Sejahtera: The Context of Balancing | Dzulkifli Abdul Razak | TEDxUSMNibongTebal

Summary

In this engaging talk, the speaker explores the concept of 'Sujatha,' a term symbolizing holistic living, balance, and sustainability. Reflecting on a university initiative, the speaker discusses empowering students to embrace environmental activism and lead by example. One notable achievement was the successful campaign to ban polystyrene on campus. The talk highlights the importance of reconnecting with indigenous knowledge, promoting sustainable practices, and encouraging global collaboration. The concept of 'Sujatha' has gained recognition internationally, notably in South Korea, and continues to inspire universities and communities toward a balanced, sustainable future.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker expresses a passion for the concept of 'Sujatha,' a word that reflects prosperity and balance, but is often misunderstood or not fully explored.
• 😀 The concept of 'Sujatha' was integrated into a student-led initiative at USM, aimed at creating a holistic, sustainable living environment on campus.
• 😀 The 'Campus D'être' program was launched to empower students to live in harmony with nature, emphasizing a balance between spirituality, physical health, intellect, and culture.
• 😀 Students at USM were encouraged to propose changes, with over 30 ideas submitted within six months, ranging from dietary concerns to sustainability issues.
• 😀 One significant student-led initiative was the successful campaign to ban Styrofoam on campus due to its negative environmental impact and health risks.
• 😀 The 'Sujatha' concept is recognized globally, with USM’s environmental activism winning awards and setting an example for other universities and governments.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the importance of understanding 'Sujatha' as more than just a word, but a guiding principle for a balanced and sustainable life.
• 😀 A balanced life, according to the speaker, includes spiritual, physical, intellectual, ecological, ethical, and societal components, summarized by the acronym 'SPICES.'
• 😀 The speaker shares an example of a similar initiative in Korea, where a 'Sujatha campus' has been established, promoting sustainability and self-sufficiency.
• 😀 The 'Sujatha' concept is expanding globally, with its principles being adopted in various countries, including Korea, where it’s being integrated into leadership programs and environmental projects.

Q & A

What is the concept of 'Sujatha' mentioned in the transcript?

The concept of 'Sujatha' refers to a holistic philosophy of living, symbolizing prosperity, balance, and harmony with nature. The word is used frequently, but its deeper meaning and implications often go unexamined in everyday contexts.

How did the university's Campus D'etre program integrate the concept of Sujatha?

The Campus D'etre program at USM was created to empower students to live holistically, promoting a balanced and sustainable lifestyle. It focused on fostering a connection with nature and integrating the principles of Sujatha into campus life.

What was the key student initiative that came from the Campus D'etre program?

A notable student initiative was the campaign to ban styrofoam on campus. Students raised concerns about its environmental impact and health risks, and their activism led to the university adopting a policy to eliminate styrofoam from the campus.

Why did students want to ban styrofoam on campus?

Students wanted to ban styrofoam because it is not biodegradable, and its use contributed to environmental pollution. Additionally, they were concerned about health risks, including carcinogenic effects when the foam was used for food.

How did the university respond to the students' request to ban styrofoam?

The university supported the students' request and within a month, styrofoam was banned on campus. The students even agreed to pay a slightly higher price for eco-friendly alternatives to ensure the campus environment was preserved.

What is the SPICES framework mentioned in the transcript?

The SPICES framework stands for Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Cultural, Ecological, and Societal balance. It is used to describe a holistic approach to life that encompasses these six aspects to achieve overall well-being and sustainability.

How does the concept of 'balance' play a role in the Sujatha campus initiative?

Balance is central to the Sujatha campus initiative. It emphasizes the need for balance not only between human and nature but also between various aspects of life, such as physical health, intellectual growth, cultural relevance, ecological sustainability, and societal well-being.

How did the Sujatha initiative gain recognition internationally?

The Sujatha initiative gained international recognition through its environmental activism, particularly the successful ban of styrofoam on campus. This initiative was praised by organizations like the Global University Network and the Penang state government, and it was even awarded for promoting healthy cities.

What is the significance of the Sujatha concept in South Korea as mentioned in the transcript?

In South Korea, the Sujatha concept has been integrated into a sustainable and balanced living program called the 'Sujatha Campus.' Located near a forest and the sea, the campus promotes self-sufficiency, ecological consciousness, and community living, with a focus on sustainability and balance.

What role does indigenous knowledge play in the Sujatha concept?

Indigenous knowledge is crucial to the Sujatha concept as it provides culturally relevant insights into sustainable practices. The speaker emphasizes the need to reintegrate this knowledge into modern education to foster ecological awareness and sustainability, ensuring that local cultures and values are respected and shared globally.