Jaisa Anna, Waisa Mana

Reading ‘Food for Thought’ in the Ancient Indian Literature

Abstract

The Upanishadic dictum, “Food is the Supreme Being” (Anna Brahma), asserts a metaphysical recognition of sustenance as an embodiment of the divine. Food, thus, transcends its material necessity, representing a spiritual communion with the cosmos, embodying the cyclical processes of nature and the divine energy that underpins existence. This understanding reflects the profound significance of food in Indian thought, suggesting that consumption is not merely an act of survival but a conscious engagement with the universe’s larger order. This paper critically examines how the sacred and philosophical dimensions of food in Upani?adas (500 BCE), popular North Indian idioms, and Indian fiction intersect with contemporary discussions on sustainability, particularly in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 10: Reduced Inequality, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption, and SDG: 15 Life on Land). The wisdom embedded in traditional food culture offers an indigenous framework for understanding ecological balance, resource management, and societal well-being. By conducting a close cultural reading of the texts, the paper seeks to uncover how these narratives offer profound insights into addressing modern sustainability crises, environmental degradation, and communal harmony. In today’s globalized world, where the challenges of climate change and sustainable development are urgent, the revival of traditional Indian knowledge systems through interdisciplinary research emerges as a critical pathway toward achieving global sustainability and ecological equilibrium.