Explain Idea of Trusteeship as expounded by Gandhi.

Gandhi's idea of trusteeship was a socio-economic concept rooted in his philosophy of nonviolence, compassion, and moral responsibility. He proposed trusteeship as a way to address the inherent inequalities of wealth and power in society while promoting social justice and harmony.

According to Gandhi, individuals who possess wealth and resources should not consider them as personal possessions to be hoarded or exploited for selfish gain. Instead, they should act as trustees, managing their wealth in the service of society and the common good. Gandhi believed that wealth was not inherently evil but rather a trust given to individuals by society, and therefore it should be used responsibly and ethically.

In the framework of trusteeship, wealthy individuals were expected to voluntarily renounce excessive accumulation of wealth and adopt a simpler lifestyle, sharing their resources with those in need. At the same time, workers and laborers were encouraged to take pride in their work and contribute their skills and labor for the betterment of society.

Gandhi envisioned trusteeship as a voluntary and cooperative arrangement based on mutual respect and trust between the rich and the poor. He rejected coercive measures or state intervention in wealth redistribution, advocating instead for moral persuasion and individual conscience.

The idea of trusteeship aimed to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, foster a sense of social solidarity, and promote economic justice without resorting to class warfare or violent revolution. Gandhi believed that trusteeship could transform the relationship between capital and labor, fostering cooperation and goodwill between different sections of society.

While Gandhi's concept of trusteeship was not fully realized in his lifetime, it continues to inspire discussions on economic ethics, social responsibility, and equitable development. Gandhi's emphasis on the ethical use of wealth and the primacy of human values over material possessions remains relevant in addressing contemporary challenges of inequality, poverty, and sustainability.