LOSS OF HUMAN-EARTH EQUATION IN MOHAMMED HANIF’S RED BIRDS: AN ECOCRITICAL STUDY

Abstract

The amicable interdependence between humans and the earth is vital for their mutual survival. However, the contemporary era is marked by the destabilization of this relationship, posing existential threats to both. Realizing this risk, the present study, adopting a qualitative paradigm and ecocritical framework, examines Mohammed Hanif’s Red Birds to unveil the anthropocentric tendencies destabilizing the human-earth affinity and explore potential solutions for reinstating the human-earth equation. The study is analytical, interpretive, and deductive and based on Glotfelty and Ghosh’s ecocritical conceptualizations. The study finds that the persistence of capitalistic, imperialistic, and militaristic paradigms exacerbates environmental challenges, including devastation in war-torn regions, global warming, pollution, biodiversity loss, food crisis, ecological injustice, climate-induced diseases, and ecological displacement. The study advocates for challenging anthropocentric behaviors and fostering a harmonious relationship with the earth. It also recommends rejecting militarism and violence, protecting natural habitats, using art for the environment’s sake, holding parties accountable for environmental crimes, promoting green consumerism and sustainable practices, revisiting existing socio-economic and political structures, promoting humanitarian culture, transcending national pride to embrace global citizenship, and devising eco-friendly policies and diplomacy. Ultimately, the study provides comprehensive insights and practical solutions regarding environmental challenges and is valuable for future researchers and policymakers committed to restoring global ecological balance.