Empowering Through Education: Gandhi's Swadeshi Principle and the Path to Self-Reliance

Abstract

Background and Aims: Gandhi's Swadeshi principle and path to self-reliance emphasize the importance of economic independence and local sustainability, advocating for a self-sufficient society based on local production and practical education. This approach promotes economic stability and empowers communities by focusing educational practices on their immediate needs and resources. This paper aims to explore how Gandhi’s educational philosophy fostered self-reliance.

Methodology: The methodology used in this paper combines primary sources, such as Gandhi's writings and historical records, with secondary analyses to investigate his educational philosophy. The study uses documentary and qualitative content analysis to thoroughly examine how Gandhi's Swadeshi principles were applied in education and their long-term impact. This approach provides valuable insights into Gandhi's vision of empowerment through education, as well as its practical applications and long-term relevance.

Results: the finding found that Gandhi's educational philosophy, founded on the Swadeshi principle, transformed learning by combining self-reliance and local sustainability with academic and vocational training. This approach is still relevant today, advocating for education that integrates theory, practical skills, and local context. Gandhi's influence exemplifies how education combined with self-reliance and community development can lead to significant social and economic advancement.

Conclusion: The findings show that Gandhi's educational philosophy, founded on the Swadeshi principle, innovatively combined self-reliance with practical training, resulting in a model of education that is still relevant today. His approach emphasizes the transformative power of combining theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and local needs to drive social and economic progress.