Ripples : A Reflection On Dattopant Thengadi's Third Way - Part 3
01 Feb 2022 08:44:01
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.
Dattopant elucidated his point of selecting the model which is rooted in our culture. He uses the example of Mexico. The suggestion is that the consequences are to be assessed from the ground level and not by presenting statistics or the report by bureaucracy. The models followed by some country with different conditions cannot guide our country. He refers to Ivan Illich the author who wrote book on 'the development myth of Mexico. It robbed the country of it's base and resulted in unemployment and all the possible evils. The author describes it as a malignant myth. It dismantles 'development ' as a goal of a social order.
Dharma - Dattopant's Thought
So what should be the point of reference when we as a nation as a society think of reconstruction of a suitable model for us? Dattopant thinks that the concept of 'Dharma' is an appropriate point of reference. It cannot be translated as 'religion ' or cannot be contrasted with secularism either. It is always described as a way of life or duty or universal laws . It is something that sustains . It can be explained in many ways. The universal laws that mold our Institutions, guide us in various situations to follow the path of justice by helping us understand our duties. Something that holds our value system. The details may change, the Institutions may change with the changing time but these guiding light would show the just path.
Dharma would help us identify what is beneficial for our society, how everyone's needs can be covered.
