Caritas India, in collaboration with the Karnataka Regional Organization for Social Service (KROSS) and with the support of Caritas Italiana, organized a three-day dissemination workshop on Integral Ecology from May 22 to 24, 2025, in Bangalore. Held at the KROSS premises, the workshop brought together 22 passionate participants from different regions, including Karnataka and Kerala, to deepen understanding and foster action on environmental, social, and economic interconnectedness.

The workshop marked the official introduction and dissemination of the Manual on Integral Ecology, a resource developed by Caritas India to integrate the vision of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ with grassroots realities. Through this initiative, Caritas India has taken a pioneering step in contextualizing the global call for ecological conversion into an actionable framework that addresses the complex challenges of climate change, unsustainable farming, and socio-economic inequalities affecting the most marginalized, especially Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs).

Mr. Robert D’Souza, State Program Associate for Karnataka, welcomed the participants and introduced Dr. Haridas, who spearheaded the training sessions. Dr. Haridas emphasized that the dissemination of ecology is not merely the spread of information, but a mission of connecting people with the planet and promoting collaborative action across stakeholders from diocesan social service societies to academic institutions. He explained that the workshop would focus on motivation, inclusion, ownership, and visibility elements essential for sustainable ecological action.

Day one focused on participatory learning through group activities and discussions on empowering PLWDs through livelihood initiatives and resource mobilization. Participants brainstormed practical ways to raise funds locally, including recycling campaigns, festive sales, catering services, and community markets, highlighting the importance of local ownership and teamwork.

The second day saw Dr. Haridas formally introduce the Integral Ecology Manual, co-authored by leading experts including Dr. Mukund Deshmukh, Mr. Prabal Sen, Mr. Patrick Deepak Hansda, and Ms. Sneha Jha. The manual’s premise is rooted in a holistic understanding of ecology, not limited to the environment but extending to economic, social, cultural, and technological dimensions. A powerful case study on arsenic contamination in West Bengal served as a wake-up call to the consequences of ecological neglect.

Dr. Haridas stressed how language-related mindsets influence ecological actions, such as the contradictory framing of pesticides as both medicine and poison. He drew comparisons between Australian and Indian farming systems, calling for robust government support to make sustainable practices viable for smallholder farmers.

Dr. Mukund Deshmukh led an insightful session on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). He elaborated on sustainable techniques that promote soil fertility, biodiversity, and low-cost farming suited to India’s smallholder context. From integrated nutrient management to pest control using traditional and natural methods, Dr. Mukund laid a comprehensive roadmap for green farming that reduces chemical dependency and promotes resilience against climate change. His emphasis on minor millets, local seed systems, and organic bio-inputs resonated deeply with the participants, linking food security directly with ecological balance.

The final day opened with the address of Fr. Anil Crasta, the Assistant Executive Director of Caritas India, who urged participants to not just learn but live out the values of the manual. The day focused on applying insights gained into local action. Dr. Haridas highlighted the concepts of community carbon collectives, carbon footprint reduction, and waste management, encouraging participants to develop community-based solutions.

As a result of their collaborative planning and reflection, participants developed concrete action plans to carry the message of Integral Ecology in their regions. These included detailed awareness campaigns on integral ecology; production and promotion of organic manure by Diocesan Social Service Societies (DSSS) to be sold to families at a reasonable price; and the launch of Sunday organic markets that double as platforms for knowledge sharing on sustainable farming. Additional commitments included forming school-level farmers’ clubs to engage students early in ecological stewardship; establishing family-level waste management systems to promote household responsibility for the environment; and ensuring adherence to the green protocol across all DSSS offices and affiliated institutions, thereby embedding ecological sensitivity into institutional operations.

Caritas India’s initiative to develop and disseminate a comprehensive manual on Integral Ecology signals its leadership in environmental justice rooted in Catholic social teaching. Through this workshop, the organization has sown the seeds of ecological consciousness and empowered stakeholders to act as change agents. In the face of rising climate emergencies and deepening inequalities, Caritas India’s efforts are a testament to faith in action, working together for our typical home.