Mohandas K. Gandhi was a sharp critic of the 1947 partition of British India that created two independent states of India and Pakistan, believing that partition politics, rooted in the psychology of othering, would turn South Asia into a near permanent conflict zone. His apprehension was not without basis. The psychology of othering that engendered partition continues to manifest itself in multiple ways, including, but not limited to, interstate wars and communal violence. It permeates not only politics at a higher level but also everyday life. In exploring partition and post-partition developments in South Asia in this interdisciplinary work, Mahapatra and Shekhawat argue for a Gandhian approach to transform the conflict landscape in South Asia. The authors illustrate how Gandhian principles of multicultural belonging and pluralism are key to resolving conflicts, not just in South Asia but across the world. Beyond Othering is a timely and relevant contribution to the discourse on conflict resolution, making it essential reading for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in peacebuilding in the region and beyond.

Indian philosopher, poet, mystic and Yogi, Sri Aurobindo, argued that human society has evolved throughout history and is destined to move towards better organization of life. Applying his ideas to problems confronting the world today, this collection presents an in-depth exploration of Aurobindo's evolutionary philosophy and Integral Yoga. Written by an international team of scholars and practitioners, each chapter takes a theoretical aspect of Sri Aurobindo's philosophy, positions it alongside policy debates on the individual and the state and explains its practical and educational benefits. Contributors discuss his vision of unity in diversity, shed light on his poetry and offer a comprehensive view of his concept of ethics as well as his metaphysics of consciousness. They examine his contribution to the Indian response to post-Enlightenment modernity and reveal how his philosophy illuminates some of the fundamental problems of our times, offering possible solutions. By presenting the first sustained discourse between Sri Aurobindo and the contemporary world, this collection addresses the relevance of his philosophy for everyday life and highlights the lasting work of this important 20th-century Indian thinker.

The book revisits Gandhi in this era of turbulence. As rigidly held notions and practices fall to pieces, and as mechanisms of violence and politicking fail, Gandhi comes to picture. If Gandhi could change the course of history, there must be elements in his thought and action, which need re-examination for the benefit of human society. This collection of essays seeks to address the question: Is it possible to generate Gandhian optimism and faith in truth and nonviolence in the contemporary world? It argues that there is a need for sustained efforts to make an in-depth study of Gandhian principles to address global problems. The book is a useful addition to the literature in political science and international relations, economics, history, sociology, conflict and peace studies, and a guide for the advocates of peaceful means of conflict resolution.

This book examines the link between sensual austerity and moral leadership-a topic largely neglected in contemporary academic scholarship and public policy-by exploring the comparative cross-cultural perspectives of Plato, Confucius, and Gandhi, on this theme. Despite the diverse cultural contexts that gave rise to their respective philosophical perspectives, they shared similar views on what might constitute a universal and perennial basis for individual moral development in any harmonious political order. They all agreed that sensual austerity is necessary for the realization of a flourishing society and political culture: recognizing that control over sensual desire is both a vehicle for individual moral self-cultivation and social-political progress. Sensual austerity is thus an essential aspect of any morally governed person, institution, state, or society. The book also argues that further examination of this theme may assist scholars and policymakers in developing more peaceful and harmonious national and global communities.

This book examines the link between sensual austerity and moral leadership-a topic largely neglected in contemporary academic scholarship and public policy-by exploring the comparative cross-cultural perspectives of Plato, Confucius, and Gandhi, on this theme. Despite the diverse cultural contexts that gave rise to their respective philosophical perspectives, they shared similar views on what might constitute a universal and perennial basis for individual moral development in any harmonious political order. They all agreed that sensual austerity is necessary for the realization of a flourishing society and political culture: recognizing that control over sensual desire is both a vehicle for individual moral self-cultivation and social-political progress. Sensual austerity is thus an essential aspect of any morally governed person, institution, state, or society. The book also argues that further examination of this theme may assist scholars and policymakers in developing more peaceful and harmonious national and global communities.

Mohandas K. Gandhi was a sharp critic of the 1947 partition of British India that created two independent states of India and Pakistan, believing that partition politics, rooted in the psychology of othering, would turn South Asia into a near permanent conflict zone. His apprehension was not without basis. The psychology of othering that engendered partition continues to manifest itself in multiple ways, including, but not limited to, interstate wars and communal violence. It permeates not only politics at a higher level but also everyday life. In exploring partition and post-partition developments in South Asia in this interdisciplinary work, Mahapatra and Shekhawat argue for a Gandhian approach to transform the conflict landscape in South Asia. The authors illustrate how Gandhian principles of multicultural belonging and pluralism are key to resolving conflicts, not just in South Asia but across the world. Beyond Othering is a timely and relevant contribution to the discourse on conflict resolution, making it essential reading for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in peacebuilding in the region and beyond.

Indian philosopher, poet, mystic and Yogi, Sri Aurobindo, argued that human society has evolved throughout history and is destined to move towards better organization of life. Applying his ideas to problems confronting the world today, this collection presents an in-depth exploration of Aurobindo’s evolutionary philosophy and Integral Yoga. Written by an international team of scholars and practitioners, each chapter takes a theoretical aspect of Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy, positions it alongside policy debates on the individual and the state and explains its practical and educational benefits. Contributors discuss his vision of unity in diversity, shed light on his poetry and offer a comprehensive view of his concept of ethics as well as his metaphysics of consciousness. They examine his contribution to the Indian response to post-Enlightenment modernity and reveal how his philosophy illuminates some of the fundamental problems of our times, offering possible solutions. By presenting the first sustained discourse between Sri Aurobindo and the contemporary world, this collection addresses the relevance of his philosophy for everyday life and highlights the lasting work of this important 20th-century Indian thinker.