Conference 'Economics of Non-violence...' - Report [2.01] - Second Plenary Session: Globalization vs. Poverty

The session was chaired by. Dr. Veena Jha, India Programme Coordinator, UNCTAD and Prof. L.N Nathuramka was the key speaker.

First of all, the paper titled "Economics of Non-violence and the Vision of a Sustainable World” authored by Acharya Mahapragyaji was circulated and Dr. Veena Jha, India Programme Coordinator, UNCTAD shared her comments and concerns on it. She said that the Economics of Non-violence and the Vision of a Sustainable World is a very relevant theme as we are at a crossroads. There are some inherent contradictions between accumulation of wealth, generation of employment and generation of human good. It should be given a thought whether accumulation is the right way to go as far as economic development is concerned. In this globalised era, there is one major issue that we may all have to confront, that globalisation may lead to higher growth rates of economies, but on the other hand result in a spurt in inequities. The accumulation of wealth for the sake of accumulation itself is not an end. We have to seek measures of redistribution of wealth. Spiritualism, she said, is a way for seeking redistribution of wealth, both physical and mental wealth. Excessive accumulation and corruption should be avoided. The paper, she said discusses Economic Satyagraha that is accumulation of wealth with a focus on its redistribution. It also talks about jobless growth as being a major concern for the economy. The paper addresses facts, which individuals by themselves can carry out. A kind of growth wherein individuals are conscientious about their roles in society and in the economy, in fulfilling human needs without getting into the era of human greed. That is the most important issue that the paper addresses.

She observed that the paper addressed the problems but came forth with very few solutions and that was the major quest. It's very difficult to talk about decreasing consumption because consumption generates jobs. It's very difficult to talk about not promoting accumulation of wealth, because that again creates jobs. Problems are pretty clear, but the solutions often lie in the problems themselves and this is what she hopes that the speakers would debate.