Sustainable Development in Ecocriticism: Exploring Global and Indian Literary Perspectives for Ecoconscious Engagement

– In recent decades, the global environment has posed an unprecedented threat to both human society and the delicate equilibrium of the Earth. Rampant exploitation and misuse of natural resources have brought us to the precipice of a crisis and urgent intervention is imperative. Deforestation, depletion of fossil fuels, disruptions in seasonal patterns, recurring ecological disasters worldwide and the precarious state of our environment collectively underscore the gravity of the situation. In response to this environmental turmoil, a noteworthy theoretical framework for interpreting nature writing emerged in the final decade of the preceding century known as Ecocriticism. This global movement surfaced as a critical reaction to humanity’s anthropocentric inclination to dominate nature. This paper endeavors to investigate the ecocritical perspectives discernible in select works of world literature as well as within the realm of Indian writing in English, with a specific focus on the theme of sustainable development. This environmentally focused exploration of literature goes beyond the mere examination of ecological concerns; it seeks to address the imperative of sustainability. By incorporating the lens of sustainable development into the ecocritical analysis, this study aims to unravel how literature not only reflects environmental challenges but also contributes to envisioning a harmonious coexistence between human societies and the natural world. This integration of the theme of sustainable development into the ecocritical exploration serves as a catalyst for nurturing ecological literacy among readers, fostering an eco-conscious mindset that transcends mere environmental awareness. The objective is to encourage responsible stewardship of Mother Nature and advocate for practices that align with the principles of sustainable development. Given the Ncontemporary preeminence of environmental concerns and the urgent need for sustainable practices, Ecocriticism, with its evolving nature, has become a vital tool in shaping discourse and action on sustainable development. Functioning as an interpretive tool for the analysis of nature writing, it is closely associated with various disciplinary strands, including Environmental criticism, Animal studies, Green Cultural Studies, Ecosophy, Deep Ecology, Ecofeminism, Ecospiritualism and analogous paradigms all within the broader framework of fostering sustainability.