Sustainable Development: The Gandhian Way

This thought provoking piece connects Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of simplicity, ethics, and harmony with nature to the modern vision of sustainable development, reminding us that true progress respects both people and the planet.

Dr. Manmohan Vyas

Sustainable Development is one of the most relevant thought of modern world of Globalisation. According to Brundtland’s report, Sustainable Development means “To meet the needs of present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” One would wonder the relevance of Gandhian thought to that with the concept of Sustainability but when you closely study the views of Mahatma Gandhi on aspects like Humanity, conservation of natural resources and environment to name few, you will realise the visionary thoughts of legend Gandhi ji. Mahatma Gandhi’s way of living itself is an apt example of sustainable development. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need but not any man’s greed.” The manner in which mankind is aggressively progressing at the expense of environment is a cause of concern for many.

Sustainable development revolves around three pillars namely: Economic, Social and Environmental and many thoughts on which Mahatma Gandhi voiced his views, are related to these pillars. Sustainabiliy is now being considered by Governments and societies globally as more of necessity rather than just as an aspiration to be achieved. International organisations like the United Nations (UN) have worked extensively in the area of Sustainable development by involving all the stakeholders with a view of developing Sustainable development Goals (SDGs). Economic development is definitely one of the key indicators of growth but such growth should not come at the cost of depletion of natural resources. Our lives are widely dependent on availability of the natural resources. If correct balanced is strike between usage of resources and availability of resources than lives of people and integrity of planet could be managed well. However when life is turned into excessive luxury and comfort this balance could break (Indu Gupta). It is here where we can relate Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts simple life and maintaining high standards of ethics and Governance.

As aptly stated by Benoy Hazra, In contrast to development, Sustainable development does not focus solely on economic issues. It encompasses the three general policy areas namely economy, environment and society. It tries to maintains a balance between the various human needs like the desire to have improved lifestyles and feeling of well-being on one hand, and preserves natural resources and ecosystems on the another hand.

It is rightly said that the thought of Sustainable Development is the catalyst for the various factors needed for the existence of the present and future generations. Gandhi Ji’s model of humanity & non-violent development justifies the key elements of sustainable development. The biggest false notion human beings have is of the ownership of Planet Earth and the self-proclaimed right to exploit it for sustenance. It is thus important for us to protect the environment and preserve the carrying capacity of Mother Earth. It’s high time that we should leave the materialistic lifestyle and evaluate our desires, wants thus aligning our needs towards sustainable way of life.

Author: Dr. Manmohan Vyas