Ripples 48- Modernisation Without Westernisation IV
Dattopant observes that civilization of every empire is a distinguishing feature. Empire risees and falls. But after the withdrawal it wants to have perpetual grip over the intellectual and ideological matters. This is achieved by the brainwashing and propaganda. There always are efforts to control the economies of these countries.
NewsBharati 23-Jul-2022 15:29:26 PM
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I have been reflecting in my own way on Dattopant Thengadi Ji's Third Way. I present these small "ripples" that it has caused in my mind in a series. I am glad it has found its resonance in many thinking minds alike. I hope the readers have read the earlier article in the series before moving ahead.
Also Read: Ripples A Reflection On Dattopant Thengadi's Third Way - Part 47
Dattopant observes that the civilization of every empire is a distinguishing feature. Empire rises and falls. But after the withdrawal, it wants to have a perpetual grip over intellectual and ideological matters. This is achieved by brainwashing and propaganda. There always are efforts to control the economies of these countries.
Macaulay sold the idea of 'white man's burden' in our country, is a known fact. It created an inferiority complex in our mind and he convinced us that European civilization is the only ideal one. This model and the paradigm were used to conclude that everything that was Hindu had to be inferior.
Now people have started being skeptical about the western model as we are compelled to think of ecological factors and our future generations. Some western scientists now discuss the role of 'Technological Ombudsman' to direct technological development in the future when its indiscreet use poses challenges.
It is forgotten that this phase of development is at an experimental stage. Rushing to conclusions and making value judgements at this point of time to prove non-western models as inferior hastily, without giving sufficient time to asses it, would not be logical.
Even the limitations of parliamentary democracy are also being visible to some extent.( This form of government is also a social experiment in a way) Dattopant repeatedly refered to some western thinkers on this point who could point out the limitations of this experiment. He cites the opinions of our thinkrs in detail in his writings. He explained the limitations of materialism, and consumerism which is to an extent a shade of hedonism.( Any action that results in happiness is treated to be a good action.)
Along with this, he observes that trade unionism and socialism too have lost the appeal and glamour it used to have. The third world countries which don't have economic abundance ( a prerequisite as described by Marx) are following the western model.
In the countries like Yugoslavia, East Germany, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, the failure of communism and expression of disillusionment is witnessed by the world, Dattopant observed.
The myth of universality of the western model is exploded in a way. The propogation was probably inspired by economic and ideological imperialism after the political power ended. The initiative of North- south dialogue too was not a success.(In 1971 dissension among the developing countries over their priorities and over the question of energy, led the developing countries to call for an inclusive, high-level round of global negotiations.) The prosperity of the developed nations depended on the foundations of other developing nations.
It is not available any more. All were obliged to focus on Self-reliance as a model of development. In this situation Hindu goal of life is to be reintroduced. In the light of our culture, traditions and present requirements as well as aspirations we can see the path. Obviously everything that is western is not condemned. Rather wherever necessary, is assimilated with our model. Some eastern countries like Japan or china have their own models developed.
Prof. Vidya Deshpande
Professor Vidya Deshpande has had a journey of more than four decades in the field of education. Her main expertise is in the subject of Philosophy, and she has worked as a teacher of philosophy and logic with Nowrosjee Wadia college for 36 years. She has been associated with the Janakalyan Blood bank for last for 38 years and has also carried out the responsibility as a management committee member of Karve Stree Shikshan Sanstha for 10 years. Her special fields of interest are Philosophy of social sciences, school education, development of skills for self reliance, and top up skills to make students profession ready,