The present economic growth model pursued by nations world over can only generate greenhouse gases. You always need more energy to increase the scale of production. For energy you need more thermal power stations, hydroelectric projects and fossil fuels. You have to convert vast agriculture field for bio-fuel. For economy of scale you need more mineral resources and the military strength to control resources of other nations, through proxy rulers. Over the years this vicious cycle of growth has continued and reached a stage where nature has to deliver justice in order to destroy human ego.

By not agreeing to the Bali conference declaration of mandatory carbon cut up to 40 per cent by 2020, the developed nations are only inviting natural calamities of highest intensity. Though the greed for accumulation of wealth and power continues to blur climate policy, the consciousness to reverse climate change is growing fast across the world. What the world needs today is the clue to sustainable development.

India preserves an economic development model, which is interwoven with the way of life of its people. For generations Indians know how to harness nature to sustain a wide range of economic activities. Here people have the skill to make a variety of utility and decorative items from cane, grass, coir, bamboo, bell metal, clay and wood. For example, every region of India has developed special kind of skill to make terracotta pottery and decorative pieces, which have become very popular in Indian and foreign craft bazaars. Terracotta items can serve the greatest purpose of reducing many industrial products used in day-to-day life. Artisans from the North East, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh make exotic variety of terracotta items. Similarly, artisans from South Indian states make magnificent items from bell metal and wood. The Dhokra craft of Orissa and Madhya Pradesh are very popular in international craft bazaars.

Indian artisans hand craft everything essential for human use right from footwear to classy apparel. India can search for some advanced eco-friendly techniques from its past. The technique of keeping the house cool and warm without electricity is preserved in Jaipur palaces.

Similarly, the old technique of sending message to a distance is still found in the Golkonda fort near Hyderabad. Recently, the US-based Infinity Foundation — through its project History of Indian Science and Technology — started documenting the scientific practices in ancient India.

Rhinoplasty, other kinds of plastic surgery, technique to prepare ice and use of medicinal plants — practiced in ancient India — will be documented in 20 volumes. Those techniques were believed to be advanced and eco-friendly, which could be revived if Indian scientists show the resolve to examine what is left behind. Volumes of ancient manuscripts containing eco-friendly technology were smuggled out and destroyed due to sheer neglect.
India can undoubtedly be the leader in marketing eco-friendly products across the world. This could be possible with the change in Indian mindset first. If we love to use our own artisan products the brand will automatically come and along with it the livelihood of millions of Indian people will be protected.

The skill, imagination and artistry of Indian artisans can beat the factory products as the artisans with age old skill can make talking lines and curves which appeal to rich craft lovers in developed nations. India needs to develop special marketing skill to sell handicrafts. But the USP of Indian handicrafts is always its grace and artistry.

In a highly computerised world, every craft item is copied and reproduced in factories. India can be the leader if it preserves the artistry with proper patronage and international patent. If you examine the craft objects preserved in a museum the artistry on it is so appealing that the present generation of artisans cannot reproduce it. Hardly one or two silver filigree artisans of Cuttack can make rose flower with the finest silver wire that comes floating down if you throw it up. Cuttack was once the famous river port of Orissa to send ship loads of handicrafts to Indian Ocean nations and Greece.

It is clear that  India can very well combine its industry with agriculture, trade and craft making to lead the world for global cooling.