Book Title: World of Philosophy
Author(s): Christopher Key Chapple, Intaj Malek, Dilip Charan, Sunanda Shastri, Prashant Dave
Publisher: Shanti Prakashan
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Putnam and other commentators, social capital does not reach into the private sphere to any degree. At least, this is a question that has not been explored as of yet. Perhaps Gandhi's ashrams and his highly idealistic view of swaraj might provide an impetus to such a study.
As is well known, Nehru repudiated Gandhi's anarchist vision soon after the death of the Mahatma. Even still, the legacy of Gandhi's work remains, as Varshney's data demonstrates. Civil society that is associational, intentional, and inter-communal contributes to inter-communal peace in times of social tension. What are we to say about India today as it becomes an economic (and military) power? Currently, Indian society is undergoing enormous changes. Homogenous networks are of diminished value during times of rapid social change because they tend to reinforce the status quo. Heteronomous networks are more useful. The dark side of bonding social capital needs to be addressed by bridging social capital in a society that is in flux. In this respect, I believe, Gandhi's challenge to India and many other societies remains.
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