Dr. VANDANA SHIVA on Diverse Expressions of a Living Earth /311

Overhead view of a Harvester Ant hill in India formed of concentric walls of clay soil. Vibrant leafy plants sprout amongst the walls.

In this episode centered around global consciousness and rooted local action, returning guest Dr. Vandana Shiva reminds us of the power of commitment in the fight for the Earth. Reflecting on her lifetime of devotion to the land, Vandana highlights the value of paying deep attention and of bearing witness to the interconnectedness of Earth. 

These thoughts deeply counter the modern state of media and movements that fleetingly follow trends without deep connections to justice and connection. Together, Vandana and Ayana piece apart the threads of our global culture that lead to exploitation and extraction - focusing on the policies of division and distraction that keep us from each other.  The conversation spans decades of activist work and pointed awareness of global trends leading to a nuanced look at what it may take to heal our culture and reframe our relationship to Earth. 

As Vandana states, “Earth is alive and her expressions are diverse.” We are all anchored to each other and to the earth. The divisions that world-leaders focus so much time on are created in order to dominate and exploit the nature on which the earthly community depends. 

“Diversity is at the root of freedom.”

— Dr. Vandana Shiva / Episode 311

Photo of Dr. Vandana Shiva by Kartikey Shiva

Inviting healthy skepticism about motives for growth through the financialization of nature, and staying vigilant about new forms of colonialism, Vandana’s fortitude and conviction serves as a reminder to a younger generation of activists. How can we value diversity over division, community over isolation, commitment over distraction?

Vandana Shiva is a world-renowned environmental thinker and activist, a leader in the International Forum on Globalization, and of the Slow Food Movement. She is also the Director of Navdanya and of the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology, and a tireless crusader for farmers’, peasants’, and women’s rights. Dr. Shiva is the recipient of over twenty international awards and the author and editor of a score of influential books, including her latest book coming out Oct. 27 from Chelsea Green Publishing "Terra Viva: My Life in a Biodiversity of Movements."

♫ The music featured in this episode is “Good Times” by Henry Johnson, “The Forest” by Scinnlæce, and “All My Life is a Ceremony” by Doe Paoro.

Episode References

Dr. Shiva's organization - Navdanya

Terra Viva: My Life in a Biodiversity of Movements by Dr. Vandana Shiva

The Seeds of Vandana Shiva Film

Guest Recommendations

1. Order a copy of Terra Viva

2. Host A Film Screening of The Seeds of Vandana Shiva

3. Here is some language/links from the documentary film team regarding screenings:

   We invite you to join our global impact campaign by hosting a screening of The Seeds of Vandana Shiva for your community. This is a unique opportunity to feature a powerful film that speaks truth to power, inspires real hope, and ignites collective action. Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEqTo8lDivs

   You can opt for an in-person, virtual, or hybrid screening, and the film’s impact team will provide you with everything you need including the film, digital screening kit, and calls-to-action for your audience. Join us and sign up now: https://bit.ly/3LttItO

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