RSS Centenary Call from Sarsanghchalak: Himalayan Warnings and the Needonomics Way Forward for Environmental Wisdom

Prof. Madan Mohan Goel, Proponent Needonomics & Former Vice-Chancellor (Thrice)

On October 2, Vijaydashmi, the centenary celebration of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) became more than a ritual of remembrance—it became a moment of introspection for society at large. The Sarsanghchalak, Shri Mohan Bhagwat Ji, in his Vijaydashmi address, raised concerns that transcend organizational boundaries and touch the very survival of humanity. His emphasis on environmental degradation, particularly the looming dangers to the Himalayas, compels us to rethink our relationship with nature.

From the perspective of the Needonomics School of Thought (NST), this message is not merely about conservation but about correcting the imbalance created by Greedonomics—the economics of wants, waste, and exploitation. The Himalayas, revered as the “water towers of Asia,” are today at risk because development has been guided more by materialism than by wisdom. Bhagwat Ji’s call resonates with the core of Needonomics: living with balance, prioritizing needs over wants, and embracing responsibility over recklessness.

The centenary of RSS, therefore, provides an opportunity to align cultural-spiritual values with ecological wisdom through the lens of Needonomics. It is a reminder that India’s leadership lies not only in economic growth but in showing the world a sustainable way forward, where ethics and ecology coexist.

The Himalayas as Humanity’s Lifeline

The Himalayas, often described as the “water towers of Asia,” supply water to nearly the entire region of South East Asia. Major rivers that originate in the Himalayas sustain millions of people across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and beyond. They are not only a source of life-giving water but also act as a protective wall for India, safeguarding the country both ecologically and strategically.

Yet, in recent years, reckless development models—largely inspired by materialist and consumerist approaches—have disrupted the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. From unregulated tourism and rampant deforestation to hydroelectric projects and climate-induced glacier melting, the Himalayas are under unprecedented stress. Landslides, floods, and glacial lake outbursts are no longer rare occurrences but regular disasters.

These are not random acts of nature but outcomes of flawed human choices. They reflect what the Needonomics School of Thought (NST) terms Greedonomics—the economics of greed that prioritizes unbridled consumption, exploitation of resources, and short-term gains over long-term sustainability and collective well-being.

Memories of Nagpur and Resonance with the Call

I fondly recall my own visit to the RSS Headquarters in Nagpur on January 25, 2024, with Shri Bhujang Bobade Ji. That memory adds a personal dimension to my resonance with the Sarsanghchalak’s voice of caution. Standing at the same premises where this year’s Vijaydashmi address was delivered, I can appreciate the gravity of his message even more.

Shri Mohan Ji’s emphasis on ecological responsibility is not just a moral plea—it is a strategic necessity for India and the world. His caution that the disasters in the Himalayas should serve as a wake-up call is both a reminder of our duty to nature and a challenge to reimagine development in a way that respects ecological limits.

From Greedonomics to Needonomics

As the proponent of Needonomics, I firmly believe that the solutions to the environmental concerns flagged by Mohan Ji lie in Gita-inspired Needonomics—the economics of needs, not excessive wants as greed. Rooted in common sense and aligned with environmental ethics, Needonomics offers an alternative to the exploitative tendencies of Greedonomics.

The Bhagavad Gita, which forms the philosophical foundation of Needonomics, teaches balance, restraint, and responsibility. It emphasizes detachment from greed-driven desires and encourages duty-bound action with consciousness of the greater good. When applied to economics, this means making choices that prioritize needs over endless wants, sustainability over exploitation, and stewardship over ownership.

Needonomics promotes conscious consumption instead of mindless consumerism. It urges policymakers to design policies that address real needs—clean water, clean air, food security, shelter, education, and health—rather than fuel an economy driven by artificial wants created through advertising and market manipulation.

A Call for Realignment

The centenary of RSS provides a historic opportunity to realign our priorities. Policymakers, industries, communities, and individuals must acknowledge that ecological crises are intertwined with economic choices. If India leads by adopting Needonomics as an environmental and economic philosophy, it can inspire the world to move toward a sustainable model of prosperity.

For industries, this means investing in green technologies, promoting circular economies, and minimizing ecological footprints. For policymakers, it means framing development strategies that balance growth with sustainability, ensuring that short-term economic gains do not destroy long-term ecological security. For communities and individuals, it means practicing restraint in consumption, respecting nature, and embracing lifestyles that are simple, responsible, and mindful.

Global Relevance of Needonomics

The issues flagged by the Sarsanghchalak are not limited to India. Climate imbalances, ecological degradation, and natural disasters are global phenomena. From wildfires in Europe and the Americas to flooding in Africa and Asia, the consequences of Greedonomics are evident everywhere.

Needonomics, therefore, is not only an Indian philosophy but a universal framework. It provides a path for global citizens to live within the limits of nature while ensuring human dignity and intergenerational justice. By replacing greed with need, the world can move toward an order where prosperity does not come at the cost of the planet.

Conclusion:

The centenary message of RSS, as articulated by Sarsanghchalak Shri Mohan Bhagwat Ji, is clear: environmental wisdom demands restraint. Humanity’s survival depends on aligning economics with ethics and needs with nature. The voice of the Sarsanghchalak and the mandate of Needonomics converge on this essential truth. The solution lies not in more consumption but in conscious consumption (needo-consumption); not in blind exploitation but in responsible stewardship. If we heed this call, the Himalayas can continue to be humanity’s lifeline rather than its grave warning. The path ahead is evident. From Greedonomics to Needonomics, from exploitation to preservation, from reckless development to responsible stewardship—this is the way forward for environmental wisdom in the 21st century.