Redefining Development in Tune with Nature

A worldwide congress of individuals synonymous with practising ancient traditional values in the eastern part of Assam, in northeast India, has emerged as a major platform for converging diverse cultures, emphasizing the preservation of ancient traditions, ecological sustainability, and collaborative governance. Through this article, Nava Thakuria informs us that the 8th Triennial International Conference and Gathering of World Elders of Ancient Traditions also adopted the 'Dibrugarh Declaration, which unequivocally states that ancient wisdom profoundly views human beings as an integral part of the natural ecosystem, rather than as masters.

A global conclave of individuals synonymous to practising ancient traditional values in eastern part of Assam in northeast India emerged as a major platform for converging diverse cultures emphasizing on preserving ancient traditions, ecological sustainability and collaborative governance successfully. Organized by the International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS), the 8th Triennial International Conference and Gathering of World Elders of Ancient Traditions witnessed the participation of 125 foreign delegates from 33 countries representing their ancient traditional wisdom.

Highlighting three major agendas comprising the revival of traditions, realizing ecological knowledge and understanding collaborative governance, the five-day conference (January 28–February 1, 2024) with the theme of shared sustainable prosperity also adopted ‘Dibrugarh Declaration’ on the concluding day. The declaration stated loud and clear that ancient wisdom profoundly views human beings as an integral part of the natural ecosystem and not as a master. Hence, it always advocates for equitable human progress achieved in harmony with the ecology.