Kartikeya Sarabhai | Education, the Earth Charter and Gandhi’s Philosophy

Quick Overview The challenges of development in India have led Mr. Kartikeya Sarabhai to consider the role of education, especially in the aspect of communication. He attaches great importance to the invisible word “for” in the acronym “ESD,” and distinguishes “ESD” (Education for Sustainable Development) from “SDE” (Sustainable Development Education). When comparing Education for Sustainable Development with conventional education, Mr. Sarabhai highlights three features of the former: integration, critical thinking, and observation. In the same vein, the Earth Charter presents a holistic view, evokes consciousness, and calls for ethical thinking in addition to critical thinking. From an alternative perspective, the Earth Charter echoes Gandhian thinking as they both question human lifestyles and how societies are organised and managed. He comments on the linkages between Gandhi’s philosophy and the Earth Charter, drawing from the publication he was involved in putting together: Earth Charter & Gandhi – Towards a Sustainable World (2010).