Gandhian Holistic Economics

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

DR. SHASHI PRABHA SHARMA is Senior Lecturer of Economics at Daulat Ram College, Delhi University. Educated at Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, she took her Ph.D in Economics in 1988. She has been teaching Statistics, Economic Theory and Comparative Economic Development.

Dr. Sharma is a scholar of varied interests. She is deeply interested in the study of Philosophy, Psychology and metaphysical matters. It was her interest in the ultimate issues that made her delve deep in the philosophical foundations of economics. Mahatma Gandhi's ideology of 'truth' and 'non-violence' is her special field. Dr. Sharma is of the view that Gandhian economics which stems from holistic foundations and moves within the framework of 'truth' and 'non-violence' is the only hope of the modern disturbed world. She has contributed numerous articles in learned journals on the subject.

Gandhian economics is based on a paradigm that is fundamentally different from that of modern economics. This book attempts to present philosophical a analysis of Gandhian economic thought. it explores the Gandhian world-view, its accompanying value system and concepts, and examines in detail, how they bear upon economic principles and policy with special reference to the solution of the existing problems. The book offers a penetrating analysis of the dynamics of Gandhian thought and action.

The study takes a refreshingly new approach to the concept of man and society, goal of life, meaning of growth and the means to achieve the same while interpreting Gandhian economic thought. In a lucid manner it explores the economic 'ends' and 'means' put forward by Mahatma Gandhi for peace and prosperity of mankind.

India a revealing analysis, the book presents that the paradigm underlying modern economics is responsible for creating world economic crisis, incapable of being tackled by the traditional economic tools. The dismal failure of both marxism and liberalism to resolve the situation, calling into question the very foundations of economic is further shown.

Gandhian holistic economics offering an alternative model of development needs a serious consideration in the present troubled times. Transformation in man and creation of economic structures based on a holistic paradigm is the challenge of the day.

The intellectual readers will find this book to be fascinating but those who love. challenges, will take it to be invaluable.

MODERN WORLD is marked by an economic crisis, enveloping not only the economic but also the individual, social, political and environmental life of man. The pursuit of materialism with all its emphasis on growth and development has led neither to individual happiness nor to social harmony and peace. Man lives in a state of inner contradictions and outer disconnections being placed against man, society and nature. The problems of poverty and hunger, unemployment and inflation are assuming staggering proportions day-by-day. Threats of environmental pollution, depleting resources, and deteriorating ecological balance loom wider than ever before. The insatiable demand for world resources and markets has led to a systematic draining of the 'third world' countries and has added to political tensions resulting in mounting defence expenditures and fierce race for armament.

The problems act and react upon one another, have positive feed-back loops, and are global in character. The conventional economic tools and institutions are proving of no avail in dealing with the situation; the complexity and magnitude of the problems are growing continuously. It is being fast realised that if the present trends continue unaltered, the limits to growth on this planet would soon be reached, and that the very industrial system might collapse endangering human survival.

The present chaotic disorder calls into question the very foundations on which economics is based, necessitating an alternative approach. The study of meta-economic factors, the world-view, and value system motivating human behaviour can no longer be ignored when inherent contradictions are threatening to destroy the entire economic system.

**Contents and Sample Pages**