In a time of darkness: Journeying with Gaia
Hindustan Times|November 10, 2024
We live in a time of disruptions which can make individuals feel helpless and irrelevant. Nothing manifests this more than the global unraveling of democracy and the rapid acceleration of ecological collapse.
Rajni Bakshi
In a time of darkness: Journeying with Gaia

But, could it be that little-known inspirational individuals are more than just fleeting fireflies amid the darkness?

This question uniquely came alive in the last few weeks following the death of Stephan Harding, a British zoologist and teacher of ecology at Schumacher College in Devon, United Kingdom (UK). At first, there was just the expected sharing of grief and loss among old friends and colleagues. And then, as a WhatsApp group was formed, there was an outpouring of stories about how one man had inspired thousands of students—gifting them the ability to both see and feel reality more deeply. And, more importantly, in ways that left them feeling empowered as individuals and in collectives.

Ironically, just days before Stephan's death, the Dartington Hall Trust announced the closure of Schumacher College. Over the last three decades, this college has become a beacon for the global community of activists, scientists and philosophers who seek solutions for what they see as civilizational challenges.

This particular story began with an American-British couple who were inspired by Rabindranath Tagore. Dorothy Elmhirst was an American heiress and her husband Leonard Elmhirst, a British agronomist had worked closely with Tagore at Shantiniketan for many years. In 1925, the Elmhirsts bought a run-down estate in Devon and created the Dartington Hall Trust for the purpose of experimenting with both agricultural systems and more humane, creative forms of education.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HINDUSTAN TIMESView all
Hindustan Times

ED Urges Delhi HC To Defer Hearing In Jain's PMLA Case

The Delhi high court on Monday sought the response of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi minister Satyendra Jain on a plea moved by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking a stay on the trial court proceedings in a 2017 money laundering case until it files a supplementary charge-sheet.

time-read
1 min  |
February 18, 2025
Hindustan Times

TN-Centre NEP standoff needless in any language

The schism emerging between the Tamil Nadu government and the Union government over the National Education Policy (NEP) and the three-language formula is a classic case of leaders talking at each other rather than to each other.

time-read
1 min  |
February 18, 2025
As US Clears Rana Extradition, Focus on 6 Other Conspirators
Hindustan Times

As US Clears Rana Extradition, Focus on 6 Other Conspirators

With Pakistani-Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana facing imminent extradition to India following US approval, there is renewed attention on six other alleged conspirators of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, who remain in Pakistan without facing significant legal consequences, senior Indian security officials say.

time-read
1 min  |
February 18, 2025
RPF flags 'lapses' behind stampede
Hindustan Times

RPF flags 'lapses' behind stampede

Two announcements, three minutes apart, about a Prayagraj-bound Kumbh special train, but mentioning different platforms may have sparked the deadly stampede that killed at least 18 at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night, a report of the incident by the Railway Protection Force said.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 18, 2025
Hindustan Times

Faecal Coliform Levels High Amid Maha Kumbh: CPCB

The National Green Tribunal was informed on Monday, through a report by the CPCB, that various locations in Prayagraj during the ongoing Maha Kumbh were not conforming to the primary water quality for bathing with respect to the level of faecal coliform.

time-read
1 min  |
February 18, 2025
Hindustan Times

Now, BWGs Told to Register With MCD

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Monday said that it will now be mandatory for the Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs) in the city to register with the civic body and ensure waste disposal as per the Solid Waste Management (SWM) rules.

time-read
1 min  |
February 18, 2025
Hindustan Times

2-YR-OLD SITTING ON BALCONY KILLED IN CELEBRATORY FIRING DURING WEDDING

A two-year-old boy, who was watching a wedding procession snake through his congested Noida neighbourhood on Sunday night, was killed after the revellers fired a few shots as part of celebratory firing and struck him in the head, police officers said on Monday.

time-read
1 min  |
February 18, 2025
Hindustan Times

Pak National With 'Links' To Gogoi's Wife Booked

The Assam Police on Monday filed an FIR against Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh for trying to disrupt communal harmony and working against the nation's interest by commenting on India's internal affairs on social media, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, amid controversy over Sheikh's links with Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi's wife, Elizabeth.

time-read
1 min  |
February 18, 2025
Drag-flicker Lakra makes a mark, guided by Peillat
Hindustan Times Delhi

Drag-flicker Lakra makes a mark, guided by Peillat

There is a big difference between the Amandeep Lakra of before and after Hockey India League (HIL).

time-read
2 mins  |
February 18, 2025
Hindustan Times

Man who raped, killed tourist given life term

THE SESSIONS JUDGE SENTENCED CONVICT TO 3-YEAR IMPRISONMENT FOR DESTROYING EVIDENCE. BOTH SENTENCES WILL BE RUNNING CONCURRENTLY

time-read
2 mins  |
February 18, 2025