Browsing by Subject "Consumerism"

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    Consumerism on the Rise and the Significance of Indian Traditional Values: A Perspective for Change
    (University of North Bengal, 2024-03) Sharma, Ankita
    The Industrial Revolution ushered in an era of unprecedented production and consumption, giving rise to a global culture of consumerism closely tied to the dominance of capitalism. While capitalism has significantly enriched state economies, it also challenged the ethical and moral standards of living. This present paper explores the significance of the ancient Indian texts and their potential synergy for individual and state welfare. Focusing on the value of artha (material prosperity) within Indian classics, this paper emphasizes that wealth is viewed only as a means to live a good life, never as an end. The exploration includes insights from Purusharthas, the four goals of human life, the significance of Karmayoga in the Bhagavad Gita, and the moral teachings found in the EightfoldPath of Buddhism and Upanishadic wisdom. In analyzing capitalism's role in creating economic inequality, the paper advocates for a holistic approach guided by the principle of loka-saṃgraha (welfare of everyone) from the BhagavadGita. The present paper is an attempt to contribute to the discourse on fostering individual, state, and societal well-being.
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    New ‘Governmentality’: The Indian Style
    (University of North Bengal, 2025) Roy, Sanjay K.
    This paper unravels the nature of ‘governmentality’ or the technology of power which is in operation under the current regime. The paper revisits the theoretical tradition in social sciences to analyse the present statecraft and illustrates the theoretical principles thus drawn, drawing from realpolitik to argue that the current Indian governmentality presents a rare mix of neoliberalism, elements of globalisation and cultivation of all forms of premodern beliefs and traditions as a means to the reproduction of a capitalist production system and a Kakistocracy.