For decades, developmental and social scientists have devised various metrics to measure the progress of human societies and nations. Dominant among these is Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which quantifies the total goods and services produced by a nation. These were Western-led theories justifying existing conditions. However, these measures largely stem from the Industrial Revolution and capitalist ideologies, portraying humans primarily as economic beings and wealth creators. These theories have evolved based on observations and experiences of the Industrial Revolution and subsequent capitalism. They are either a product of capitalism or a reaction to it.
To counter the socialist approach of more equitable distribution, this approach was modified. So, to complement the GDP-led approach, the Human Development Index (HDI) and Social Progress Index (SPI) were devised to focus on the quality of life, including education, health, and social well-being. For the Western indexes, each individual is guided by their selfish interest and works for themselves. They know their self-interest best. Man is primarily and exclusively an economic and wealth-creating being. He is a mechanistic being, guided by his own interest more than anything else in the world.
However, a new system is needed to transcend the two contradictory approaches of capitalism and socialism. In contradistinction to these indexes, there is the Indian Development Index (IDI), which has evolved based on the experiences of the oldest existing human civilisation. Interestingly, it is much more comprehensive than the GDP and HDI indexes.
The Indian Development Index must reflect the country's experienced cultural values. Development is not only physical or material, as reflected in wealth creation; it has a wider connotation. It is also not limited to the quality of life, as the HDI makes us believe. The IDI is about purposefulness. The development index is about meaning and its purpose in life: individual, social, and spiritual. While the Western approach is individual-centric, the Indian approach is human-centric. In individual life, development is about being the best version of oneself and living an ideal life according to the state you are born into and with. For example, if one is in their student life, one has to pursue education at its best. In social life, taking care of parents, raising a family, and earning wealth are some indices of development. The Indian family system is one of the best social institutions for the world to follow. At the individual level, it is about aiming for happiness, peace, and bliss.
Core Principles of IDI
- Beyond Materialism: While GDP and HDI focus on material success and quality of life, IDI incorporates the pursuit of happiness, peace, and bliss. It moves beyond mechanistic wealth creation to acknowledge life's deeper meanings.
- Purposefulness: IDI measures development in terms of purpose and meaning, addressing individual, social, and spiritual aspirations. It seeks to answer: "What is the purpose of development?" The end purpose of development is not just material.
- Cultural Values: Unlike Western models that prioritise self-interest and the economic man, IDI reflects Indian cultural values of interconnectedness, family bonds, and spiritual growth.
- Stages of Life: IDI recognises that development varies by the stage of life. For a student, it is about excelling in education; for an adult, it means caring for family, earning wealth, or contributing to society.
- Spiritual Fulfilment: The index incorporates spiritual growth as a key component of development, aiming to achieve inner peace and ultimate bliss.
- Wealth Creation and Distribution: The purpose of wealth is not to usurp wealth for one's own selfish interest. Wealth creation is societal and communitarian. So, you are not the owner of the wealth, but its trustee.
- Environment: Economic activities are essential, but no economic activity should destroy ecology. Therefore, economy must lead to ecology.
Components of IDI
- Gross Happiness Index: Evaluates individual and societal happiness.
- Environmental Index: Assesses ecological harmony and sustainability.
- Family Index: Focuses on familial relationships and social responsibilities.
- Purpose Index: Evaluates the alignment of actions with personal and collective purposes.
- Spiritual Index: Measures personal growth and alignment with higher purposes.
The Vision of IDI
IDI does not reject material development but integrates it into a larger framework of holistic well-being. It aspires to create a complete human being—one who thrives economically, lives harmoniously with others, preserves the environment, and seeks spiritual enlightenment. By doing so, IDI reflects the timeless wisdom of the Indian civilisation and offers a comprehensive alternative to existing development paradigms.
In an era dominated by industrial and capitalist frameworks, it is time to evolve a development index that speaks to humanity's higher aspirations. The IDI offers a transformative vision where success is redefined, happiness is celebrated, and life's ultimate purpose is realised. It bridges the gap between material progress and inner fulfilment, making it a truly inclusive model for the world to embrace.
(Rajiv Tuli is an independent commentator and author)
Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author
