Bharat Bhagyavidhata Mahatma Gandhi Award Acceptance Comments
Bharat Bhagyavidhata Mahatma Gandhi Foundation, BBMG Award Chapter – V, 29th November 2024, Committee Room G, House of Lords, Westminster, London
By Professor Colin Coulson-Thomas
Much has changed during the 45 years of my various involvements with India. There has been progress and there is now more to lose.
We are more exposed and vulnerable to global risks and existential threats.
One of the journals of a national institute I’m a governing director of is on Indian ancient wisdom. Ancient Indian texts advocate living simply, without waste or pollution, and in harmony with the natural world.
These messages are more relevant than ever. Our collective human activities, and the aspirations and lifestyles of our expanding human population, are not sustainable.
Negative externalities are ignored. We are depleting natural capital and rare minerals. Resources that future generations will need end up on dumps.
Spreading monocultures reduce biodiversity. A mass extinction of other species is underway.
Global emissions and average temperatures continue to rise.
There is push back from electorates. Vested interests oppose the phasing out of fossil fuels. Boards avoid action that might put them at a competitive disadvantage.
The costs of inaction rise faster than those of needed responses. Extreme weather damage is more expensive than faster clean energy transition.
Our collective responses are too little too late.
We face multiple threats and associated crisis events. Combinations of them occurring together, would overwhelm government agencies, public bodies, infrastructures and emergency services.
Tipping points after which threats become unstoppable are approaching.
As the world polarises and fragments, we have a common and shared interest in ensuring our continuing existence.
I first spoke at an IOD India event and contributed to its journal 25 years ago. I also now provide theme papers for its international events that champion responsible and sustainable stewardship.
India has a critical role to play. Growth projections suggest it may account for an everincreasing share of global emissions. Faster progress to net zero could tip the balance
in favour of our collective survival.
By reconnecting with its ancient wisdom and Mahatma Gandhi, India could become the first post-materialistic and sustainable society. India could lead the way to simpler, less stressful, healthier and more balanced and fulfilling lifestyles.
Today there are more opportunities for imagination, innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship than at any time in human history. We can do things differently, change direction, repurpose and reinvent.
The life of Ghandi can inspire us. Individual drops can combine to produce an irresistible force.
With extreme weather events this works against us. With our own efforts it could work for us.
We need a turning point and a new beginning rather than a swan song.
Today’s BBMG awards and winners should encourage us to work together towards ensuring our collective survival.
Let’s go for it.
Prof Colin Coulson-Thomas
PhD, Hon DHL, BFP, FCA, FCCA, FCG, FCIM, Hon FMS, FCMI, FCIPR, FCIPD, FAIA (Hon), FIoD (UK), Hon FIOD (India), FIKE, FIRL, FRSA, FRGS
Fellow, World Academy of Productivity Science / Honoured Fellow, Institute for Responsible Leadership / President, Institute of Management Services