Ancient Futures- Learning from Ladakh

In Ancient Futures we find a happy group of people working together to provide for their needs despite the geographical barriers. The interdependence of the community is very important to the relationship and the survival of the people. Their traditions and culture are woven in the fabric or their existence. The family structure is supported by the work and cooperation of all members of the family. The elders are respected for their wisdom and knowledge which is shared with the younger members. The children are protected, involved and taught the necessary skills to carry on the traditions and ways of life.

There is a basic interconnection with neighbors and a sharing of resources. Order, cooperation and respect are evident in the use of water and other resources. Waste is not observed as all parts of the materials are used. This is real economics at it best. The natural resources are preserved and taken care of. The need to belong and the value of family is a vital part of this community. The close relationship of the grandfather and the grandchild are validated by his remarks that he grew up in this house and his daughter grew up in this house and now his granddaughter is growing up in this house. Our choices are truly important and they make a different.

As the story continued, we saw the slow demise of the valley as the town grew and accepted the modern advances of the outside world. The development of the road cross the mountains was a wonderful technological advancement but the choices and practices it brought with it were destructive to the valley as well as the town. The respect, character and happiness that radiated from the people were lost in the struggle to obtain modern fads, customers and traditions that were not supported by the resources and work opportunities of the region. The constant strain on the community and the geographical areas could not support the advances that came without strategic planning and improved means of balancing resources. The effect on the people was most depressing. The will to work and earn a living was sacrificed for the easy life. There was no planned process of planned change or education in new skills or jobs to support decaying physical environment. The ecological community was growing with the modern influence but stability of the change was dependent on the outside. Water, housing colonies, trash and fuel were all at the mercy of imports. As the community crumbled, the people felt rejected by the modern ways and shut out by the traditional ways of life. The people needed to be connected for the community to survive. What started as an effort to improve the community turned bad. The intent just like the intent of technology was to provide a better way but it was short lived. The lesson learned: What is good is not always good for you.