Author Description

The sixth in the series of Ramin Jahanbegloo's interviews of prominent intellectuals who have influenced modern Indian thought, Talking Environment is based on Jahanbegloo's conversations with Vandana Shiva, one of the leading environmental activists of our time. The book addresses issues encompassing nature and spiritualism, the Chipko Movement and the birth of Navdanya, ecofeminism, 'earth democracy', 'seed globalization', functioning of the neoliberal paradigm in India, swadeshi and village governance, corruption and poverty in India, the future of Indian farmers, among others. The dialogue flows effortlessly from Shiva's descriptions of her early life, influence of her parents and teachers, her affinity with the Himalayas, love for quantum physics, and experiences in the University of Western Ontario to the role of technology and science, the relevance of Gandhian philosophy in the contemporary world, and 'eco-imperialism'. Engaging and thought-provoking, this book is a journey into the life and work of one of the leading thinkers of our time.