Why Kerala is a model of sustainable development?

Kerala is a small state found in southern India and it is regarded as the poorest state in India. The poor state of Kerala is greatly attributed by the large population of 29 million people in the state, with its annual per capital income estimated to be at $ 298 and $350. According to a survey which was conducted in one typical village in the state by an American anthropologist in the 1980’s, it was found out that majority of the families had only basic households appliances such as a wooden bench, a table, few stools, some chairs with cots and cooking utensils.

However, not all families had possessed such commodities since there were those households that lacked beds and even chairs. The gap between the poor people in Kerala and the well of in society is so big with only a few people owning the basic commodities. Demographically Kerala is only compared to a seventh of America’s average economy in terms of its development. In sum Kerala is regarded as the most densely populated state in southern India with a stagnant economy which is believed to be out of control.

Nevertheless, Kerala is so unique in that it is compared with developed nations such as North America in terms of life expectancy whereby the life expectancy of a Keralite male is 70 years, while that of Northern America is 72 years. The state has also managed its large population, where it has provided basic needs and equally distributed the resources to the people, thereby enhancing literacy and decent lifestyles. Despite its poor state, Kerala has far exceeded many nations of its comparable income especially African countries, in terms of providing basic necessities to its people. According to development experts, in 1981 Kerala was ranked higher than Africa and was compared to South Korea’s scores in terms of development and providing decent human life. This explains why Kerala is used as a perfect model of sustainable development since it has been able to conquer all the odds and improve its status.

Hardin’s thesis on the tragedy of the Commons

According to Garrett Hardin’s believes and declarations, technical solutions to problems are always welcomed and this he strongly supports his argument by stating false prophecies that have failed to convincingly prove a point. This he says is due to the lack of courage by the previous prophecies to ascertain that a desired technical solution cannot be achieved. Hardin’ argument is that people should always have positive attitude when faced with problems so as to provide solutions to those problems.

However, Hardin’s believes that those problems that affect the population have no technical solutions unlike those personal problems. He proclaims that individuals anguish over population problems while trying to avoid overpopulation thus overlooking and missing out on a lot of privileges. His argument is that individuals do not have the power to control population problems therefore they should focus on solving technical problems that affect them directly rather than trying to solve problems that are out of their control.

One the argument of Hardin’s is that appears to be more logical is the fact that technical solutions are always possible and achievable. People should have positive attitudes and refrain from giving up on those problems that they encounter. At least on this fact Hardin encourages individuals by proving that technical solutions are achievable. However, I tend to disagree with Hardin’s proclamation that population problems do not have technical solutions. It is through individual efforts that some of the population problems are solved. Cooperation between different individuals helps to solve those population problems in the society.

Reference

Hardin, Garrett. The Tragedy of the Commons. 13 December 1968. 6 7 2011 <http://www.garretthardinsociety.org/articles/art_tragedy_of_the_commons.html>.