Gandhian Political Economy

This book identifies and analyses the political economy elements in Gandhi's thought; evaluating the spiritual and ontological basis of Gandhian political economy, and examining the contemporary relevance of Gandhian political economy both in terms of alternative types of heterodox political economy and in terms of policy. The book presents a groundbreaking step in the creation of a new 'Gandhian' political economy.

Examining Mahatma Gandhi through an unconventional lens, this book is an original and thought-provoking contribution to Gandhian literature. A refreshing take on the Mahatma's economic philosophy, Economist Gandhi tells us why we need to look at him as an unlikely management guru and an original thinker who enriched the discourse around market capitalism. The book explains Gandhi's positive approach towards business: even though he greatly reduced his individual wants, he was against poverty and wanted every Indian to enjoy a materially comfortable life. Economist Gandhi is probably the first book on Gandhi that claims that he was not against business and capitalists. It not only provides insights into a hidden facet of Gandhi's personality-his thoughts on economics and capitalism-but also enlightens the reader about some of Gandhi's views on religion, ethics, human nature, education and society. The book unveils a Gandhi who is brilliant, daring and, most importantly, distinctive.

Essay from the year 2010 in the subject Politics - International Politics - Topic: Globalization, Political Economics, , language: English, abstract: “Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test: recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him. Will he gain anything by it? Will it restore him control over his own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to Swaraj for the hungry and spiritually starving millions. Then you will find your doubts and ... self melting away.”The Mahatma had an uncanny way of making things simple to the meanest intelligence. And the test mentioned above was Gandhiji’s philosopher’s stone for turning into the gold of service the base metal of doubt in our work a day world. The test, at the same time, provides a very important clue towards an understanding of the Gandhi’s economic and industrial philosophy.

Gandhian Engagement with Capital: Perspectives of J C Kumarappa comprehensively presents the Gandhian ideas on economic development and political economy. Within this larger context, it focuses on the towering contributions of J C Kumarappa, the pioneer of the Gandhian model of economic development, and describes, from his standpoint, how the moral and political dispositions of Gandhism amount to a critique of capitalism. The book also covers in detail the major facets of Kumarappa's contribution to Gandhism: developing a non-mechanized, non-capitalist model of industrialization; presenting the holistic development approach; reflecting on the role of the state in facilitating a village-centric economy; and exploring the role of religion in developing the moral foundation of the Gandhian political economy. These reflect the historical context of Kumarappa's scholarship and his deep understanding of the various dimensions of Gandhian thought. The book highlights the debates within Gandhism and imparts a nuanced understanding of other Gandhian thinkers. Further, it presents several discourses in modern Indian political thought by analysing the interplay of narratives.

Gandhi's economic theories were a part of his vision of self-government, which meant not just freedom from colonial rule but the achievement of self-reliance and self-respect by the villagers of India. Areas examined include: * consumption behaviour * industrialization, technology and the scale of production * trusteeship and industrial relations * work and leisure * education as human capital