The book is a festschrift to economist M.V. Nadkarni (MVN), whose academic work spans economics, sociology, political economy, environment, ethics, religion, and Gandhian thought.
As nations across the globe grapple with wars, ecological destruction, and a market-centric approach to garner more profits and achieve dominance, Quest for Planetary Well-Being: Essays in Honour of M. V. Nadkarni, a volume published by Palgrave Macmillan, emphasises that human well-being is inseparable from the vitality of the planet itself, and provides ethical dimensions to curb human greed.
The book, edited by two social scientists — Professors Ananta Giri and R.S. Deshpande — is a festschrift to economist M.V. Nadkarni (MVN), whose academic work spans economics, sociology, political economy, environment, ethics, religion, and Gandhian thought. His signature clothing is a khadi kurta.
Prof. MVN, a former vice-chancellor of Gulbarga University, who turned 87 on February 23, has to his credit 40 books and over 150 papers in academic journals and edited volumes in India and abroad.
Quest for Planetary Well-Being: Essays in Honour of M. V. Nadkarni contains 29 essays extending over 600 pages in three major parts, reflecting the overall health and resilience of the earth’s inter-connected systems. These well-researched essays cover intrinsic ecological, social, and economic issues that have a strong bearing on humanity’s ability to flourish within those boundaries.
The book asks: What does it mean to live well together on a fragile planet? It highlights that wealth and well-being arise in society more from co-operation and complementarity than from competition. This is true not only at the individual level, but also among communities and countries.
Sudha Reddy, Director of the Eco Foundation for Sustainable Alternatives, Bengaluru, said of the book, “It invites us to rethink economics, development, and progress through the lenses of ethics, care, and interconnected life — human and more than human.”
At the core of this volume lies Prof. MVN’s lifelong belief that economics cannot be separated from ethics.
The economist always advocated that ‘basic material needs of all should be met as a priority. But needs go beyond roti, kapda aur makaan (food, clothing, and shelter), and include good health, education, and a healthy environment as well. They also legitimately cover security of life and property, self-respect, and freedom. It is not unethical to seek comforts, which make life worth living. But this should be possible for all, and not just a few. All should have opportunities to realise the full potential of their personalities”.
Each essay is well argued in its own way and reminds readers of the well-known Kannada poet Da. Ra. Bendre. In a poem on flowers, he observes: Ondarolu ondilla, ondarolu kundilla, Ondondu andavoo tanatanage chanda (Each is unique; none has a blemish! Each one’s beauty has its own flourish!)
The book was released at the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bengaluru, in the presence of the editors, noted economists, and ISEC Chairperson Dr. Ashok Dalwai, a retired IAS officer.
source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)