The Sacred and the Sick: The Rhythm of the Lanes and the Repercussions of Progress

<p dir="ltr">The concise article explores the resilience of communal life and spirituality in the back lanes of Chennai. It draws a parallel between urban spirituality and agrarian philosophies, which viewed farming as a sacred vocation and saw a unity between land, people and the cosmos. This reciprocal relationship with the earth has been lost due to industrial agriculture, which prioritises profit over ecological balance, human health and cultural continuity. The article critiques the modern industrial system, particularly its impact on health, contending that the expansion of the healthcare industry, often seen as a sign of economic progress, is actually a response to the diet-related illnesses created by the industrial food system. This 'progress' is a perverse reflection of the debasement of a once-healthy food system. Traditional health systems like Ayurveda, which emphasise harmony with nature, have been replaced by a biomedical model that views the body as a machine and healthcare as a commodified service. The article calls for a reassertion of <b>f</b>ood sovereignty, communal bonds and a deeper sense of rootedness to challenge the dominant narratives of progress.</p>