Civic engagement, environmental concerns and Gandhi
Author(s): Dr. Suman Kumar
Abstract: The vision and thought of Gandhi has been drawing the attention of philosophers of the entire world not only because of its inherent values but because he himself was a preacher, practicenor and a live example of simplicity. Gandhi has always been a critique of modern civilization which is sine-quo-none with the western civilization. Materialism and consumerism of today are the gifts of industrialization and capitalism. The pace of industrialization have given birth to many associated problems of urbanization, pollution and many more. Environmentalism is the idea to strengthen the relationship between human beings and entire eco-system. Modern environmentalism as we know it today is also a realization of the west. Gandhi has put forwarded the vision of an alternative society in Hind Swaraj written in 1909. The need of the hour is to practice 'civic environmentalism'. It means training the citizens to respect nature, minimizing needs and promoting green culture. Indian customs and traditions have had enough scope for environmental concerns and in fact they are part and parcel of it. Gandhism holds the key not only for environmental concerns but for all the problems of the world.
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