Gandhi as a Human Ecologist

Abstract

This paper looks at the claim that Gandhi is a human ecologist. After briefly stating the main elements of human ecology, the paper delineates the major influences, both Eastern and Western, on Gandhi's environmental thought. The paper argues that Gandhi's ideas on the environment emerged from his vision of an alternative economy and polity that he envisaged for the country. It also examines the influence Gandhi had on the various environmental movements in India and thinkers like Arne Naess and discusses the main elements of Gandhian ecological vision.