Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Rarekar Kamlakant, a 62-year-old who works at a luxurious property of Coco Shambala in his village in Maharashtra, doesn’t look a day over forty. Not just that, he can effortlessly trek the hills around his village and walk miles without breaking a sweat. When asked about the secret behind his vitality, his answer is simple and straightforward.
“This happened after I moved back to my village, Sindhudurg, and adopted a slow life,” he says. Rarekar believes the need for cleaner air here is one of the main reasons why he left his fast-paced life in Mumbai and returned to his village years ago. He has no regrets, he says as he notes that since embracing slow living, his health has improved significantly.
Much like Rarekar, many are now thinking of escaping to rural areas and embracing ‘slow living’, especially as air pollution crisis makes yet another annual comeback in Delhi-NCR.
Several monitoring stations in the national capital regions recorded an AQI of over 450 this week. Photo: Getty Images/India Today
Living just one day in Delhi is equivalent to smoking 25 cigarettes, according to the latest AQI data. On Wednesday, Delhi reached “severe” levels with an overall AQI of 422. Now, here’s the thing – if you’re in Delhi or any other metro city where severe pollution dominates headlines year after year with no real solutions in sight, chances are you’ve either considered or heard someone talk about leaving fast-paced urban life behind.
The Internet is also abuzz with conversations about slow living – a growing trend initially embraced as a way to escape city life for mental health reasons or to break free from the toxic 9-to-5 grind. But it has gained even more traction with the rising pollution levels. for it isn’t just unpleasant but can be fatal.
When Ankit Vengurlekar, a former executive editor at Amazon’s Asia-Pacific region, posed a thought-provoking question on Instagram about how Delhites can tackle rising pollution, he sparked a conversation about the possibility of relocating to less polluted areas.
“I have a genuine question for people living in Delhi or the North of India. If you can move, why don’t you move out of Delhi? A few days of AQI above 1000 – which equals smoking 50 cigarettes a day. Imagine your children breathing this air, your parents, and yourself. This isn’t going to change. Not suddenly, not overnight, not tomorrow; and this has been happening for years. So, what’s the long-term plan, Delhites? What are you going to do to protect yourselves?” he asked on Instagram.
Like Ankit, many people today are embracing slow living and using social media to highlight its benefits. What started during the pandemic, when movement was restricted, has evolved into a lifestyle for many. Indians are gradually shifting towards a slower approach to life, driven by reasons such as toxic work cultures, constant connectivity, relentless pursuit of success, demanding schedules – and, of course, the unbreathable air outside.
Neelesh Misra, a journalist, author, radio storyteller, scriptwriter, and lyricist, is one such who opted for a quieter life in his village, far from the urban chaos. Neelesh frequently shares glimpses of his peaceful rural life on social media. In one of his latest tweets, he shares his favourite part of living in the village – waking up to the fresh, crisp morning fog in his village, not the suffocating smog that blankets cities.
Have a look at his post:
Today, Neelesh also runs a movement that is known as ‘The Slow Movement, which is an effort to bring back to an ‘unhurried world through products, content and experiences’.
India Today also spoke to various experts who suggest that slow living can be a good step towards reducing pollution. Aditya Shivpuri, the founder of HENDS Foundation Trust and an environmentalist, says, “Slow living is a good approach for battling pollution, but it would be better if we practise minimalism and sustainability alongside, because slow living might be self-centric. To truly combat pollution, we need to be thoughtful about the environment and our carbon footprints.”
The concept of slow living, while seemingly an ideal solution for the rising pollution in metro cities like Delhi, is not without its critics. Many people commenting on Ankit’s post, as well as some experts, argue that it might not be a practical answer to the problem.
Dr Deepak Ramesh Gaur, an environmentalist and founder & chairperson of the Gift a Tree Network, believes that moving to villages is merely avoiding the issue. He suggests that practising slow living within metro cities could benefit everyone.
“Keeping nature intact, no matter where you live, is essential,” he says. Connecting with nature, is one of the important steps of slow living.
Dr Gaur attributes the rise in pollution to today’s fast-paced lifestyle and warns, “This is just a trailer. Every year, pollution levels will worsen if we don’t take action.”
He further explains how lifestyle changes have impacted health over generations: “Our forefathers lived an average of 90 to 100 years. Now, the average lifespan is in the 70s, and soon it could drop to the 50s or 60s. Blame the air and today’s lifestyle,” he says.
Dr Gaur himself transitioned to a slow life after a life-changing accident forced him to refocus his priorities and step away from the relentless hustle.
Aditya, another advocate of mindful living, points out that relocating to villages won’t solve the problem if people continue to practice the same toxic lifestyle there. “The change has to come from within,” he emphasises.
Muskan Gupta, an MBA student from Assam, is in her final year of studies in Delhi. For her, the city’s pollution has led to dry eyes, constant coughing, and skin breakouts. Despite this, she says she can’t move back to Assam (where the AQI in some places is often in single digits) because her life is “now here.”
“Every time I complain about the AQI to my family, my parents ask me to move back, but I can’t. How will I manage my studies there?” she says.
Like Muskan, a large portion of the population in Delhi and other metro cities finds it impossible to leave, whether due to work, studies, or other commitments. Moreover, flying to a secluded region and starting a new life from scratch is a luxury that not everyone can afford.
Connecting with nature is an essential part of slow living. Photo: Unsplash
However, Deepak believes that if everyone starts taking small, consistent steps towards slow living and reconnecting with nature, we can tackle the pollution together.
Here are some steps suggested by both Deepak and Aditya on how to live a slow life:
1. Declutter your schedule
Identify tasks that genuinely matter and let go of activities that add unnecessary stress. Prioritise quality time with loved ones or meaningful hobbies over rushing through endless to-do lists.
2. Adopt mindful consumption
Buy only what you need and choose sustainable, locally sourced products. Avoid falling into the trap of fast fashion or impulsive shopping. This helps you live consciously while reducing waste.
3. Limit digital distractions
Set boundaries with your devices. Dedicate specific times for checking emails and social media, and spend more time offline. Create tech-free zones in your home to fully engage with the present moment.
4. Embrace slow food practices
Prepare meals from scratch using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Meal Prep. Cooking at home not only promotes healthier eating but also allows you to enjoy the process, fostering a deeper connection with your food.
5. Spend time in nature
Whether it’s a walk in a nearby park, tending to a small garden, or simply sitting on your balcony, regular time in nature helps you disconnect from the fast-paced world and reconnect with yourself.
“Remember the age-old story about the race between the tortoise and the hare? There’s a reason the tortoise won the race, even though he was slow. Life is the same – walk slowly, don’t rush like the hare, or you’ll ultimately end up losing,” Deepak concludes.