As our train gently rolled out of Delhi, Prajal (a professor at the University of Groningen and my old friend) and I were heading to Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya’s Sustainability Conference – a journey both literal and metaphorical. I was preparing to present my Massive Online Course on Himalayan Sustainability. Prajal was set to discuss his innovative concept of ‘A Threefold Approach to Integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into Research Activities.’
Our discussions during the journey drifted far beyond our presentations. As we passed through vast stretches of fields and bustling railway stations, we talked about the paradox of progress – how science and technology had advanced rapidly, yet inner well-being remained elusive for many.
“Infrastructure, technology, and systems can enable people,” I said, “but without inner clarity, will they ever find true happiness?”
Prajal nodded, reflecting on how Eastern philosophy, especially the teachings of Buddha, emphasised self-awareness and individual effort as the key to peace. He pointed out that human limitations are not always external – they often arise from within.
Arriving in Bodh Gaya, the air itself carried an energy of reflection. The Mahabodhi Temple stood tall – a silent witness to the very place where Buddha attained enlightenment. As we walked barefoot around the temple, the contrast between modern-day struggles and ancient wisdom became starkly clear.
Pilgrims from around the world sat in meditation, some in deep stillness, others reciting prayers. It was a space where time seemed to dissolve, where the rush of life slowed down, and the only thing that mattered was the present moment.
“Even Buddha had to seek his own way,” Prajal observed. “He left his comforts, his palace, everything – because no external system could give him the answers he sought.”
We sat silently for a while, absorbing the weight of this realisation. Happiness, peace and sustainability cannot be built purely through policies and systems. It has to start within each person.
From Bodh Gaya, we made our way to Gaya, a place deeply rooted in ritual and tradition. Families performed pind daan on the banks of the Falgu River, offering prayers for their ancestors. The atmosphere was both solemn and profound – a reminder that sustainability is not just about the present or the future but also about honouring the past.
Observing these ancient rituals, I realised how traditions carried wisdom within them. If we could integrate the mindfulness of these practices into modern systems – balancing consumption, slowing down and being intentional – could we build a more sustainable world?
By the time we participated in the Sustainability Conference, we had already been changed by our journey. Our presentations about Himalayan Sustainability and SDG Integration felt more than just academic discussions – they now carried the weight of something deeper.
We have seen how sustainability isn’t just about green energy or efficient systems – it is about mindfulness, balanced consumption and conscious leadership. It is about creating environments where individuals can grow – not just in comfort but in awareness and wisdom.
Further, our journey extended beyond Bodh Gaya and Gaya, leading us to Nalanda University and Rajgir, a place that once stood as the greatest centre of learning in the ancient world and Budhha’s teaching. Walking through the Nalanda ruins and climbing up the Vulture Peak, we imagined scholars and monks from distant lands arriving here – seeking knowledge, debating ideas and experiencing the boundaries of human understanding.
“Knowledge flourished here because it was open, evolving, and rooted in deep thought and experience,” Prajal said, running his fingers over the weathered bricks of the ancient walls.
We stood there, imagining a time when education wasn’t just about degrees or careers but wisdom and enlightenment. In today’s world, where universities churn out professionals, could we bring back the ethos of learning as a path to wisdom, sustainability and holistic growth?
As we left back to Delhi, I realised that this wasn’t just a trip – it was a pilgrimage of thought, a journey through time, culture, and self-awareness. And just like Buddha, our greatest lessons were not found in the world outside but within ourselves.
