उपभोक्तावाद की मुक्ति में हैं निरापद आर्थिक विकास

Summary

The text discusses consumerism, describing it as an imbalance between the desire for consumption and available resources, driven by greed and selfishness. It argues that while science and technology have provided comfort, they have also made humans dependent and possessive over nature. Consumerism is defined as the indiscriminate consumption of goods without consideration of right or wrong, leading to a culture of waste. The text presents arguments for consumerism, such as it driving economic growth through increased production, employment, and income, citing India's rise in gross national product from 40,454 crore rupees in 1950-51 to 258,465 crore rupees in 1996-97, and per capita income from 1,126 to 2,761 rupees. However, it counters that this has increased economic inequality, centralization of wealth, and class conflict. It criticizes the focus on profit over ethical means, leading to crimes like theft and corruption. The text claims consumerism causes mental and physical ailments like stress, hypertension, and obesity, and fosters cutthroat competition, dividing society into classes. It cites data on the United States, noting 9 million people suffer from mental disorders, high crime rates, and family breakdowns, with divorce rates doubling between 1960 and 1996. In India, it states 40 crore people live below the poverty line, 80 percent of families struggle, and many lack basic amenities like toilets and adequate housing. The text concludes that consumerism is a curse, eroding human values like compassion and cooperation.