EDITORIALS & ARTICLES
Examine Gandhi's critique of Modernisation. (UPSC CSE Mains 2016 - Political Science and International Relations, Paper 1)
- Gandhi was an ardent critic of the industrialization. Hind Swaraj written by Gandhi in 1909 contains the seeds of the his revolution i.e., Gandhian revolution. Gandhi analyzed that the fault lies with the stark materialism. He said that economical progress can be based on traditional means. Therefore, he argued for the drive out western civilization. He opposed the mechnanisation cotton industries which was in place, continued and supported the Indian economy for centuries. He believes that industrial growth in India made village people to migrate to the cities. the women'' conditions were vulnerable and they were starving.
- Gandhi disliked industrial civilization which he said was disease and evil. The aim before Gandhi was not merely condemned modern civilization but to suggested other means. It is to note that mass production, standardization, robotization and urbanization are important aspects of modernity. Gandhi is against modern civilisation and industrial Revolution created problems for the farmers in villages and pushed into crisis and instability.
- It is to note that M.K. Gandhi had opposed the crazy for machinery, not machinery in totality. He had pointed out that thrust behind the machinery is greed but not the service. Gandhi recognized Charkha as a symbol in place of western machinery. More industries , he says, are not essential for India. At the same time, he agreed key industries are needed. Agriculture is the main occupation in India and is a strong base for its economy and decentralization and local governance was the prerequisite for their development.
- Gandhi sought a society without competition, as he believe that the competition leads to violence. thus, Gandhi argued for equality and equal opportunities for all. Gandhi was not for materialistic development and growth but meeting the basic needs. The entrepreneur is undesirable in Gandhi''s philsophy.. However, Gandhi emphasized and advocated for Village economy and decentralized development. In this regard, it is prerequisite to asses and understand these aspects in detailed.
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