Gandhi's critique of development was deeply rooted in his moral and ethical vision, emphasizing human well-being over material accumulation. He questioned the conventional notion of development, which equates progress with industrialization, urbanization, and economic growth measured solely through production and consumption metrics. For Gandhi, the Western model of development often led to social inequality, environmental degradation, and the erosion of cultural and spiritual values. He argued that true development must be assessed not only in material terms but also in terms of its impact on the moral and social fabric of society. A central aspect of Gandhi’s critique was his emphasis on economic self-reliance at the local level, encapsulated in his concept of *Swadeshi*. He believed that large-scale industrialization often disempowered