The Jain Vegan Initiative brings this course designed to introduce the connection between Jain Philosophy and Environmentalism. It introduces a unique lens for looking at the environment by understanding how various communities are affected differently, and how measurements of environmental impact that take into global average impacts dilute a sense of urgency. The stress-free transition from being part of the problem to being a part of the solution in a busy and rapidly urbanizing life will be discussed. The course will entail action oriented self-assessment and discussion regarding effective ways of spreading environmental awareness. 

● Looking at the environment and environmental action from the Jain lens
● Learning about how using global averages to assess environmental impact dilutes the sense of urgency and the disproportionate impact on different communities
● Understanding how ignoring the effects of day to day individual choices may imply participation in propagating injustice
● Learning how our individual actions are tied to systemic problems of capitalism and consumerism
● Obtaining a practical, stress-free, and planned approach to lifestyle transition in a busy, rapidly urbanizing life, and some ways of creating increased environmental awareness

Course Length

Learning Area

Climate Change and Environment

Instructors

Pratik Bhansali

Pratik Bhansali is a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering. He thinks taking a stand against any form of discrimination is something that forms basic decency. This stand should encompass all animals – humans and non-humans, and being a vegan is a mere logical consequence of this stand. He also sees the interconnections between all forms of oppression and their links with animals and their rights.

Vinita Dugad

Vinita Dugad embarked on her sustainable lifestyle journey at a young age when she recognized that the excessive and long-lasting impact of our consumption patterns is convenience driven. Through her observation of human behaviour in relation to the environment, she realized that societal pressures to conform are a major hurdle in making sustainable choices. She emphasizes that previous generations hold plenty of valuable solutions and innovation is not always necessary. As she noticed that many solutions being promoted prioritize profits, making them unaffordable for the majority, Vinita founded Ecomo, a startup dedicated to addressing this, while also raising awareness about greenwashing practices. She also has a keen interest in exploring how the hospitality and tourism sectors can step in to foster environmental responsibility.