is hollow without integrity.
The values I learned in a small Indian village still guide how I see conscious living and leadership. Sustainability is not just a practice; it is a deep way to show gratitude to the planet, people, and future generations.
The wisdom of Dhorimanna is not only my story.
It is a compass for the world.
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Dilip Pungliya
Industry Expert & Contributor
Dilip Pungliya is a business leader, Artificial Intelligence consultant, blockchain advisor, metaverse solution expert, data leader, technologist, and business, process, & technology architect. As a board member and significant shareholder of ztudium, Dilip brings a wealth of experience in business leadership and data technology. In his role as the Managing Partner of the ztudium Group, he benchmarks his strategic acumen in steering effective strategy and framework development for the company. Dilip also plays a pivotal role in his family's limited company in India, VPRPL, where he oversees operations and strategic planning. His professional journey includes impactful collaborations with esteemed organisations such as Shell, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Deutsche Bank, ICBC Standard Bank Plc, BNP Paribas, and HSBC Investments. Beyond his professional endeavours, Dilip is deeply committed to philanthropy and charitable work, particularly during the global challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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