Third way

by Dattopant Thengadi

In the background of the withering of communism and the imminent collapse of capitalism, time is ripe for exploring a more universally acceptable ‘Third Way’. Several leading thinkers like Peter Drucker and Paul Samuelson have – though guardedly – predicted that capitalism in its present form may not survive beyond the first quarter of the next century. However, the collapse of these systems cannot automatically usher in a superior world-order. Evolving a ‘Third Way’ desiderates a vast amount of preparatory work at both the intellectual and organisational levels. To pave the way for such exploration is the purpose of the essays and lectures compiles in this volume.

Genres: India

283 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[animesh jain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought provoking book giving a counter narrative to communism and capitalism.A new approach based on Sanatan dharma is talked about.
With the fall of communism and downslide of capitalism the world is looking for a new inclusive approach. Hindu thought of economics,governance and structure of society is talked about in depth, quoting revered economists and Indian thinkers Sri Aurobindo,guru Golwalkar ,B.R Ambedkar.
Book talks about the vast difference between westernisation and modernisation and how they are approached to be the same.
Men as an economical animal vs men as a spiritual being.
Rape of nature vs milking of nature.
Consumerism vs Sacrifice.
Vedic principle of 'All is one'.
Swadeshi Jagaran or Self reliance.
are some of the distinction between western approach and Hindu approach.
It's the time for Hindu Rashtra and Sanatan dharma to rise to it's full glory once again to the state of 'Param Vaibhavam' and play the role of 'Jagat guru' to save the mankind from devastation.

[Lasic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting views.

[Hemant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Philosophy of capitalism and communism is discussed. The reasons for their development and their effects are also covered. The book was published around 1994 and at that time communism was on decline and capitalism appeared to fail too in next two decades. Hence the author wished to initiate a dialogue to start the search for a 'Third Way', hence the name. Author refers at world's leading intellectuals (economists) writings too. He proposes that the third way should come from Indian civilisation, where the conceptualisation of men is not merely materialistic. Also the author says, the Indian or Sanaatan world view is not anthropocentric and hence can bridge the various problems facing humanity today such as environmental degradation on one hand and development at the environment's cost on other, profit making and ownership of capitalists and the safe-guarding of workers' rights by communists, etc. The book's aim is to initiate a discussion to find the third way and does not give a full-fledged theory of this third way, though it provides only few basic points of what this theory will look like. I quite liked the appendix-I 'On Revolutions'.

[Utkrisht Fella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A seminal work that challenges the ideological monopoly of both capitalism and communism, The Third Way by Dattopant Thengadi is a deeply intellectual and culturally rooted vision for Bharat’s economic and socio-political future.

Unlike Western models that see society primarily through materialistic or class lenses, Thengadi ji articulates a path grounded in dharma, swadeshi ethos, and integral humanism. Drawing heavily from the philosophical foundations of Sanatan Dharma and thinkers like Deendayal Upadhyay, he presents a civilizationally appropriate framework that is neither exploitative nor utopian.

What sets this book apart is its clarity of thought and unapologetic assertion that Bharat must evolve its own indigenous model. One that preserves social harmony, respects nature, and upholds spiritual and moral values alongside economic development.

While the writing is dense and assumes familiarity with nationalist and philosophical thought, the intellectual depth is undeniable. This is not a light read but it is a necessary one for anyone serious about India’s policy discourse, economic independence, or cultural revival.

A must-read for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and students of Indian political thought who believe that true progress lies in self-defined, rooted frameworks rather than borrowed templates.