Trusteeship: Gandhian Approach to Reconceptualize Social Responsibility and Sustainability

In this chapter, we explore the relevance of Gandhi’s concept of Trusteeship in contemporary society. Trusteeship is a moral and practical theory introduced by Gandhi to promote a just and equitable society, where resources and capabilities are utilized for the betterment of all members rather than for individual self-interest. Trusteeship is based on the principles of Aparigraha (nonpossession), Ahimsa (nonviolence), and Swaraj (self-rule/restraint), which prioritize the needs of society over individual greed and competition. The chapter discusses how Trusteeship can be applied to commoning, where material and ecological concerns are balanced in resource-constrained communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a rethinking of humanity’s relationship with the planet. We suggest that Trusteeship could be a viable alternative to the existing dominant development paradigm as it emphasizes the moral responsibility of individuals to act as trustees rather than the true owners of their wealth and use their resources for the common good. Relatedly, we propose that Trusteeship may provide a way forward for humanity to recognize the importance of commoning for our planet and its resources.