South asian alternative in development perspective : a buddhist framework

Abstract

Professor of Public Administration, University of Dhaka. Failure of the ongoing development efforts philosophically based on the spirit of consumerism and individualism operating within the framework of center-periphery relationship in achieving the goal of development in most of the South Asian countries creates an urge for an alternative perspective of development suitable for South Asian societies .Since Buddhism had a glorious heritage in human and social development of this part of the globe and still, despite all religious differences,it has enormous normative influence on social values and culture, in this paper attempts have been made to develop an alternative development perspective based on Buddhism .Theoretical framework of development has been constructed from the Four NobleTtruths and Silas and the Institutional Basis from Trisharanas and Primoksha that uphold the notions of decentralization,participation and accountability, all are directed towards a sacrifice oriented integrative development, quite different from consumerist and individualistic perspective.