Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators
7. The concept of Gandhian trusteeship is an important idea that can help to promote human dignity and social justice. It challenges the existing economic system that is based on greed and exploitation, and offers a more ethical and sustainable alternative. Elaborate. (150 words)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Philosophical Mondays’.
Key Demand of the question:
To explain about the trusteeship of Mahatma Gandhi and its aim of protecting dignity of beings over materialism.
Directive:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by defining the core idea of trusteeship philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi.
Body:
Further elaborate the concept of trusteeship with examples from Gandhian times to contemporary times. Gandhi’s economic ideas were part of his general crusade against poverty, exploitation against socio-economic injustice, and deteriorating moral standards.
He wanted to liberate the modern economic philosophy from the quagmire of materialism and bring it to a higher spiritual plane. Human actions were motivated by social objectives of the protection of human rights.
Conclusion:
End the answer by stressing the need and importance of trusteeship in present times.
