India’s emerging trends and meanings in healthy human-nature relationships: Indian outdoor education practitioner perspectives

ABSTRACT

Using a descriptive, exploratory study of recent developments in outdoor adventure education (OAE) fields in India, the authors report on the significant contributions of Indian OAE practitioners in promoting healthy human-nature relationships. Semi-structured interviews with Indian OAE practitioners revealed an underlying interconnectedness between OAE, environmental education, and experiential education. Findings show that OAE practitioners in India represent new genres of practice diversifying into nature-based sports, therapeutic adventure, experiential activities, and more to help individuals develop positive relationships with nature, emphasising reciprocity and mutual respect. Drawing from the historical, spiritual, and cultural aspects of nature-relatedness in Indian culture, OAE practitioners bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary practices to foster deeper connections with the natural worlds. This study postulates that Indian OAE practitioners, with their understanding of nature’s therapeutic effects, play vital roles in guiding people towards a holistic and sustainable relationship with nature that contributes to individual well-being and environmental preservation.

KEYWORDS:

• India
• human-nature relationships
• outdoor adventure education
• outdoor health benefits

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Soumya Mitra

Soumya Mitra, MA, is an experienced outdoor and experiential education professional with a diverse background in various organizations globally. His journey, growing up in the Indian Himalayan foothills, fostered a profound appreciation for nature. Soumya values individual perspectives rooted in diverse cultures, languages, and beliefs, aiming to make outdoor education accessible to all. Embracing an ecological view, he promotes inclusivity, respecting all beings, and contributing to a welcoming society. Passionate about fostering the growth of the Indian outdoor education community, he mentors new practitioners and authored the first published research study on the history of Indian outdoor education.

Vinathe Sharma-Brymer

Vinathe Sharma-Brymer’s, PhD, research focuses on nature-human relationships and wellbeing, gender and development, healthy ageing, and elder abuse. She has extensive experience in qualitative research and stakeholder engagement. As an accredited social worker (AASW) and a Forest School practitioner (UK), Vinathe’s translational research has diverse applications for enhancing the quality of life across lifespan through active agency. Vinathe has a good track record of interdisciplinary academic teaching, research and supervision experience from Australia, UK, and India.

Denise Mitten

Denise Mitten, PhD, is internationally recognized for her innovative scholarship in outdoor and environmental pedagogy, ethics, and gender. A widely experienced adventure guide, from SCUBA to mountaineering (Swiss Alps, Himalayas, and USA, including Denali), she has developed ecopsychology, nature-based programs, and leadership programs for people recovering from substance misuse, women felons, and economically disadvantaged women and children to strengthen relationships between humans and more-than-human worlds. Professor Mitten co-authored Health and natural landscapes: Concepts and applications, a reader for higher educational courses about humans and nature. As Professor Emerita, Denise continues research in human’s relationship with nearby nature and other areas.

Janet Ady

Janet Ady, PhD, led environmental education and training programs with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in California, Alaska, and West Virginia for 35 years; and the Division of Education, Interpretation, and Partnerships for the Bureau of Land Management Headquarters, for four years. Dr. Ady advises conservation and environmental education organizations, and co-chairs the Mobilize Frederick Education Team to certify all schools in Frederick County, Maryland as Maryland Green Schools. Her research focuses on community science for conservation and positive youth development. Her passion is to connect people of all ages with nature to promote environmentally responsible behavior.