Toward ‘Viksit Bharat’: Eco-Conscious Narratives and Sustainable Aspirations in Contemporary Indian English Fiction
Keywords:
Eco-consciousness, Sustainable Development, Contemporary Indian English Fiction, Viksit Bharat, Ecological Justice, Environmental Activism, Social JusticeAbstract
India’s ambitious pursuit of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) necessitates reconciling economic growth with environmental sustainability. This paper explores how contemporary Indian English fiction navigates this intricate relationship, focusing on Amitav Ghosh’s The Hungry Tide (2004), Kiran Desai’s The Inheritance of Loss (2006), and Arundhati Roy’s The Ministry of Utmost Happiness (2017). Drawing upon ecocritical frameworks and the concept of “ecological justice,” the analysis reveals how these novels critique unsustainable development practices, champion the voices of marginalized communities, and envision an alternative sustainable future that prioritize ecological well-being alongside human progress. This paper argues that contemporary Indian English fiction plays a crucial role in raising awareness, fostering critical dialogue, and ultimately contributing to a ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision that prioritizes both prosperity and environmental responsibility.
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