Content uploaded by Sharmistha Banerjee
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Sharmistha Banerjee on Jul 09, 2019
Content may be subject to copyright.
A preview of the PDF is not available
PURA framework - A model for Distributed Economy for India
Abstract
With majority of Indian population still living in its rural areas, sustainable development of India is undeniably con- nected to the sustainable growth and empowerment of rural India. Providing Urban amenities to Rural Areas (PURA) framework was conceptualized to meet this end. It aims at spatio-social and socio-technical development of a rural region by creating contextually appropriate livelihood opportunities, wealth generation, self-reliance and skill devel- opment through physical, electronic, knowledge and economic connectivity. The concept of Distributed Economy (DE), on the other hand, was presented as a model for sustainable development by creating a network of intercon- nected and mutually dependent local production system to meet local needs, an antithetical to large-scale centralized production system. In this paper, we analyze Warana and Chitrakoot PURA using literature review and demonstrate how the PURA model is a contextually appropriate way for achieving sustainability benefits of DE in the Indian context. Thus, the PURA model can inspire the conceptualization of Design for Sustainable DE methodologies and pedagogy.
With majority of Indian population still living in its rural areas, sustainable development of India is undeniably connected to the sustainable growth and empowerment of rural India. Providing Urban amenities to Rural Areas (PURA) framework was conceptualized to meet this end. It aims at spatio-social and socio-technical development of a rural region by creating contextually appropriate livelihood opportunities, wealth generation, self-reliance and skill development through physical, electronic, knowledge and economic connectivity. The concept of Distributed Economy (DE), on the other hand, was presented as a model for sustainable development by creating a network of interconnected and mutually dependent local production system to meet local needs, an antithetical to large-scale centralized production system. In this paper, we analyze Warana and Chitrakoot PURA using literature review and demonstrate how the PURA model is a contextually appropriate way for achieving sustainability benefits of DE in the Indian context. Thus, the PURA model can inspire the conceptualization of Design for Sustainable DE methodologies and pedagogy.
Several conditions need to be met if more sustainable consumption patterns are to be promoted effectively. Some have already been met, including widespread consumer concern about the environment, increasing technology- and behaviour-induced decoupling of resource use and consumption, greater government commitment, and evolving forms of decision-making. This article focuses on the dynamics of household consumption in North America and Europe.
Gandhi's use of the spinning wheel was one of the most significant unifying elements of the nationalist movement in India. Spinning was seen as an economic and political activity that could bring together the diverse population of South Asia, and allow the formerly elite nationalist movement to connect to the broader Indian population. This book looks at the politics of spinning both as a visual symbol and as a symbolic practice. It traces the genealogy of spinning from its early colonial manifestations in Company painting to its appropriation by the anti-colonial movement. This complex of visual imagery and performative ritual had the potential to overcome labour, gender, and religious divisions and thereby produce an accessible and effective symbol for the Gandhian anti-colonial movement. By thoroughly examining all aspects of this symbol's deployment, this book unpacks the politics of the spinning wheel and provides a model for the analysis of political symbols elsewhere. It also probes the successes of India's particular anti-colonial movement, making an invaluable contribution to studies in social and cultural history, as well as South Asian Studies.
This paper considers the potential contribution of Industrial Symbiosis (IS) networks in fostering environmental innovation at the local or regional level. Drawing on literature from innovation studies and innovation in spatial proximity, we outline three factors that are important for the innovation process and identify where the effects from IS networks can be explored. We use observations from the first IS programme in Sweden to provide examples of previously hypothesised effects. The implications of this inquiry are discussed in terms of design and development of IS programmes and for further research into the innovation effect of IS networks.
This article introduces the concept of distributed economies (DE) as a fresh strategy to guide industrial development towards becoming more sustainable. The concept calls for a transformation in the industrial system towards DE departing from the socio-economically and environmentally unsustainable dynamics associated with large-scale, centralised production units that are favoured by neoclassical economic drivers. With DE, a selective share of production is distributed to regions where a diverse range of activities are organised in the form of small-scale, flexible units that are synergistically connected with each other and prioritise quality in their production. However, rather than the total abolishment of large-scale production, our argument concentrates on finding a renewed balance between large- and small-scale and between resource flows that take place within and across regional boundaries. Other desirable characteristics of production units compatible with DE are elaborated. The paper concludes by calling for the deployment of the vast amount of globally and regionally available knowledge for the formation of regionally adapted strategies to create dynamically “self-organizing” business environments.
This article builds on the introduction to the concept of distributed economies (DE) by Johansson et al. [Johansson A, Kisch P, Mirata M. Distributed economies – a new engine for innovation. Journal of Cleaner Production, this issue] and takes the discussion further by reviewing examples of production systems that, due to certain characteristics, can be seen as illustrative DE elements. Through selected cases from energy production and biomass products sectors, the environmental and business benefits provided by local, small-scale, flexible production units that increase value addition to local assets are exemplified. The factors supporting the development of such systems are also reviewed. The lessons extracted from these cases are designed to guide the development of other production and product systems aligned with DE.
PURA clusters: knowledge villages for future generations in India. The 4th Knowledge Cities World Summit
- S K Batra
- S P Singh
- R Payal
Batra, S. K., Singh, S. P., & Payal, R. (2011). PURA clusters: knowledge villages for future generations in India. The 4th
Knowledge Cities World Summit, 8.
Target 3 billion: PURA: Innovative solutions towards sustainable development
- A P J A Kalam
- S P Singh
Kalam, A. P. J. A., & Singh, S. P. (2011). Target 3 billion: PURA: Innovative solutions towards sustainable development: Penguin Books India.