Gandhian view of resource conservation
Topic: Natural Resources: Classification, Planning and Sustainable Use · NCERT: Class 10, Ch 1 "Resources and Development"
Meaning
The Gandhian view of resource conservation is summed up in Mahatma Gandhi's words: "There is enough for everybody's need and not for anybody's greed." Gandhi said resources run out because of greedy, selfish people and because modern technology exploits nature. He wanted production by the masses, meaning many people making goods in small units with simple tools, instead of mass production, meaning huge factories that use up resources and put wealth in a few hands.
Example
Khadi is a good example. Gandhi promoted the hand-spun, hand-woven cloth from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Many villagers could make it at home, with little energy and local cotton.
Don't confuse with
- Mass production: making huge amounts of goods in big, machine-run factories. Gandhi rejected this because it uses up resources and leaves wealth with a few people.