From time immemorial, man’s relationship with nature has been on a give and take basis where man procures from the earth what he needs, and in time replenishes his sources. But as man experiences more technological development, he becomes less sensitive to this man-nature relationship. This has resulted in an uncontrolled exploitation of nature.
Fr. Barnes L. Mawrie’s book, entitled The Khasis and Their Natural Environment: A Study of the Eco-consciousness and Eco-spirituality of the Khasis, is the outcome of the author’s deep love and concern for nature and environment. This has been a fascinating subject for the author since his early years as he himself has confessed. The author expresses concern at the wanton destruction of the environment and the depletion of forests in the Khasi and Jaiñtia Hills, which is known for its natural beauty. Earlier, the people lived in profound communion with nature, whom they held in high regard. Modern culture with its technological revolution and progress does not favour familiarity with nature. The pristine relationship between man and nature that existed once upon a time, has disappeared due to man’s consumerist attitude resulting in a sort of hostility and estrangement. The author feels that in the near future, the Khasis would lose touch with their natural environment. This is the reason why there is an urgency to educate the new generation in eco-responsibility.
Fr. Barnes L. Mawrie’s book, entitled The Khasis and Their Natural Environment: A Study of the Eco-consciousness and Eco-spirituality of the Khasis, is the outcome of the author’s deep love and concern for nature and environment. This has been a fascinating subject for the author since his early years as he himself has confessed. The author expresses concern at the wanton destruction of the environment and the depletion of forests in the Khasi and Jaiñtia Hills, which is known for its natural beauty. Earlier, the people lived in profound communion with nature, whom they held in high regard. Modern culture with its technological revolution and progress does not favour familiarity with nature. The pristine relationship between man and nature that existed once upon a time, has disappeared due to man’s consumerist attitude resulting in a sort of hostility and estrangement. The author feels that in the near future, the Khasis would lose touch with their natural environment. This is the reason why there is an urgency to educate the new generation in eco-responsibility.
The book has nine chapters, and covers the various aspects of Khasi culture and their relationship with the environment. The first chapter discusses the origin, history, culture and the ecological heritage of the Khasis. The second one attempts to understand the Khasi concept of creation which are valuable sources of information. This chapter also highlights the relationship of the people with God and creation. The third chapter deals with nature in Khasi ethics and religion by analyzing the Khasi folktales, natural court of justice and the rites and rituals of the Khasi religion. Chapter four studies the ecological dimension of the Khasi idioms and couplets. The fifth chapter brings to light the natural wisdom of the Khasis as reflected in the various fields as of knowledge-astronomy, geology, medicine, system of calculation of time, etc. The sixth chapter highlights the place of nature in the Khasi festivals, music and dances, and how the various activities reflect the way of life of the people. The seventh chapter discusses the relationship of the Khasis with the animal world as seen in their various folktales. Chapter eight is a comparative study of the Khasi relationship with nature from a Christian perspective. The Khasi religion is based on a strong eco-theology, since nature forms part and parcel of the religion. The last chapter is the author’s reflection on the present state of man-creation relationship and the destructive tendency which we witness today. The author wants to focus on the importance of eco-education in schools and colleges. It is only through education and awareness that our beautiful hills can be saved from an ecological disaster.
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