Gandhian-'Vedic' Paradigm: Theorising Sustainable Development

Abstract

This chapter draws on Gandhi's interpretation of the 'Vedic' philosophy of living in harmony with Nature in proposing an alternative to the dominant paradigm of economic growth, which is based on the logic of control. The implications of Gandhi's principles of 'satyagraha' (that is assertive search for truth through dialogue) and 'swaraj' (freedom) are applied in formulating a discursive accountability framework that engages dialectically with the individual and structure through the psychology of fear-reflectivity. It advocates reform in the interest of sustainable development by transcending the logic of control's fragmentation of time and space. The Gandhian-'Vedic' paradigm enables radical reforms to consumption patterns and production methods by tailoring accountability to local circumstances, and reducing the dichotomisation of means from ends.