The 'Handprint' Legacy: An Indian Innovation for Global Sustainability

Last week, as part of a "training the trainers" programme under the KODECET project at the Institute of Management at Nirma University, I had the privilege of visiting the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) in Ahmedabad. Facilitated by the insightful Prof. Nityesh Bhatt, this experience transcended a mere campus tour. It was a vivid demonstration of sustainable design and a deep philosophy of coexisting with nature. During this visit, my understanding of environmental education deepened even further, and I was particularly fascinated to uncover the origin story behind the term 'Handprint,' a concept I've taught about for years. In this blog, I am sharing two profound insights gained from my recent experience at CEE: their remarkable campus design, which inspires a philosophy of minimal intervention in a world where human desire to control often creates uncontrollable conflicts, and the inspiring genesis of the 'Handprint' concept, which helps balance out our carbon footprint.

Group photo of Team KODECET and Team CEE at the CEE campus in Ahmedabad

From Footprint to Handprint: A Child's Question That Changed the World

For years, I've integrated the concept of the "Handprint" into my course, "Managing a Green Organisation," at Jyväskylä School of Business and Economics since 2018. It's a term I've consistently used to inspire positive environmental action. Yet, it was during this recent visit that I finally heard the captivating background story directly from its source, Padma Shri Kartikeya Sarabhai.

The "Handprint" concept is credited to CEE and its renowned environmental educator and founder-director, Kartikeya Sarabhai. The genesis of this powerful idea dates back to around 2005, during CEE's 'Environmental Education in Schools of Andhra Pradesh' project. As discussions revolved around the prevalent "carbon footprint"—a measure of our negative environmental impact—a pivotal moment occurred. A 10-year-old girl named Srija from Hyderabad, a student participating in the project, posed a profound question: "Why do we only talk about the negative carbon footprint? What about doing something positive?"

This insightful query resonated deeply with him. He immediately recognised the critical need for a concept that complemented "footprint" by highlighting the positive contributions individuals could make towards sustainability. Inspired by Srija's simple yet powerful question, the "Handprint" was conceived as a measure of what we can do to restore balance and make a tangible positive impact on the environment.

The Evolution and Impact of the Handprint Concept:

The Handprint fundamentally shifts our focus from merely reducing harm to actively creating good, emphasising proactive engagement and tangible actions. This concept resonated deeply, and Srija's original handprint became its enduring symbol, representing the power of even small, individual actions to contribute to a larger positive change. Officially launched by CEE in 2007 at UNESCO's 4th International Conference on Environmental Education in Ahmedabad, the Handprint has since gained significant international recognition, being adopted by organisations and initiatives worldwide. It stands as a cornerstone of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), actively encouraging project-based learning and hands-on activities.

Handprint actions are wonderfully diverse, ranging from everyday practices like reusing wastewater and making compost to larger community initiatives such as increasing green cover and reducing energy consumption. As Kartikeya Sarabhai often articulates, the core essence is to "Increase your handprint and decrease your footprint." This powerful phrase encapsulates the dual objective: minimising our negative impact while maximising our positive contributions. The concept has further evolved to include "Handprint CARE" (Concern for others, being Attentive to needs, showing Respect for each other, and being engaged in learning actions for the common good), thereby emphasising the ethical dimension of sustainability. Handprint CARE is an initiative supported by Engagement Global, Germany, in collaboration with ESD Expert Net partners, including CEE. It's described as promoting "Ethics-led Action Learning" and has developed educational resources. Notably, the Handprint operates under a Creative Commons licence, a testament to its open-source philosophy, allowing others to use and build upon it non-commercially, which has greatly facilitated its widespread global adoption.

Mr. Sarabhai's vision, ignited by a child's innocent yet profound question, has provided a powerful framework for promoting positive environmental action and fostering a sense of responsibility and engagement towards a sustainable future. This philosophy of proactive contribution finds a tangible parallel in the very design and ethos of the CEE campus itself.

The Campus That Breathes: CEE Ahmedabad's Architectural Harmony

While the 'Handprint' concept provides a powerful framework for action, CEE's commitment to environmental stewardship is equally evident in the very ground upon which it stands. Established in August 1984 as a Centre of Excellence supported by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, CEE's headquarters in Ahmedabad spans an impressive 14 acres. From the moment you step onto the grounds, you sense a deliberate integration with the natural world, a stark contrast to the human tendency to impose control.

The genius behind this integration lies with architect Neelkanth Chhaya. His design for the CEE Ahmedabad campus is a masterclass in sensitive and sustainable architecture. Built on a "tekra" (mound) in the north of the city, the buildings don't dominate the landscape; they embrace it. They follow contours, weave around existing trees, and seem to emerge organically from the earth.

Local materials like stone, brick, and concrete are prominently featured, grounding the structures in their regional context. The design prioritises low-height ceilings and spaces meticulously crafted to optimise natural light and ventilation, significantly minimising the need for mechanical cooling. This not only reduces energy consumption but also fosters a constant connection with the outdoors. The complex is a dynamic interplay of levels – partially or fully underground, at ground level, and terraced – creating a unique experience that blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Numerous courtyards and terraces, often shaded by the dense tree canopy, offer inviting and habitable areas, making the entire campus feel like an extension of the natural environment.

Nature's Way: The Philosophy of Minimal Intervention

Beyond the architectural design, CEE's commitment to nature extends deeply into their daily practices. I was particularly struck by their "hands-off" approach to natural resource management, a clear embodiment of the minimal intervention philosophy. It was explained that they allow nature to function as it is, without interference. If a tree or branch falls, it's left to decompose naturally, enriching the soil and providing habitat, rather than being cleared away. This philosophy has a tangible impact; for instance, while standing out in the open on campus, I barely felt the hot, humid heat of the July summer. Yet, upon stepping into the bus for the return journey to Nirma, the heat immediately became noticeable, even with the air conditioning already running. This stark contrast vividly highlighted the effectiveness of CEE's integrated design and natural approach.

This philosophy aligns perfectly with core principles of ecological restoration. It embodies what's often referred to as Minimal Intervention, a practice that means reducing human interference in natural processes to the bare minimum. It's about Letting Nature Take Its Course, recognising and respecting the inherent self-regulating capacity of ecosystems. Furthermore, this approach includes Coarse Woody Debris Management, specifically leaving fallen trees and branches on the forest floor, understanding their crucial role in nutrient cycling and fostering biodiversity.

It's a powerful demonstration of their deep understanding and respect for the intricate balance of ecosystems, providing a living example of how to mitigate "uncontrollable conflicts" that arise from excessive human control.

Reflecting on a Transformative Visit

My visit to CEE Ahmedabad was more than just an educational tour; it was an immersive experience that showcased how environmental principles can be woven into the very fabric of an organisation, from its architecture to its philosophy. Learning the story of the Handprint from its origins was particularly impactful, reinforcing the idea that even the simplest questions can spark the most profound changes. It served as a powerful reminder that while we must be mindful of our footprint, our true potential lies in the positive "handprints" we leave on the world. This visit to CEE, with its deeply integrated philosophy of minimal intervention, truly reinforced my own thought process of 'going with the flow' and allowing natural processes to unfold, mirroring the very essence of their campus's harmonious relationship with nature.

It fills me with immense pride to witness India's innovative spirit. From pioneering sustainable solutions to fostering global dialogue on climate action, our nation consistently demonstrates a remarkable capacity for addressing complex challenges. Through the dedicated efforts of institutions like CEE and countless passionate individuals, India is not just participating but actively leading in shaping a more sustainable future for all. This collective drive and ingenuity truly highlight what we, as Indians, are capable of achieving on the global stage.