Democracy and the logic of Capitalism The recent Indian experience Prof Jayati Ghosh

Democracy Dialogues Lecture 34 :
Organised by New Socialist Initiative
Speaker:
Professor Jayati Ghosh
Professor of Economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst
Time and Date :
Sunday, 17 th November 2024l, at 6 PM (IST)
Live streamed at Facebook ( newsocialistinitiative.nsi)
Topic : ' Democracy and the logic of Capitalism: The recent Indian experience
Abstract :
Many analyses of the recent erosion of democracy in India have dwelt on political and social forces. I will examine the role of economic forces unleashed by a particular form of capitalist development, and how they may have contributed to this process in recent decades.

[@harryd5893]

Great conversation, thanks for putting this together! This itself is a great resource to come back to and once again listen to the great insights. Thanks again!

[@deepakkharat609]

great initiative..we need defenders of democracy,secularism and socialism,secularism and defeat the enemies of it in india. 🎉

[@Anil-m8l]

Capitalism is ready to tolerate Democracy as long as it is profitable and controllable.

[@maheshpant518]

I however agree with many points made by you regarding concentration of wealth and incomes in few hands. Naturally these hands become very powerful and influence the state greatly. Democratic politicians are vulnerable, indeed complicit, in modifying the state to suit the powerful. Indeed, a crude example is how Maharashtra was manipulated by criminal lords at one time or how UP was given to Goons under "Samajwadi" party.

[@babahanuman83]

and now we have a pm who is ruled by mr. adani.

[@Dadasahab1234]

What about ​@@babahanuman83 MM S.😮

[@somik2000]

Secularism in India: A Complex Yet Harmonious Coexistence
Secularism, a concept deeply rooted in the separation of religion and state, originated in the West, where the focus was to limit the influence of religion on governance and ensure equality in a multi-religious society. However, in India, where religion is intertwined with customs, traditions, morality, and faith, secularism takes on a distinct meaning, uniquely adapted to the country's diverse and pluralistic ethos.
This raises an important question: To what extent is secularism possible in a nation where spiritualism and humanism often take precedence over materialism and where religion shapes cultural identity?
The Indian Context of Secularism
Unlike the Western model, Indian secularism does not advocate a strict wall of separation between religion and state. Instead, it emphasizes the equal respect for all religions ("Sarva Dharma Sambhava"). The Indian Constitution embodies this principle by ensuring freedom of religion, non-discrimination on religious grounds, and the right to manage religious institutions, while maintaining the state's impartiality towards all faiths.
This approach recognizes the significance of religion in the lives of Indians, reflecting the teachings of great thinkers like Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, and Rabindranath Tagore, who stressed spiritual and humanistic values as central to the Indian way of life.
Challenges of Western Secularism in India
Diverse Religious Landscape:
India is home to numerous religions, each with its customs, festivals, and traditions. Unlike the homogeneity often seen in Western countries, this diversity makes a rigid secular framework impractical. For instance, national holidays in India honor festivals of various religions, highlighting inclusivity rather than separation.
Interplay of Religion and Culture:
In India, religion is not just a personal belief system but a way of life. Customs, arts, and literature are deeply influenced by religious traditions. For instance, the celebration of Diwali, Eid, or Christmas transcends religious boundaries and becomes a part of the national ethos.
Spiritualism Over Materialism:
Indian philosophy has long emphasized spiritual fulfillment over material comfort. The teachings of saints and sages advocate for a balanced life rooted in dharma (duty), compassion, and community well-being. This stands in contrast to the material-centric worldview often associated with Western secularism.
Role of Religion in Morality and Social Fabric:
Religion in India often acts as a moral compass and a unifying force in communities. Many social movements, from Gandhi's satyagraha to modern-day environmental initiatives, draw upon spiritual values to inspire action.
Secularism as Humanism
Given these unique characteristics, secularism in India aligns more closely with humanism than with the Western notion of strict separation. This humanism respects the inherent dignity of individuals, transcending religious identities, while allowing space for faith and spirituality.
Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi exemplified this ideal. Gandhi, deeply spiritual yet firmly secular, championed the cause of all religions coexisting peacefully, promoting love and respect over division.
The Path Forward: Harmonizing Modernity and Tradition
Educating on Shared Values:
Promoting the universal values of compassion, equality, and justice found in all religions can strengthen India's secular ethos without alienating its spiritual heritage.
Inclusive Governance:
Policymakers must continue to ensure that the state's role remains impartial while protecting the rights and freedoms of all communities, as envisioned in the Constitution.
Focus on Spiritual and Humanistic Goals:
Encouraging a return to India's humanistic and spiritual roots can address modern challenges like materialism, consumerism, and environmental degradation.
Balancing Tradition with Progress:
The wisdom of Indian traditions can coexist with modern principles of equality and justice. For instance, reforming discriminatory practices within communities while preserving the positive aspects of cultural heritage is essential.
Conclusion
Secularism in India is not about erasing religion but about harmonizing its diverse expressions within a framework of equality and mutual respect. While the Western concept of secularism may not fit seamlessly into the Indian psyche, India's unique brand of secularism-rooted in spiritualism, humanism, and pluralism-offers a model of coexistence that can inspire the world.
As Swami Vivekananda once said:
"The ideal of India is not the intellectual nor the material but the spiritual; not the survival of the fittest but the protection of the weakest."
India’s secularism reflects this ideal, embracing diversity while nurturing the shared values that bind humanity together.

[@pbghosh5305]

🎉🎉🎉👍👍👍✅️

[@Dadasahab1234]

She has said nothing about Communists destroying W.B. economy. However, such anti social elements have joined TMC, they drove away Tata Nano project away. Subhashini Ali had forced closure of several industries in kanpur during hey days of communism .

[@AnnaWhalen-l4f]

Great analysis, thank you! Could you help me with something unrelated: My OKX wallet holds some USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). What's the best way to send them to Binance?

[@maheshpant518]

Prof. Jayati I have watched many of your conversations on TH-cam/TV etc. Let me make it clear that I hate the so called "communists". My hate developed in my youth while working in West Bengal. I found the labour power concentrators were as bad as the Capital concentrators which you are trying to blame (Not that I like them, I tolerate them). I just want to add about your friends-Indian Left- they need to shed their snobbishness, their verbose statements, nonsensical rhetoric etc. Please speak simply as you did. Develop your thought to a stage where it is practical. Make specific suggestions. Bring clarity and efficiency into it.

[@AveragepoliticsEnjoyer]

That's why Anarchism is better

[@somik2000]

Labor problems are everywhere-look at France, the UK, Germany, and Italy. In these countries, we often see airline staff refusing to work, or train drivers going on strike. But these issues arise when workers feel they aren’t paid enough or treated fairly.
In India, the situation is quite different. Our capitalism is often called crony capitalism or even corporate feudalism. Many big businesses here are run by a few powerful families, especially from the traditional merchant community, and workers' welfare is rarely a priority.
Now look at Denmark. Even a McDonald’s worker there earns $22 an hour and gets benefits like medical care and housing. In France, wages are among the highest in the world, and workers' rights are strongly protected. But in India? Let’s be honest-workers earn very little, and benefits are almost nonexistent.
If companies paid workers fairly and cared about their well-being, why would there be any trouble? It’s time we start treating our workers with dignity and ensure they get what they truly deserve.

[@maheshpant518]

@@somik2000 wonderful, My experience belongs to the period that can be called heyday of communism in their den West Bengal! The workers were very well paid in a central government factory-a sought after job. Concentration of power at the hands of netas effectively destroyed the industry in West Bengal bit by bit. I have watched the industry being destroyed by the lefties. Concentration of power in anyone's hands can be dangerous. We had governments supported by lefties in Indian states where power was concentrated in hands that colluded with criminals. Lefties conveniently ignore this. Still I take their criticism of concentration of power in capitalists hands.

[@somik2000]

@@maheshpant518 Now tell me who destroyed Dunlop Tyre and Shaw Wallace in West Bengal? Workers or Manu Chabaria. Be honest. Same thing who destroyed Jessop and Co. Workers, politicians or the owner Pawan Kumar Ruia. So you want to blame the workers and politicians if they cannot run a factory or a company, not the owner and management? Now listen there are many companies that are still around in Kolkata and doing roaring business such as ITC, Titagarh Wagons, Texmaco, Ramakrishna Forge, Himadr Chemicals, Haldia Petrochemicals etc. Bengalis are a very progressive and intelligent people. They will not tolerate dishonesty and corruption. If management plays hanky panky, they are asking for trouble. In West Bengal the Bengali workers are educated and reads the Economic Times. They cannot be fooled.

[@aryaman05]

@@somik2000
"They will not tolerate dishonesty and corruption."
😊

[@thegame9305808]

People voting whomever they like isn't the erosion of democracy, crying for People not voting the side you love or want is.