"We have for over a century been dragged by the prosperous West behind its chariot, choked by the dust, deafened by the noise, humbled by our own helplessness, and overwhelmed by the speed. We agreed to acknowledge that this chariot-drive was progress, and that progress was civilization. If we ever ventured to ask, 'Progress towards what, and progress for whom,' it was considered to be peculiarly and ridiculously oriental to entertain such doubts about the absoluteness of progress. Of late, a voice has come to us bidding us to take count not only of the scientific perfection of the chariot but of the depth of the ditches lying across its path."
—Rabindranath Tagore
Today, we believe that we live in a sovereign and independent nation that broke free of colonial rule in 1947. However, India, like most of the other erstwhile colonies that gained political independence from European colonial rule in the second half of the 20th century, is mired in a much subtler form of colonial rule under the guise of ‘Development’. According to a recent estimate, between 1990 and 2015, the so-called ‘developed’ countries of the world drained $242 trillion from the ‘developing’ countries through a transfer of material resources, labour, and energy. In 2015 alone, this economic drain reached a staggering $10.8 trillion. That the drain is no different, except in degrees of magnitude, from the drain of resources under actual colonial rule, suggests that the structures of economic servitude continue and are enforced by the global economic system.
Meanwhile, since 1950, there has been an exponential increase in economic indicators such as GDP, FDI, industrial production, etc. However, the same timeframe has also seen a corresponding exponential increase in indicators of ecological destruction such as greenhouse gas emissions, ocean acidification, biodiversity loss, land degradation, etc. In fact, these negative ecological trends parallel the economic indicators. This is no coincidence—modern economic systems, which are based on industrial production using technology powered by fossil fuels and relentless mineral extraction, are completely out of sync with the natural rhythms of the earth.
The colonial drain of resources and the accelerating ecological destruction are legitimised by the academic discipline of modern economics that is taught the world over, including in Indian universities. While it claims to be a scientific discipline that studies the economy from a neutral and objective standpoint, modern economics has its foundations in modern Western philosophy, with all its attendant biases and prejudices. This raises an important question: Are the other knowledge traditions of the world so poor that they could not come up with their own understanding of the economy? After more than 75 years of independence, can we not look at our economic relations on our own terms?
We live in an economy which makes the simple things difficult and the complicated things default. Doing the right thing and doing what we love is often made unviable by the economic system. Exploitation is rewarded.
Those who are taking risks to live life on their own terms find themselves coming up against the logic of the economic system, forcing compromise. Many of our efforts towards alternatives in farming, architecture, clothing, education and health are becoming restricted to an audience or client base that can pay.
Perhaps there is a need to understand the origins of modern economics which is eating away at life, and learn to see the real economy which actually keeps us going. This might give us the threads to stop cooperating with structures which don't work for us, and give us the strength for recovering the possibilities of a healthier future together.
This course is an attempt to look at the discipline of economics and more importantly, our economy, with our own eyes. It aims to develop a perspective that is rooted in traditions that emphasise our deep harmony with the natural world and the values of love, non-violence, peace, and justice. We will rejig our memory by delving into economic history, and discuss the manner in which our very thoughts have been shaped by a worldview that is alien to our land, the earth, and our cultures. We will see what our own local traditions of knowledge can offer us in developing a sensible approach towards economics.
This is a seven day residential course. Participants will stay at Jeevika Ashram and partake in the lifestyle of Ashram which involves simple living and helping with daily chores. Food and accommodation will be on campus.
The day will begin at 7 am with some hands-on activity. The major part of the course will consist of lectures on a number of topics relevant to understanding the economy and related themes. There will be a few discussion sessions for participants to share their ideas and ask questions. We will also have some time to see the village and surrounding areas. Sessions will be scheduled till dinner time i.e 7 pm.
To Register (Please do so before 28th December):
https://forms.gle/fciQrUTPHAh1V68V9
Workshop Content | कोर्स रूपरेखा
The course will go into the details of the following topics:
- The Modern Economy
- Economic History of the West
- Economic History of India
- The History and Economy of some materials
- Ecological, social and other implications of economic considerations
- Money, markets and economic relations
- Economic Philosophy
- Indian Economic Principles
Language: The course will be in Hindi and English, so comprehension of both languages will be helpful.
Venue | स्थल
Jeevika Ashram is located in Indrana, 30 km from Jabalpur city, in Madhya Pradesh. This is part of the historical region known as Gondwana. It is located in the foothills of the Vindhyas and close to the banks of the Hiran River. The Ashram is dedicated to documenting and preserving cultural customs and practices in collaboration with local artisans. The focus of the Ashram is on the larger aesthetic milieu in which this traditional culture flourished.
The Ashram was started by Ashish Bhaiya and Ragini Bhabhi seven years ago. The Ashram, started with the blessings of the Late Shri Ravindra Sharma of Adiliabad, is dedicated towards preserving the seeds of local indigenous knowledge traditions. Over the years, the Ashram has become a venue for the practice, demonstration and celebration of diverse practices, from ironwork to bamboo craft and sculpting to theatre.
Dates | तिथियाँ
The course will begin on 25th January and will end by afternoon on 31st January. Please reach Jeevika Ashram latest by 24th evening, and plan your departure from 31st evening onwards. It is important that you attend the whole course from start to finish as each day builds on the previous one. We recommend reaching at least a day early and leaving at least a day after the course ends.
Costs and Fees | कुछ बात सहयोग की…
This gathering is offered as a gift. You may choose to make a gift to the Ashram to help continue such offerings. More details will be discussed during the course. If you are unable to attend this course and would like to contribute towards organising this course, please get in touch with the contact given below.
Food and Accomodation | रहना-सहना
Food and accommodation will be provided at the ashram. It will be simple and ashram style. Food will be simple home cooked vegetarian. We will sleep on mattresses on the floor in dormitory accommodations with shared bathrooms and toilets. We will provide bedding, but you may also bring your own bedsheets.
Preparation | तैयारी
You may go through reading and watching material in preparation for the course here.
आप यहां कार्यशाला की तैयारी के लिए सामग्री पढ़ और देख सकते हैं।
Contact | संपर्क
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