The overall vision of the Model Village is to enhance the Quality of Life for the entire community and promote Wellbeing for individuals, all while fostering sustainability as a core cultural value. Culture is a powerful driver for development, with community-wide social, economic and environmental impacts. It usually determines people's lifestyles, individual behaviour and their relationship with their environment inside and outside.
In the modern world, assets are often over-exploited, leading to unsustainable progress in the name of development. Therefore, the primary strategy to achieve a sustainable model village is through behavioral change. For understanding and evaluation purposes, a framework comprising five capitals has been developed. This framework posits that integrated and balanced sustainability can be achieved by simultaneously developing these five capitals: Financial, Natural, Human, Social, and Physical.
- Pranava Vanam
- Pranava Yoga
- Pranava Mithra
- Linga Bhairavi Sadhana Sthala
Each vertical consists of activities aimed at achieving desired outcomes and the ultimate goal. A major intermediate goal is to cultivate volunteers within the community who will inspire others in the transformation process. As Sadhguru notes, a volunteer is 'simply willing' due to their inclusive nature. If this spirit becomes ingrained in the culture, the principle of "conserve and use" will be embraced naturally without the need for explanation.
Sustainable development ensures that the current generation can meet its survival and wellbeing needs without compromising the opportunities and resources available to future generations. The five capitals mentioned earlier play a crucial role in this endeavor.
Financial Capital refers to building the economy in the village by creating stable, assured, and increased net income from diversified sources to all the individuals. Due to a complex amalgamation of reasons, a “push factor” is being created. This is mainly due to a lack of local opportunities in the villages, leading to immigration to urban centers. So, promising economic prospects are the key “pull factors” for retaining people in the villages. Financial Capital also instills a sense of pride in the villagers who have otherwise given up all their hope for a respectful life. A secure Financial capital enables the villagers to increase their risk-taking ability as well. Farmers today are not growing food for themselves and are spending more deciding a decent price for their produce. Over time, Farmer Producer Organizations will be the economic engine driving the Financial Capital. Pranava Vanam and Pranava Mithra will extensively work towards creating financial opportunities within the village itself.
The future of our planet relies on finding harmony between ecology and economy. Natural capital plays a crucial role in ensuring a sustainable future by providing the Earth's stock of resources needed to support life. Unfortunately, this natural wealth has been depleted due to practices like chemical farming and wasteful consumption. Tree based agriculture and green cover are important to developing Natural capital. Investing in natural resources can transform villages, instilling a sense of pride and joy. However, the rapid industrial and material growth of the past century has come at a significant cost to the environment. Natural disasters serve as harsh reminders of the consequences of excessive resource exploitation, leading to environmental and financial strain and disrupting the balance of ecosystems.
Physical Capital encompasses village infrastructure such as roads, transportation, water, electricity, sanitation, and other civic amenities managed by the Gram Panchayat. However, the current basic amenities are insufficient to retain residents in the village, as urban centers offer a more diverse range of infrastructure including cinemas, fitness centers, and shopping complexes, which are perceived as enhancing quality of life, especially among the youth. Improving Physical Capital not only enhances the village's ambiance but also stimulates economic growth by creating new livelihood opportunities for villagers. This in turn attracts visitors and tourists, improving the village economy and ensuring the sustainability of investments in Physical Capital. Pranava Mithra will collaborate with villagers, cultivating volunteers to collaborate with the Gram Panchayat to address the village's physical capital needs within the allocated annual budget.
Human Capital refers to the abilities, skills, experiences and good health of the individuals and communities, which, when combined, allow the community to realize their potential and lead a fulfilling life. Human capital is the most important capital considering the core of the project is behavioral change. By raising consciousness to be more inclusive, taking up volunteerism as a culture, reaching one’s goals with a sense of sustainability, this capital alone can make any village transform itself. It also determines the quality and quantity of the workforce available. Moreover, working on Human Capital also increases resilience in people, which is lacking in the villages today. Lack of resilience is the reason villagers lose hope and give up easily without a fight. With the right tools and improved physical, mental, emotional and spiritual abilities, villagers will develop the confidence to face any adverse condition. Pranava Mithra and Pranava Yoga verticals will ensure that the outreach happens effectively and that everyone is catered to in the village.
Social Capital encompasses social harmony, cohesion, and inclusivity, ensuring equal participation of all sections of society. This capital induces celebrations as a way of life, so that the community experiences the joy of togetherness, a sense of belongingness and is able to provide security amongst the people. Without strong social ties, villages may feel disconnected and lost. Thus, social Capital can be strengthened by creating an environment in which social interactions can flourish. Celebrations have always been a part of India. It helps bring people from all walks of life together and participate in a process independent of their differences. The trust and bond that is developed is reflected in all transactions an individual has with society and his environment. At the same time, it is very important that the developmental processes allow room for nurturing this cohesion, providing opportunities for collective growth and progress.