We wanted to spotlight a “new” visionary podcast, all that we are (formerly known as ‘The Future is Beautiful’) with Amisha Ghadiali, and specifically her recent conversation with the world-renowned environmental thinker, activist, feminist, philosopher of science, writer, and science policy advocate, Vandana Shiva.
In the show, Amisha delves into the interwoven realms of activism, the sacred, creativity, and regeneration. She explore the dynamic interplay between our inner and outer worlds. From healing trauma and connecting with nature to embracing new technologies and ancient wisdom, she shares the collective view that it’s time to move beyond silos and embrace an integrated way of being.
She confesses, “Every one of us has ideas and personal experiences to share that can lead us to a more beautiful future. Despite the challenges we face as a global community or the pressures we meet in our daily lives, when we stop and dare to listen, to ask ourselves the big questions and to share what we are already doing and envisioning, we create the futures of our wildest dreams. And we begin to embody all that we are, all that we are becoming and all that is possible.”
In this special episode Amisha talks with Vandana Shiva on her infamous farm in India. Vandana is a world-renowned environmental thinker, activist, feminist, philosopher of science, writer and science policy advocate. She is the founder of Navdanya Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology (India) and President of Navdanya International. In 1982 she founded the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology (RFSTE), an independent research institute that addresses the most significant problems of ecology of our times, and two years later, Navdanya (‘nine seeds’) the movement in defense of biodiversity and small farmers. Vandana is recipient of many awards, including in 1993 the Right Livelihood Award, also known as the ‘Alternative Nobel Prize’, and named among the top five “Most Important People in Asia” by AsiaWeek in 2001, she is is a prolific writer and author of numerous books and serves on the board of the International Forum on Globalisation, and member of the executive committee of the World Future Council.
Vandana Shiva is also the founder of the Navdanya Research Foundation for Science, Technology, and Ecology (India) and serves as the President of Navdanya International. Navdanya, which translates to ‘nine seeds,’ is a prominent movement dedicated to the defense of biodiversity and the rights of small farmers. Through Navdanya, Vandana Shiva has worked tirelessly to promote sustainable agriculture, seed freedom, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge and practices.
Vandana Shiva’s extensive work extends beyond Navdanya. She is the Chairman of the International Commission on the Future of Food and Agriculture, an organization that she co-founded to address global challenges related to food security, agricultural sustainability, and the impact of industrial farming on the environment. This commission brings together experts and activists from around the world to advocate for policies that protect small farmers, promote organic farming, and ensure the conservation of natural resources.
In addition to her activism and organizational leadership, Vandana Shiva has made significant contributions to environmental and feminist philosophy. Her writings critically examine the intersections of science, technology, and the environment, often highlighting the detrimental effects of corporate globalization on local communities and ecosystems. As a philosopher of science, she challenges the dominant paradigms that prioritize profit over people and the planet, advocating instead for a more holistic and inclusive approach to scientific inquiry and policy-making.
Vandana Shiva is also a prolific author, having penned numerous books and articles that address issues ranging from biodiversity and climate change to gender and social justice. Her works, such as “Staying Alive: Women, Ecology, and Development” and “Earth Democracy: Justice, Sustainability, and Peace,” have inspired countless individuals and movements around the globe. Her thought leadership and advocacy continue to shape the discourse on sustainable development and environmental justice, making her a pivotal figure in the global effort to create a more equitable and sustainable future.
Discover more about the collective and podcast at www.allthatweare.org.