Gandhian Economy in the Present Context

Abstract

The concept of sustainable development was described by the 1987 Bruntland Commission Report as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'' (en.unesco.org). Although the concept has been popular since1987, Mahatma Gandhi's views on economics were simple and straightforward and related with the theme of sustainable development. Gandhian ideology, on the economic issues, is based on three basic principles, viz., self-sufficiency, mass participation, and Indianisation (Swadeshi). Anyway, the present economy is influenced towards being a centralized, mechanized and globalised one. The objective of this paper is to analyze Gandhiji’s economic thought keeping in mind the sustainable development present context.