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Swaraj is a philosophy which harmoniously integrates the individual, family, community, culture and Panchamahabhootas - the five elements of nature. The term Swaraj which has been used in the Chandogya Upanishad symbolizes the highest spiritual (Adhyatmic) state, where an individual realizes his identity with the Universe. Swaraj is Self-Governance guided by Dharma and is not an imposition by the State. References for the same is reflected in Bharath’s heritage; Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj states “Sawaraj is the wish of divine”, in the words of Sri Aurobindo, “Swaraj does not lie in mere political freedom; it lies in the assertion of one's own culture”, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan says, “Swaraj is not a political strategy to retaliate against the colonialists; it is the credo of self-belief and is the discourse of the soul”. The Integral Humanistic approach propounded by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya based on Bharateeya concepts and values is a major work on going back to the roots that is Swaraj.
Global thinkers since the ancient, have expressed their thoughts on Self-Governance. Ancient Greek philosopher Plato posits that individuals or groups cannot achieve freedom unless they govern their own pleasures and desires, otherwise they will be in a state of enslavement. Well-known British philosopher John Locke opines that self-rule is that freedom, which requires cognitive self-discipline and Self-Governance. Ancient Chinese thinker Mencius, German Philosopher Immanuel Kant, American Political thinker William E. Connolly, French philosopher Gilles Deleuze and many others have also shared similar thoughts on Self-Governance.
Native models refer to the development of socioeconomic, political and legal systems that are based on the
cultural ethos of the land while respecting community freedom, autonomy and biodiversity. The concept of
Ramarajya which exists in Bharath since ages and re-envisioned by Gandhiji in recent times is based on
Dharma and a State that least rules the people. In the Mahabharatha, Bhishmacharya also envisages a
Stateless state wherein the people govern themselves in accordance with Dharma.
Historical evidences indicate that the Empires of Bharath excelled in Self-Governance. The Chola and
Gupta dynasties are examples. Villages formed the basic administrative units in both the kingdoms. The
villages were remarkably autonomous. The role of the officials in the village administration was more of an
adviser and observer than that of a controller. Consequently there was unhindered development at the local
level, reasonably free of the effects of the political changes at the apex. This also is the reason behind the
cultural continuity and prosperity of the society.
Canadian indigenous people’s rule is another example of Self-Governance. Prior to the arrival of Europeans
in North America, the people were organized as sovereign units. They had their own culture, economy,
government and laws. Their ownership over the lands and resources were subject to responsibilities placed
on them by the divine, to care for the land and share it with all other creatures.
Many such examples can be found in the pages of ancient Chinese, African, British and Australian history.
Recognizing the importance of Self-Governance, many countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Russia,
Canada and Bharath, have now amended their constitutions to reflect the autonomy of their communities.
With the advent of Industrial revolution during the 17" Century in Europe, materialism gained prominence. This
transformation led to a skewed developmental model which later spread across the globe as a result ofcolonization.
The colonial masters deployed various mechanism to assert and legitimize their superiority in the name of a
‘civilizing’ mission. The Self-Governing structures of education, justice, administration, agriculture, temples and
economy were all taken over and exploited by the colonizers. This resulted in the gradual collapse of the self-hood
of such countries.
The developmental paradigm based on materialism, individualism, unbridled exploitation of natural resources,
centralized administration and production has resulted in inequality, health and environmental crisis. The
economic inequality has reached the point where the top 1% own more than one-fourth of total wealth. This
disparity, if not addressed in time will result in various sorts of political, economic and social catastrophes. Thus,
ensuring equitability while achieving materialistic progress is one of the most critical challenges being faced by
humanity.
At this critical juncture, the entire globe is exploring potential alternative models of Development and
Governance. Keeping this in mind, each country has to develop its own model based on self-sufficiency,
autonomy and mutual cooperation. The philosophy of Swaraj serves as the pathway in this direction.
(Five Elements of Nature)
(Good Governance)
(Economy and Development)
(Health and Wellness)
Abstracts: January 30th 2023
Full Papers: February 15th 2023
Indian Students : ₹1,000
Indian Delegates : ₹2,500
Foreign Students : $50
Foreign Delegates : $100
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