MGPE-014: Gandhi: Ecology and Sustainable Development

This course MGPE-014, Gandhi: Ecology And Sustainable Development aims to impart in-depth knowledge and nuances of the sustenance of life and perpetuity on our Mother Earth. The major focus of the course is to examine the viability and pragmatic relevance of Gandhian vision and mission of human sustainability with eco-friendly approach. It also emphasizes the significance of the Wisdom Tradition of India from where Gandhi ever gained insight, intellect and strength for his life mission with the objective of shedding new light in resolving the human challenges. In this course, we will try to examine whether Gandhi is a human ecologist or not. What are the main elements of human ecology and sustainable development? We will try to explore the major influences, both Eastern and Western sources, on Gandhi’s environmental thought. Gandhi’s ideas on the environment emerged from his concept of an alternative economy and polity that he envisaged for the country. We will also critically evaluate the influence of Gandhi on the various environmental movements in India and abroad as well as reiterates the main elements of Gandhian ecological vision. Course credit-4

Week-1

Unit-1 Changing Perspectives on Ecology and Development

Week-2

Unit-2 Deep Ecology: Respect and veneration for Nature

Week-3

Unit-3 Critique of Contemporary Development

Unit-4 Gandhian Approach to Development

Week-4

Unit-5 Gandhi's Views on Humankind and Earth

Unit-6 Gandhi and Human Ecology

Unit-7 Gandhi on Conservation of Natural Resources

Week-5

Unit-8 Gandhi's Village: An Ideal Ecological Unit

Unit-15 Gram Swaraj and Ecological Development (Climate Change)

Week-6

Unit-9 Spiritual Foundations of Gandhian Development

Week-7

Unit-10 Gandhian Lifestyle and Livelihoods

Week-8

Unit-11 Institutional Dimensions of Development

Week-9

Unit-12 Antyodaya to Sarvodaya

Week-10

Unit-13 Gandhi's Ashrams: Seed Beds of Ecological Development

Week-11

Unit-14 Education and Green Initiatives

Week-12

Unit-16 Case Studies (Water Harvesting in Avid, Rajasthan for Environmental Management, Rale Gaon Sidhi)