The earthian program invites papers on suggestions, thoughts, approaches and possible solutions on nine key challenges/themes:
Selection of themes for a paper
You can apply across any of the themes. Each application can be related to one core theme and up to two additional themes.
What are we looking for?
The themes are diverse and wide ranging. They require an interdisciplinary approach – marrying sciences, with economics, sociology, public policy, philosophy, culture and even arts. Most of them do not have a single solution, in fact, we believe, there is no one solution to each of these problems. The problems manifest in the immediate future and some in the long term. While these issues are being discussed in key national and international forums, there is a realization that it is impossible to suggest a one-size-fits all approach, this is assuming there is a consensus in the first place!
India is uniquely poised to benefit from adopting a different approach to these global challenges. 80% of our physical and social infrastructure is yet to be built. We still have half of our population in poverty with no access to clean drinking water. Although we have made significant progress in enrollment numbers, the quality of primary education in India is poor. On top of all this, we will have to manage the repercussions of the ‘industrial age’ consumption led growth model in the developed economies such as our own – which is resulting in serious issues like climate change and pollution.
These are immense challenges, but they also present immense opportunities. If we are to solve social issues,and at the same time ensure we take the clean (read’ green’) path to economic growth, we require a whole new way of looking at problems and issues. The issues are interrelated. We can ill afford to continue with our current patterns of problem solving approaches.
The awards program is a first step in this long journey. For details, check the Rules and Registration/Submission sections.
We would be interested to understand how your approach and solution covers the following aspects:
- How wide ranging and deep will the impact of the solution be?
- How innovative is the idea, especially in the Indian context where
contextualizing is important (low cost, social barriers, cultural nuances
for example) ?
- How complete is the understanding of the problem? Since sustainability
is multi-dimensional, are the contours of the problem understood and defined
in their entirety?
- How practical and easy will it to be implement the recommendations?
- How can we use the medium of arts (literature, drama, music etc) and
culture to influence public behavior?
We believe the program will increase awareness of these issues and help catalyze sustainability thinking in our education institutions. Wipro will connect able, capable and willing institutions to a wider ecosystem of like minded organizations and initiatives in India and abroad to implement some of the ideas.
The description and leading questions for each of the themes are to provide some guidance on the probable areas your paper can explore and address. This is not definitive and you are free to address other issues relevant to the theme(s).
Measuring and forecasting environmental impacts and social issues is not an exact science. The figures and data quoted are based on the general accepted consensus among scientists and independent research organizations. Alternate opinions and viewpoints exist.