New Delhi, September 2025 – A significant contribution to the fields of philosophy, environmental studies, and global thought has earned international recognition. Environmental Consciousness in the Nine Schools of Indian Philosophy, authored by Dr. Vandana Sharma ‘Diya’, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Delhi, has been included in the prestigious collections of Yale University Library, the New York Public Library, and Hong Kong Baptist University Library.
This pioneering work explores how the nine classical Indian philosophical traditions offer profound insights into ecological awareness and sustainable living. By situating these traditions in dialogue with contemporary environmental concerns, the book highlights the universal value of Indian philosophical wisdom in shaping an ethic of sustainability.
A former Residential Researcher at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, Dr. Sharma’s expertise lies in Environmental Consciousness, Atharvaveda, Advaita Vedānta, Yoga, Śaivism, and Jyotiṣa (astrology). Through this broad and multidisciplinary foundation, she presents a holistic understanding of how Indian thought envisions the interconnectedness of life, nature, and the cosmos. Her scholarship weaves together metaphysical principles, spiritual practices, and cosmological frameworks to demonstrate how ancient insights can guide contemporary approaches to ecological balance.
Alongside this recognition, Dr. Sharma is preparing for the release of her forthcoming book, Śani: A Comprehensive Study of Saturn in Global Traditions. This ambitious work traces the history, symbolism, and theological significance of Saturn across civilizations including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, India, and beyond. The book is scheduled for formal release on October 4, 2025, at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi.
The inclusion of her earlier research in Yale University and other globally respected libraries, together with her continuing scholarship on planetary traditions, demonstrates both the scholarly depth and universal relevance of her work. It stands as a milestone in cross-cultural philosophy, bridging India’s intellectual heritage with global sustainability discourses.
