‘Relevance of Hind Swaraj in the Era of Technology’

Ambuj Sharma of Department of Philosophy participated and presented a paper on ‘Relevance of Hind Swaraj in the Era of Technology’ in the National Seminar on Relevance of Philosophy in the Era of Science and Technology
organized by Department of Philosophy, Panjab University, Chandigarh on 11-12, 2010.
Ambuj in his presentation said that “In the times when globalization and technology are being used as indicators of development modernity and change, Gandhi’s reading of Hind Swaraj offers a constructive, critical and creative response.” He tried to bring the debates of Gandhian critique of technology and its various forms.
His paper explored the concept of technology, its role and impact on the Indian society through Gandhi’s canons. He argued the concept of development associated with the advancement of technology and said that technology is resulting in a new slavery of commodities and market. He also critically analyzed the state of higher education and the impact of technology on it.
Ambuj also shared his views with Prof. Yashpal, the Chancellor of JawaharLal Nehru University and briefed him about the discussion on Yashpal’s Report on Higher Education, organized by Critique Ferozepur Chapter and Philosophical Society at Ferozepur. He also asked Yash pal to take the issue of the current contractual teaching posts for secondary school teachers by the Punjab Government.
He said that the government has introduced posts on contract basis on a low salary and that too for three long years. He furthers said that the vision of Higher Education looks dark if at the root level teachers are being paid so less. He also informed the issues to Prof. Bhuvan Chandel, Member Secretary, Centre for Studies in Civilization and Prof. Apporvanand of Hindi Department of Delhi University.