Courtesy: Alex Jensen
The need to build ‘alternative’ economic systems that can enable people to lead spiritually fulfilling lives was the focus of discussions at the ‘Economics of Happiness' conference held in Bangalore. The answer, many believe, lies in strengthening local, community-based economies
Courtesy: Alex Jensen
At a recent conference on the ‘Economics of Happiness’ in Bangalore, opponents of globalisation outlined a vision of an economic system rooted in community, localisation and fairness. However, convincing everyone to think beyond GDP growth and look at harmonious “intelligent growth” will be a challenge
Courtesy: Tom Maisey/Wikimedia Commons
The new Companies Act makes it mandatory for all listed Indian companies to contribute 2% of their annual net profits towards corporate social responsibility. Robust participation through CSR has the potential for socio-economic change, but innovative ideas are needed to ensure it is effective and widespread
Courtesy: Ministry of External Affairs, India
In 'India-Latin America Engagements', the Latin America Desk at Gateway House presents a selection of news of India’s engagement with the region during the previous month
Courtesy: Arian Zwegers/Flickr
If the violence in Syria shifts focus to Damascus, the destruction will be incalculable. Damascus is one of the oldest cities in the world, a cultural and religious centre. It is a collective heritage. Forces on both sides, led by the U.S. and Russia, must get all parties to declare Damascus a weapons-free zone
The Ramayana is multiple narratives, recreated over time, as the story has passed from teller to listener and from place to place. There is no singular text. With the recent decision to withdraw Wendy Doniger’s book, it is time to once again ask: what is the Ramayana? How can it inspire us to counter intolerance?
Gateway House and Sabarmati Ashram hosted a dialogue on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary. The topic of the dialogue was Trusteeship, a Gandhian ideal and how it needs to be looked at as a basis for addressing problems related to environmental distress and income disparities
Courtesy: Pete Souza/Flickr
U.S. President Barack Obama's fifth State of the Union address where he set out America's social and economic agenda fails to take into account certain realities. Hal Bergold blogs
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In 'Latin America Update' Gateway House lists some of the important events in Latin America over the past month
Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
The death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, election of President Michelle Bachelet in Chile, reforms in Mexico and the legalisation of cannabis in Uruguay have implications for the Latin American region. Gateway House examines how these will shape the region’s politics and economy in the coming years