Economics as if people matter

New Economics makes fascinating reading. It is must read book for anyone dismayed by the way market economics has driven us to the wall. Authors David Boyle and Andrew Simms begin by arguing that the financial markets are the epicentre of a massive system, the main purpose of which is to make its key players unimaginably rich. Further, it forgives the powerful their mistakes, and cushions them against hard times, but exhausts the rest of us and punishes and corrodes the lives of the poorer two thirds of the world.

It compares sheer diversity of the immediate crises - in credit, climate and energy - to ecological, human and spiritual crises. According to the authors, these are not usually understood as economic problems, but that is exactly what they are: a byproduct of faulty measurement and misleading values pedaled by ill-directed economic system. New economics is an approach that 'values real, rather than illusory wealth, and puts people and planet first.' It puts individuals, equality and opportunity ahead of economic activity and growth....more

Quantum of solace

Hind Swaraj, Gandhi’s seminal work, was written in 9 days between 13 and 22 November 1909 on broad the Kildonan Castle during Gandhi’s return trip from England to South Africa. The century old easy-to-read conversation between a reader and an editor is more relevant now than ever before, providing quantum of solace to the world that has increasingly been torn apart by moral decline, social strife and climate change. Interestingly, however, for fear of sedition the book was banned by then government in March 1910.

Gandhi was clear in his perception about `swaraj’, and made a distinction between swaraj as self-government and swaraj for self-improvement. Gandhi was anxious to teach the Indians that `modern civilisation’ posed a greater threat to them than did colonialism, because colonialism itself was a product of modern civilization. Ironically, the country has learnt little from the prophetic words of Gandhi. Treading on the path of modernity, colonialism has been perpetuated within the country that has led to alienation of the poor and the vulnerable.

Published by the Cambridge University, Prof Anthony Parel’s analysis on Hind Swaraj is a work of scholarship that not only locates Gandhi’s vision in the historical context of the early 20th century but seeks its relevance in the 21st century too. Amongst the available interpretations on Hind Swaraj, this book stands out as it presents the original text and examines the intellectual cross-currents from East and West that affected the formation of the mind and character of one of the twentieth century’s truly outstanding figures. Without doubt, Hind Swaraj remains a universal manifesto for human deliverance from violence, injustice and domination.
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Through the green lens

The red sweat of a hippopotamus offers UV protection. The fuzzy side of a leaf can retain water. Purple leaves may be sunscreen for new growth or an adaptation to harvest low light near the forest floor. A seabird known as the Brown Booby has something called a 'gular patch' at its throat that it can move without using any muscles - inspiration for an energy-efficient ventilation device? "Nature's pattern book is endless", says Dayna Baumeister. "She has been around for four billion years and has figured out few things first." In writing Women in Green, the authors have drawn from conversations with nearly 200 women architects, designers, activists, writers, educators and students - Baumeister being one amongst them.

The outcome is amazing: a transformative, inspiring and thoughtful book. In their ground-breaking work, authors Kira Gould and Lance Hosey have spent hours conversing with women of substance in outlining the fact that future of sustainability will depend on women and the perspectives they bring to the field....more