INDIVIDUAL UTILITARIANISM AND SELF- RELIANCE (ATMA NIRBHAR BHARAT)

 

AUTHORED BY – ADITI SHUKLA

 

 

ABSTRACT

This research explores the intricate interplay between two significant ideologies—Individual Utilitarianism and the notion of Self-Reliance, as exemplified by the Aatm Nirbhar Bharat initiative. It seeks to uncover how these ideologies coexist and influence individual behaviors, societal structures, and policy making. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining philosophical analysis, economic insights, and sociopolitical perspectives. Through a comprehensive literature review, concept wise developmental framework, and qualitative data collection and analysis, this research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the alignment, conflict, or synergy between Individual Utilitarianism and the goals of Aatm Nirbhar Bharat. Ethical considerations and potential limitations are acknowledged, with suggestions for future research directions. This investigation contributes to the discourse on the complex dynamics between individual well-being and self-reliance in contemporary society.

 

Keywords:IndividualUtilitarianism,Self-Reliance,societalstructures,individual behaviors

 

INTRODUCTION

JS Mill in Chapter 2 of his book “Utilitarianism”, “Pleasure and freedom from pain are the only things that are desirable as ends, and everything that is at all desirable is so either for the pleasure inherent in it or as means to the promotion of pleasure and the prevention of pain”.[1]

Now, Individual Utilitarianism is a moral theory emphasizing actions that maximize personal happiness, intersects with the concept of self-reliance, as embodied in India's "Atma Nirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India).

 

The definition of self-reliance has changed in a globalized world, and it is different from being self-centred. In Indian context, self-reliance is defined as a dependence on one's inner resources to bring meaning and fulfillment to life. While the Constitution does not use the term "self-reliance," the principles of promoting economic development, social welfare, and equality can be seen as contributing to the broader goal of making India self-sufficient and self-reliant and the Utilitarianism principle evidently. The emphasis on fundamental rights, directive principles of state policy, and the Preamble's mention of securing economic justice, among other objectives, can be seen as supporting the idea of fostering a self-reliant nation.

 

individualism, individual utilitarianism, collective utilitarianism and self-reliance: INTER DEPENDENCY and need of the hour

Harmonising the individual and the collective needs has always been the impediment in human societies. Individuals, according to functionalists, are created by society via the impact of institutions such as the home, school, and employment. Functionalists included early sociologists such as Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim, and even Karl Marx, who saw society as existing separate from the person. For Durkheim, society is reality. It is the source of the individual's origin and value. Durkheim's insightful explanation of collective consciousness demonstrated how social interactions and connections, and ultimately society, shape individuals' attitudes, ideas, and feelings. He used his idea of "collective representation" to explain religious occurrences, suicide, and the concept of social solidarity in contrast to Auguste Comte (known as the "Father of Sociology"), who saw the individual as a mere abstraction. How society is important in the formation of individual’s person­ality is clearly reflected in the cases of feral children who have clearly demonstrated the impor­tance of social interaction and human association in the development of personality. Sidgwick stated this development of personality and these human interactions as “Common Sense Morality”, the morality which individual achieved consciousness should possess. Sidgwick’s examination of common-sense morality and his axioms that strengthens utilitarianism. When he applies these tests to his own axioms, which he believes lead to utilitarianism, he finds that these axioms have a higher degree of certainty.

 

The certainty from testing the common-sense morality axiom asserts that, from a universal perspective, the well-being of any one individual is no more important than the well-being of any other individual. Unless there are specific reasons to believe that one person's well-being will result in more overall good than another, they are considered equally important. As a rational being, one is morally obligated to strive for the general good to the extent that it is achievable through their actions. It emphasizes the pursuit of overall well-being rather than favoring a particular part of it. These axioms form the basis of utilitarian ethics, which seeks to maximize overall happiness or well-being and considers the consequences of actions on the greatest number of individuals. Sidgwick himself acknowledges that the argument does not work against an egoist who prioritizes one's own self-interest above all else, and an egoist might not be swayed by the axioms or principles that prioritize the general good.

 

On the other hand, Sidgwick believes that common-sense moralists are more likely to agree with the axioms he presents, particularly the idea of benevolence as a guiding principle. Personal irrelevance and benevolence seem to say that the only reason for departing from being indifferent to who gets some good, or from pursuing the good of another just as one pursues one’s own good, is that more good would be produced and this “Greater Good Theory” of Utility provides the clear picture of society and individual and how intricately knitted.

 

Contrary to it, Aristotle has treated the individual only from the point of view of the state and he wants the individual to fit in the mechanism of the state and the society. In reality, it is not society or individuals that aid in comprehending the complete picture of reality, but rather society and individuals that aid in understanding the total reality.

 

From Cooley to the present, sociologists have understood that neither society nor the person can live without the other and hence it can be inferred that, utility is the concept that joins the link between utilitarianism and self-reliance giving importance to individualism to form an independent choice. Individuality refers to the distinctive and unique characteristics, qualities, and attributes that set one person apart from others. It encompasses a person's distinct personality, beliefs, values, interests, experiences, and way of thinking. Individuality is what makes each person different from everyone else and contributes to their uniqueness as an individual.

 

Utilitarianism is concerned with achieving social pleasure, whereas Chuang Tzu is concerned with individual happiness. However, they are both too radical to read one and ignore the other. However, there is no inherent conflict between these two states of enjoyment. The root of the issue is the disparity in understanding of the idea of social happiness, as well as the freedom to choose a happy life for oneself. There is no contradiction between social and individual pleasure, and the freedom to choose is part of human happiness, which will aid in the construction of a happy society. Hence, Individual, and collective pleasure are intertwined. It reflects a nuanced view of the relationship between the well-being of nations and the well-being of their citizens. Historically, there have been instances where the interests of the state or society were prioritized at the expense of individual well-being, often under authoritarian or oppressive regimes. However, in modern democratic societies, there is a recognition of the interconnectedness between the well-being of the nation, as a collective entity, and the well-being of individual citizens.

The concepts of individuality, individual utilitarianism, and self-reliance are interconnected ideas that relate to personal values and ethics.  The intersection of these concepts plays an important role in the continuously evolving social structure for policy making and development of a Nation. The concept of individual utilitarianism and self-reliance can align in the sense that a person who values individual utilitarianism may prioritize their own happiness and well-being. To achieve this, they might emphasize self-reliance, believing that making decisions based on their own judgment and self-sufficiency is the best way to ensure their happiness. Embracing one's individuality can often lead to a desire for self-reliance. When individuals value their uniqueness and personal traits, they may be more inclined to trust their own judgment and rely on their abilities to navigate life's challenges. An individual who values their unique qualities and experiences may also adopt an ethical framework like individual utilitarianism. They may believe that by pursuing their own happiness in alignment with their individuality, they are leading a more authentic and fulfilling life.

These concepts can complement each other in various ways. Individuals may choose to emphasize different aspects of these ideas based on their personal values and circumstances, ultimately seeking to live a life that aligns with their individuality while considering their own well-being and self-reliance.

 

Indian Scenario: pre & post-independence

"Social welfare" according to Utilitarianism, relies only on each person's level of contentment and unhappiness. So, if men enjoy discriminating against one another and subjecting others to less freedom in order to boost their own egos, then we should consider the fulfilment of those desires in our discussions along with other desires, regardless of how strong they may be. Since they are often socially destructive and there are other methods to attain greater welfare, if society chooses to repress them or deny them gratification, it is because of this.India being a welfare state incorporated the doctrine of pain and pleasure under the Indian legal system to ensure the maximization of pleasure and protection against pain. The concept of a basic right cannot be such that the state forces its vision of good on its citizens, rather, it is the right of an individual to define what a good life is based on his or her own desires. This concept is vital to liberty, and it also prevents the state from relying on individuals to uphold its beliefs. The state must always stay impartial in terms of valid and invalid ideas of good. The state's perspective should always be kept out of an individual's area, allowing them to establish their own definition of what is good.

 

"Self-Reliance" played a crucial role in the context of Indian independence from British colonial rule. The idea of self-reliance was closely linked to the broader struggle for independence and shaped various aspects of India's journey to nationhood. India's struggle for independence was accompanied by efforts to become economically self-reliant. The British colonial rule had suppressed indigenous industries and agriculture in favor of British interests. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru advocated for economic self-sufficiency as a means to reduce dependence on foreign goods and promote the growth of domestic industries.

 

The Swadeshi Movement, during the early 20th century, was a significant aspect of the struggle for independence. It involved boycotting British-manufactured goods and promoting the use of locally made products. This movement aimed to reduce India's economic dependency on British imports.

In the Khadi Movement, Mahatma Gandhi promoted khadi which was not only a symbol of self-reliance but also an economic strategy. By encouraging the production and use of khadi, Gandhi sought to create employment opportunities for millions of rural Indians while reducing the import of foreign textiles.

 

In the Swadeshi movement, Swadeshi enterprises and industries were established and encouraged to support economic self-reliance in order to produce goods and services that were previously imported to minimise India’s dependency on the foreign market.

 

Reference can be sought to the Bank Nationalisation case wherein, 50 years ago, the Indian financial sector underwent a tectonic shift, when Indira Gandhi government nationalized the 14 biggest commercial banks in 1969. According to many economists nationalization of banks was the single-most-important economic policy decision taken by any government after 1947. The impact of this decision is considered by some to be, even more than the economic reforms of 1991. During that time many Asian countries were switching to more market-oriented policies, India on the other hand, supported the socialist policies. Nationalized banks then have helped India emerge as one of the largest developing economies, gain self-sufficiency in food grains production, and make significant strides in financial inclusion.

Post the British colonial era, India has chosen democracy as opposed to the earlier existing monarchy and has declared itself as a welfare state giving importance to individual utilitarianism by including provisions of Universal Adult Franchise providing voting rights to every citizen above the age of 18. Article 14, 15, 16, 19, 21, 39, 38, 41, 42, 51-A, 25, 48 are some of the provisions that highlights the welfare and the utilitarian approach of the Constitution framers embedded in this Grundnorm.

The Supreme Court recognized the right to human dignity as an integral part of Article 21. It emphasized that the right to life includes the right to a dignified life, which encompasses necessities such as shelter, clothing, and nutrition. This interpretation aligns with utilitarian principles by recognizing and ensuring that the basic needs are to be met and contributes to the overall well-being and happiness of individuals and society as a whole. In the case of Mohini Jain & Ors v. State of Karnataka the Court expanded the interpretation of Article 21 to include the right to education as part of the right to life. The court recognized that education is essential for personal development and societal progress. Providing access to education aligns with utilitarian principles by enhancing human capital, promoting economic growth, and improving the overall welfare of the population. These cases reflect the judiciary's commitment to interpreting constitutional provisions in a way that enhances the welfare of citizens and recognizes that human dignity, basic necessities, education, and food are essential elements for achieving a just and humane society. In doing so, they align with the utilitarian goal of maximizing overall happiness and minimizing suffering in society.

Atam Nirbhar Bharat And Other Initiatives:  Evolutionary Move

There has been an evolutionary shift from being a social welfare state to self-reliant or an Atam Nirbhar Bharat post-independence. Covid as a global pandemic created a hue and cry situation around the world which forced India to take initiatives to create a self-reliant India who is not dependent on the outside resources for the fulfilment of their own demand. "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) is primarily focused on economic self-reliance and resilience. It was introduced by the Indian government as an economic stimulus and self-reliance initiative in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The core objective was to strengthen India's economy and reduce its dependence on foreign goods and services.Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is the vision of New India that aims to make the country and its citizens independent and self-reliant."Atmanirbhar Bharat," which embodies the idea of an independent India, is neither about self-absorption or isolationism. Rather, the focus is on attaining financial independence and adaptability while continuing to participate in the international economy.The concept of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) indeed has philosophical underpinnings that resonate with the principles of "sarvodaya" and "antyodaya" put forth by Mahatma Gandhi and Deendayal Upadhyaya, respectively.  Economy, infrastructure system, demographical feature

 

and demands are the five pillars of self-reliant India’s initiative. Various reforms, like digital India, rational tax system, supply chain system for agriculture, capable human resource and strong financial system are some of the schemes along with Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative has been taken by the Modi Government in achieving the aim of self-reliance in a faster manner. It includes various measures aimed at both supply-side and demand-side interventions to boost economic growth and self-sufficiency. Digital India endeavour for digital empowerment in creating a knowledgeable society where people’s participation in policy formulation and governance of the welfare are given primacy."Atmanirbhar Bharat" aligns with the principles of sarvodaya by striving for self-reliance not just for a select few but for the entire nation. "Atmanirbhar Bharat" recognizes the importance of uplifting the last person in society by promoting economic self-reliance. By strengthening the domestic economy, generating employment, and reducing dependency on imports, the initiative aims to create opportunities and improve the lives of the most vulnerable segments of the population.It aims to empower every section of society by promoting domestic production, economic growth, and equitable access to resources.

 

Conclusion

Consequentialism remains a foundational concept in Utilitarianism and continues to be influential in ethics, moral philosophy, and decision-making discussions, particularly when evaluating the ethical implications of actions and policies based on their outcomes. Society and individual are made mutually dependent and responsible and complementary. In conclusion, while self-reliance and individual utilitarianism approach the pursuit of well-being from different angles, they converge in their shared commitment to individual welfare and the greater good. By fostering self-reliance that aligns with ethical considerations of maximizing overall happiness, individuals and societies work towards a harmonious balance that benefits both the self and the community.  Bentham's theory of utility was taken into consideration by our constitutional writers while crafting the Indian constitution, and Parliament uses it to inform policy decisions. Since each person is typically the best judge of his or her own welfare, theory of utility has generally supported democracy as a means of balancing the interests of the greatest individual liberty with those of others. They have also believed in the possibility and desirability of progressive social transformation through peaceful political procedures.

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Venkatesh @ Chandra v. State of Karnataka
2. 200th Law Commission Report On Trial By Media Free Speech And Fair Trial Under ...
3. Express Newspapers (Private) v. The Union Of India (Uoi) And Ors.

         At: https://www.livelaw.in/pdf_upload/387-venkatesh-chandra-v-state-of-karnataka-19-apr-2022-415274.pdf

               : https://indiankanoon.org/doc/42810882/

               : https://indiankanoon.org/doc/891756/

 

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[1]  Mill, John Stuart. 2014. “OF THE ULTIMATE SANCTION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF UTILITY.” Pp. 39–51 in Utilitarianism, Cambridge Library Collection - Philosophy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.