Gandhi’s Economic Thought

Introduction Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of self-sufficiency is a cornerstone of his economic and social philosophy. He believed that true independence—whether for an individual, a village, or a nation—must begin with self-reliance. Gandhi envisioned a society where each community could produce its basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and education, reducing dependency on external forces.

Introduction Swadeshi, Sarvodaya, and the Constructive Programme are three foundational pillars of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy for building a self-reliant, just, and harmonious society. These ideas are not only relevant to India’s struggle for independence but also serve as guiding principles for social and economic transformation in any age. Together, they reflect Gandhi’s vision of an

Introduction Before becoming the leader of India’s independence struggle, Mahatma Gandhi pioneered his philosophy of non-violent resistance—Satyagraha—in South Africa. His experiences there from 1893 to 1914 deeply shaped his political, social, and economic ideas. The Satyagraha movement in South Africa was Gandhi’s first major experiment in mass civil disobedience, grounded in truth (satya) and non-violence

Introduction Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar were two of the most influential leaders in modern Indian history. Though they are often remembered for their differing views on caste and politics, they also had important perspectives on economics. While their approaches were different, both leaders were deeply concerned about poverty, inequality, and the upliftment of the

Introduction Gandhi’s idea of economic equality was deeply rooted in morality, non-violence, and justice. He believed that true freedom and peace could only exist when everyone had access to basic needs and no one lived in extreme poverty or excessive wealth. Unlike modern economic systems that focus mainly on growth and profit, Gandhi emphasized equity,

Introduction Cottage and spinning units were central to Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of economic self-reliance and village empowerment. These small-scale, household-based industries represent a key component of the Gandhian model of rural development. In the era of large factories and globalization, Gandhi’s emphasis on cottage industries aimed to protect the livelihood of the rural poor and

Introduction The “Doctrine of Bread Labor” is one of Mahatma Gandhi’s fundamental economic and moral principles. Rooted in the idea that everyone must earn their livelihood through physical labor, the doctrine emphasizes the dignity of work and the value of self-sufficiency. It reflects Gandhi’s belief that a just and ethical society cannot be built on

Introduction Gandhi’s model of industrialization was centered on ethical, moral, and humanistic values. He rejected the Western idea of industrialization which focused solely on large factories, mass production, and profit. Instead, he promoted small-scale, village-based, and labor-intensive industries that empowered local communities. His vision aimed to ensure not only economic development but also social justice,

Introduction Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of the machine is central to his broader economic philosophy. While he was not entirely against machines or technology, he was deeply concerned about their misuse and the social consequences of unbridled industrialization. Gandhi believed that machines should serve humanity and not replace it. His views were shaped by his commitment