Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Post-independence India stood at a crossroads, grappling with the monumental task of nation-building and economic development. Two distinct visions emerged, championed by Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, reflecting differing philosophies and priorities. Gandhi advocated for a decentralized, self-reliant, and village-centric approach, rooted in ethical and moral principles. Nehru, on the other hand, envisioned a modern, industrialized, and state-led development model, embracing scientific temper and technological advancement. While both aimed for a prosperous India, their paths diverged significantly, shaping the trajectory of the nation’s economic and social landscape. The recent emphasis on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and sustainable development has sparked renewed interest in Gandhi’s ideas.
The Gandhian Vision of Development
Gandhi’s vision, articulated through concepts like Swadeshi (self-reliance), Swaraj (self-rule), and Sarvodaya (welfare of all), prioritized the upliftment of rural India. He believed that India’s soul resided in its villages and that economic development should begin at the grassroots level. Key features included:
- Decentralization: Advocated for village industries and local self-governance, minimizing the role of the central state.
- Khadi and Village Industries: Promoted hand-spinning and weaving (Khadi) as symbols of self-sufficiency and economic independence.
- Rejection of Industrialization: Gandhi was wary of large-scale industrialization, fearing it would lead to exploitation, social disruption, and a loss of traditional skills. He favored small-scale, labor-intensive technologies.
- Emphasis on Ethical and Moral Values: Gandhi believed that economic development must be guided by principles of truth, non-violence, and social justice.
- Basic Education: Advocated for a system of education that integrated practical skills with moral and social development.
Gandhi’s model was essentially a critique of the Western model of development, which he saw as materialistic and exploitative.
The Nehruvian Vision of Development
Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, championed a vision of a modern, socialist, and democratic India. Influenced by Fabian socialism and the Soviet model of development, Nehru believed that state intervention was crucial for accelerating economic growth and reducing inequalities. Key features included:
- Centralized Planning: The establishment of the Planning Commission in 1950 marked the beginning of centralized economic planning, with Five-Year Plans guiding the nation’s development.
- Industrialization: Nehru prioritized the development of heavy industries (steel, iron, and machinery) as the engine of economic growth. The public sector played a dominant role in these industries.
- Scientific Temper: Nehru emphasized the importance of science and technology for modernization and progress. He established numerous scientific institutions and universities.
- Mixed Economy: Nehru adopted a mixed economy model, combining elements of capitalism and socialism, with both the public and private sectors playing a role.
- Non-Alignment: In foreign policy, Nehru pursued a policy of non-alignment, seeking to maintain India’s independence from the Cold War blocs.
Nehru’s vision aimed to rapidly transform India into a modern industrial power, reducing its dependence on agriculture and foreign aid.
A Comparative Analysis
| Feature | Gandhian Vision | Nehruvian Vision |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Focus | Rural, Agriculture, Village Industries | Industrial, Heavy Industries, Modernization |
| Role of State | Minimal intervention, Decentralization | Significant intervention, Centralized Planning |
| Technology | Appropriate technology, Labor-intensive | Advanced technology, Capital-intensive |
| Social Philosophy | Sarvodaya, Ethical values, Social justice | Socialism, Equality, Welfare state |
| Development Model | Bottom-up, Self-reliance | Top-down, State-led |
Renewed Interest in the Gandhian Approach
Several factors contribute to the resurgence of interest in Gandhian principles:
- Environmental Concerns: The ecological consequences of rapid industrialization have led to a re-evaluation of Gandhi’s emphasis on sustainability and simple living.
- Inequality and Social Disparities: Despite economic growth, India continues to grapple with widespread inequality and social disparities, prompting a search for more inclusive development models.
- Limitations of the Nehruvian Model: The Nehruvian model, while achieving significant progress in industrialization, faced criticisms for its bureaucratic inefficiencies, lack of accountability, and limited impact on rural poverty.
- Rise of Localism and Decentralization: The growing emphasis on local self-governance (through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments) reflects a renewed appreciation for Gandhi’s vision of decentralized power.
- ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ Initiative: The current government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) campaign, launched in 2020, echoes Gandhi’s emphasis on self-sufficiency and local production.
- Focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Gandhi’s principles align closely with the SDGs, particularly those related to poverty reduction, environmental sustainability, and social justice.
However, it’s important to note that a complete return to the Gandhian model is impractical in the 21st century. A pragmatic approach involves integrating Gandhian values – sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical governance – with modern technologies and economic policies.
Conclusion
Both the Gandhian and Nehruvian visions played crucial roles in shaping India’s development trajectory. While Nehru’s model laid the foundation for industrialization and scientific advancement, Gandhi’s emphasis on self-reliance, sustainability, and social justice remains highly relevant today. The renewed interest in Gandhian principles reflects a growing recognition of the limitations of purely economic growth models and the need for a more holistic and inclusive approach to development. A synthesis of both visions, prioritizing sustainable and equitable growth, is essential for India’s future prosperity.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.