Societies around the world are struggling to combat problems arising out of environmental crises and growing inequality between the rich and poor, which constitute major risks to economic and social stability. As these problems escalate, there is a need to look at unconventional solutions; Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of Trusteeship provides the basis for a creative solution to problems of inequality and environmental crises.
The idea of Trusteeship is based on the premise that you are never really the ‘owner’ of wealth but rather its temporary holder, as a benevolent custodian. Gandhi was confident that eventually Trusteeship would offer an alternative to both capitalism and socialism. What was the reasoning behind Gandhi’s idea of Trusteeship? How does it go beyond philanthropy and CSR? How can it serve as the foundation for a non-violent and creative society?
Gateway House hosted a Google Hangout with Rajni Bakshi, Senior Gandhi Peace Fellow, Gateway House. She explains what Gandhi’s philosophy of trusteeship really means and discusses its relevance in finding solutions to societal problems like income inequality and global crises like climate change. She engaged in conversation with Aashni Biyani, founder and director of Future Ideas, a Future Group company, on “Gandhian Trusteeship and Non-violence: the Basis for a Creative Society.