How mindful design, buddhist economics, and ethical reuse could challenge capitalist e-waste culture
I used to wonder — why don’t companies support custom firmware or software?
Why are they so against letting people use their phones with custom ROMs?
Eventually, I found my answer. It’s not really about technology — it’s about economics.
The word I want to highlight here is: capitalism.
Companies don’t want customers to reuse their old devices. Instead, they want people to keep buying new ones. Even when a new model offers only minor upgrades, they still push it with aggressive marketing and software updates — leaving older models behind.
They provide software support for a while, but never offer real hardware upgrades.
And when the software support stops, even a perfectly good phone becomes “useless” in the eyes of the market.
I’ve always questioned this:
If we keep doing this regularly, aren’t we wasting money?Aren’t we accelerating the exploitation of limited natural resources that will soon run out?
But what’s worse — we’re forcing the poorest people to stay aligned with modern tech demands, even if capitalism gives them nothing in return.
A person earning less than ₹300 a day is often pushed to buy a ₹15,000 smartphone on EMI — just to keep up with digital trends. And the sad part? That same person might already have a good phone, barely 1.5 years old. But the brand stopped updating its software — so now, it’s considered obsolete.
II often wonder why I have these kinds of thoughts — that we are wasting resources, and that they need to be used mindfully, at their proper peak, to truly serve humankind.
The main reason for this way of thinking is my religion — Buddhism. It shaped how I see the world.
From the very beginning, Buddhism was never centered around belief in a creator god, an eternal soul, or even rebirth as the main focus.
Instead, it focuses on something much more practical and urgent: the suffering of sentient beings (dukkha), its causes, and how to end it.
This cause-and-effect understanding — grounded in mindfulness, compassion, and moderation — gave me the lens to question overconsumption, waste, and inequality.
That’s why I began to ask myself: Why are we creating so much e-waste? Why are the poor being pressured into buying new devices every year?
It’s not a technical issue — it’s an economic one. And that’s where Buddhist economics comes in.
Until recently, I wasn’t aware that Buddhism had a concept of economics. But then I discovered that in many of the Jātaka tales and suttas, the Buddha emphasized how ethical economic choices could lead to societal well-being. One powerful example comes from the Cakkavatti Sīhanāda Sutta (DN 26), where the Buddha tells the story of a king who initially tries to punish thieves but fails to stop the decline of society. Eventually, a future king restores peace not through force, but by supporting people economically — distributing wealth and ensuring no one goes hungry. This is how he “turns the wheel of Dhamma,” showing that economic justice is central to moral leadership.
Likewise, the Sigālovāda Sutta (DN 31) teaches householders to use wealth wisely — spending, saving, investing, and sharing in balanced ways. The Ānana Sutta (AN 4.62) points out that freedom from debt and inner contentment are key to real happiness. And the Dīghajānu Sutta (AN 8.54) lays out practical guidance: work hard, protect wealth, choose good friends, and live ethically — for well-being now and in the future.
Later, I came across E.F. Schumacher’s concept of Buddhist Economics, presented in his book Small is Beautiful. He argued that an economy rooted in Buddhist values — like simplicity, non-violence, mindfulness, and sustainability — can provide real solutions to the damage caused by unchecked capitalism.
And that’s when it all made sense: the root of my thinking wasn’t just personal concern. It was deeply Buddhist. These values — caring for others, reducing suffering, and using resources wisely — weren’t just my upbringing, they were core to the Dhamma itself.
Unlike many other religions, where poverty is often seen as a result of one's past karma and something to be endured rather than changed — Buddhism offers a different perspective. The Buddha never glorified poverty nor said that one must suffer due to past actions. Instead, he emphasized ethical livelihood and encouraged people to improve their material condition through right means.
In Buddhism, being poor is not a spiritual virtue — it's a condition that can be transformed. The Buddha taught that wealth, when earned righteously and used mindfully, is a source of well-being for oneself, one’s family, and society. This gives real hope to those struggling, because it tells them: you deserve a good life, and you can build it — not in the next birth, but here and now.
🌱 The Tech Industry, E-Waste & Capitalist Overdrive
Today’s tech industry, especially the smartphone market, reflects capitalism’s relentless drive for profit. New models flood the market every year, often offering only minor upgrades — hyped more by marketing than actual necessity. Devices are intentionally designed to be harder to repair, software updates are cut off prematurely, and older hardware is quickly abandoned — all of which traps users in a cycle of forced obsolescence.
The result? Mountains of e-waste, toxic landfills, and exploitation of Earth's limited resources. According to studies, over 80–90% of smartphones end up as waste within 2–3 years, even though the hardware is capable of lasting much longer. While the solution to this may seem simple — reusing, repairing, and recycling — the current business model often makes this harder than it should be.
It’s not just about numbers or percentages — it’s basic logic: every device ever made will one day be retired, but how quickly and wastefully we cycle through them is what truly matters. Instead of maximizing the lifespan of our tools, we discard them far too soon, creating mountains of electronic waste, straining natural resources, and polluting ecosystems. The deeper issue isn't how many — but why we allow usable technology to become 'waste' long before its time.
But let’s be clear — this idea of reuse, sustainability, and long-lasting technology is not new. Technologists, activists, and open-source communities have been advocating it for years.
What I’m saying is:
Buddhism provides a deeply rooted ethical and psychological foundation that can make these ideas flourish.
Because while scientific thought can present solutions, only a worldview like Buddhism — which centers on non-attachment, mindful living, and reducing suffering — can inspire millions to internalize those solutions and live by them. Unlike many belief systems that view poverty or suffering as divine punishment or karma, Buddhism encourages people to work towards better material conditions, not just for themselves but for others too — through compassionate, ethical, and community-oriented choices.
In this way, Buddhist Economics doesn’t just present a model for governing or producing — it also reshapes the mindset of both consumers and creators. It teaches us that progress isn’t in producing more, but in producing meaningfully.
But there's something more we need to address. As consumers, we have the power to change how we interact with technology. Yet, companies often restrict this ability, particularly by locking bootloaders and hiding source code. Companies should embrace openness in their products, providing as much source code and access to device components as possible, such as the kernel, hardware abstraction layers (HALs), and if possible, bootloader and modem sources. This would not only support independent developers but also allow consumers to repair and customize their devices without limitations. The ability to unlock a bootloader and make use of custom ROMs or alternative operating systems shouldn’t be a luxury — it should be a right.
Yet, while we push for greater freedom and openness in the tech space, it's crucial to consider the broader implications of our actions.
🔧 Walking the Path: Custom ROMs, Community, and the Spirit of Reuse
This is where my personal journey in tech intersects with the values of Buddhist Economics.
As a developer and contributor to open-source ecosystems, I’ve spent years reviving and extending the life of so-called “dead” smartphones — devices that manufacturers have long abandoned, but which still have functional, usable hardware. Through custom ROMs like PostmarketOS, GerdaOS, and LineageOS, and various community-driven initiatives, I’ve helped old phones breathe again — giving them updated software, improved privacy, and better performance.
It’s not just about code — it’s about resisting a system that tells us we must throw away and consume endlessly.
Instead of chasing the latest model, we can reclaim what we already have. We can repair, repurpose, and reimagine our tools — which is not only practical but deeply mindful and compassionate, aligning with Buddhist teachings.
Some of the initiatives I’ve worked on include:
• 📱 Rudra A RDA Firmware Flashing Tool – Helping users back up and flash RDA firmware, extending the life of their devices.
• 🖥️ PostmarketOS for Intex Aqua Q1 – Bringing a full Linux desktop experience to aging smartphones.
• 📱 GerdaOS/Nokia Custom KaiOS for Jio Phones – Porting a custom version of KaiOS to Jio phones, unlocking their potential for greater usability.
• 🔓 Unlocking and Flashing Jio Phones – Enabling users to unlock and flash their Jio phones for better functionality and performance.
• 💻 crDroid for Karbonn Titanium Vista 4G – Developed and maintained an unofficial version of crDroid for the Karbonn Titanium Vista 4G (currently unavailable).
• 🛠️ MTK Kernel Patching – Enabling the flashing of TWRP on MTK devices by patching the kernel, and creating an accessible guide for users.
These aren’t just technical acts — they’re ethical choices. A Buddhist Economy, as envisioned by thinkers like E.F. Schumacher, is one where technology serves people, not profits. It’s an economy of right effort, right livelihood, and right intention — the kind of principles you’d find in the Noble Eightfold Path itself.
🌍 My Story of Ethics in Tech
When I unlocked the modem on Jio phones — allowing any SIM card to be used, bypassing the restrictions placed by the company — I faced a dilemma. Should I publish the patch and let people unlock their phones, knowing it would give them more freedom? Or should I consider the larger picture, the social impact on those who are receiving subsidies from companies like Jio?
Jio phones were initially sold for as low as ₹600, with the actual cost being around ₹1500. This was a subsidized price — the company sold phones at a loss, betting that they would recoup that through app usage, data plans, and recharges. The model was not just about selling phones; it was about offering affordable access to the internet and services to lower-income groups. For many, the Jio phone was a lifeline to better connectivity and opportunities.
If I had released the unlock patch, it would have allowed people to use different SIM cards, but at the same time, it could undermine Jio’s ability to sustain this model. For Jio, the locked phones were a part of their strategy to subsidize costs and offer low-cost devices, so they could provide cheap internet and services to people who otherwise couldn’t afford it.
As developers, we must consider the bigger picture. While it may seem empowering to unlock a phone or hack into a system, we must remember that companies like Jio also play a crucial role in enabling affordable technology for the masses. In this case, ethical hacking isn’t just about what benefits us as individuals; it's about weighing the social impact of our actions. Developers and reverse engineers should think about the supply chain and the people behind these products — the consumers who benefit from low-cost phones and services.
🧘♂️ A Buddhist Perspective on Ethics in Tech
In Buddhism, the principle of right livelihood encourages us to act in ways that don't cause harm to others. When we unlock devices or make modifications, we must consider how our actions may affect the broader society. Mindfulness in tech isn’t just about what’s best for us; it’s about what’s best for everyone.
Buddhist economics would advocate for solutions that consider the well-being of all — including the vulnerable. We need to strike a balance between consumer freedom and corporate responsibility. Openness, repairability, and sustainability should be our goals. However, this should not come at the expense of the companies that are working to provide affordable access to technology for marginalized communities.
🌱 The Path Forward
If we are to align our technological development with the values of Buddhist Economics, we need to push for ethical openness and sustainability. It's not enough to simply demand that companies unlock bootloaders or make their software more transparent. We must also consider the impact of these actions on the people who rely on affordable, subsidized technology.
As consumers and developers, we can create a future where technology serves everyone — not just the wealthy, but the marginalized as well. Through mindfulness and ethical choices, we can contribute to a world where e-waste is minimized, resources are used sustainably, and technology helps bridge social gaps.
🔮 VeebhaOS: A Vision, Not Yet a Reality
Before anything else — let me be clear:
VeebhaOS does not exist yet. It’s not a finished OS, not even a public prototype. It’s a concept I’ve been thinking about deeply — a dream to revive and repurpose ultra-low-cost, non-touch feature phones into powerful microcomputing devices.
Due to very limited resources, lack of community interest in such hardware, and practical roadblocks, the project is currently stuck.
And maybe… it might never be published.
But that’s okay.
Because sometimes, sharing the idea is more important than shipping a product. VeebhaOS is more than code — it’s a philosophy of reuse, digital dignity, and making the most out of what we already have.
🧠 What If Feature Phones Could Become...
These humble phones — often costing less than ₹500 — already include incredible components:
• Keypad
• LCD screen
• Flashlight
• FM Radio 📻
• Bluetooth
• Motor Vibrator
• Speaker/Ringer
• Microphone
• Audio 3.5mm Jack
• Camera
• Modem
• MicroSD Card slot
• Processor
• Dual SIM slots
Now imagine converting them into:
• 🎮 Gamepad or USB game controller
• 🎛️ IoT Hub, Smart Home Controller, or Environmental Sensor
• 🔐 Offline Attendance System or Access Control Device
• 🔁 Bluetooth File Sharer, Debugging Tool, or Remote
• 🔒 Offline Communication Tool with text or VoIP
• 💰 Offline Payment Terminal
• 🧪 Educational Platform for learning embedded systems
• 📡 Network Diagnostics Tool, Signal Strength Logger
• 📦 USB-based Debug Tool, microSD File Manager, etc.
• 🔐 Low-power crypto miner (theoretical, but fascinating)
Not all of these are guaranteed to work. Some are dreams, some are possible, and some may turn into real tools — whether by me or others.
But at its core, the VeebhaOS idea embodies a shift in mindset:
From "discard" to "reclaim."
From “cheap trash” to “hidden treasure.”
From “planned obsolescence” to “planned resilience.”
🔧 Real-World Potential: From “Dead Bricks” to Digital Gold
People often call these old feature phones dead bricks — but let’s pause and actually think.
These devices may have just 4MB to 32MB of RAM, but they also have surprisingly capable CPUs — often better than what powered gaming consoles or personal computers in the ’90s. That’s not junk — that’s history-level horsepower waiting to be tapped.
🎮 Imagine This:
You can run retro games on these devices with minimal effort — think NES, early Java-based games, or even lightweight arcade engines. The hardware exists — we just need the right software stack.
🧍♂️ Or This:
Plug in a fingerprint scanner using USB power and a simple embedded driver. Suddenly, this “cheap” phone becomes a biometric attendance system. Schools, small factories, ration shops — all could benefit from a solution like that, built from what's already lying around.
🇮🇳 Why It Matters: A Made-in-India OS, Starting Small
VeebhaOS — as a dream — isn't just about reclaiming tech.
It’s about reclaiming digital sovereignty.
If we can build an entire new operating system tailored for these small, locked-down devices — even if just for a handful of models — we plant the seed of a truly indigenous tech movement.
And think beyond software:
If manufacturers add just a few GPIO pins or general-purpose connectors to these boards, we suddenly have:
• 🧠 A microcontroller + keypad + LCD combo
• 🔌 A power-efficient Raspberry Pi alternative
• 📡 A programmable, ultra-portable IoT platform
These phones — once discarded — can now compete in creativity with today’s most hyped DIY hardware kits.
🤔 A Word of Caution: When Innovation Meets the Market
As exciting as these ideas are, we must also stay mindful of market dynamics and unintended consequences.
One worry I personally carry is this:
What if, after projects like VeebhaOS or similar software emerge, manufacturers stop selling these devices at low prices?
That’s not far-fetched. If companies start realizing that cheap feature phones are being used for unintended — or even powerful — purposes, they might:
• Lock down more hardware or firmware (as we've seen in smartphones),
• Pull certain models from the market,
• Or hike prices to “protect” their ecosystem or subsidies.
It’s the classic tension between innovation and control.
As creators, hackers, or developers, we walk a fine line.
We must remain ethical, cautious, and rooted in community well-being — just as we do in open-source and Buddhist approaches to tech.
That’s why open discussions, transparency, and even collaborating with ethical manufacturers (or startups) matter so much. We need not just tech freedom, but also supply chain compassion.
🛠️ How You Can Get Involved
Whether you’re a developer, student, hobbyist, or someone curious about old tech — there’s a lot you can do to breathe new life into discarded devices. Let’s break it down:
📱 For Smartphones (Android-based)
• Converting Android to Linux-based Phones via PostmarketOS (pmOS)
Why am I highlighting pmOS? Because PostmarketOS supports older hardware better than its predecessors like Mobian. It’s lightweight, modular, and community-driven.
Even Google is slowly realizing the power of Linux — that’s why we’re now seeing "Linux on Android" features in newer Android versions.
• Use Custom ROMs like LineageOS, crDroid, or Resurrection Remix
This is the best starting point if you’re new to embedded hacking.
You can slowly learn to reverse engineer device trees, kernel drivers, HALs, and even vendor blobs to revive unsupported devices.
• Document Everything You Discover
Share your notes and processes on forums like XDA, 4PDA, or — better — your own blog.
That way, others searching for that exact chipset, panel driver, or bootloader flag can benefit from your findings.
🔘 For Keypad / "Dumb" Phones
These devices aren’t dumb — just misunderstood. Most run on efficient architectures like RDA, Spreadtrum, or older MediaTek chipsets, and they pack surprising features.
• You Can Run DOOM!
A developer managed to run Doom on a Spreadtrum-based phone — proving that these aren’t just relics.
→ GitHub: Doom on Spreadtrum
If you can run a game, you can build or port a small OS too.
• Start with Tools Like RUDRA
I built RUDRA — a tool to dump and flash firmware from RDA/Coolsand phones.
→ GitHub: RUDRA
You can build on top of this or create similar tools for Spreadtrum or MediaTek devices. It's a good way to contribute even without full OS builds.
• Port Other Minimal OSes
Try basic shells, lightweight GUIs, or even your own bootloader experiments. These devices can be surprisingly flexible if you gain UART access.
• Document Your Reverse Engineering Efforts
Example: This amazing article shows deep analysis of a Spreadtrum keypad phone — from PCB to bootloader:
→ Habr Article: Reverse Engineering a Feature Phone
Learn from them. Replicate. Adapt. Contribute your own logs and schematics to the community.
🌅 Conclusion: A New Dawn Through the Lens of Buddhism
VeebhaOS may never be released. But its idea — the spirit behind it — is alive.
In a world chasing faster, newer, shinier tech, the Buddhist path reminds us: progress doesn’t always mean more — sometimes it means better, simpler, more compassionate. A dead phone is not waste — it’s potential, waiting to be recognized with right effort, right view, and right intention.
This is not just about reviving hardware. It’s about reviving mindsets — from consumption to care, from disposal to dignity, from greed to gratitude.
Imagine a world where:
• A student in a village learns programming on a revived device.
• An old keypad phone becomes a meditation assistant or a local health monitor.
• Communities build, share, and repair — instead of compete and consume.
Buddhist Economics isn’t utopian — it’s deeply practical. It teaches us that technology should serve people, not control them. That innovation must be rooted in ethics, and that even in coding, patching, and flashing firmware — we walk a middle path.
Let VeebhaOS be not just an OS idea, but a symbol — of mindful tech, compassionate engineering, and localized innovation.
🛤️ What You Can Do — The Middle Path in Action
Whether you're a student, a developer, a thinker, or just curious about tech:
• 🛠️ Tinker with old phones instead of throwing them
• 📖 Share your findings — no matter how small
• 🧘 Build tools and systems with compassion in mind
• 🌱 Start with what you have — that’s the true essence of right effort
• 💬 Join conversations, forums, or even build your own micro-community
• 🧩 Even if you can’t finish your project — share the idea. Ideas grow when they’re free.
"The gift of truth excels all other gifts." — Dhammapada, Verse 354
Let us gift this truth: that even in an aging phone, there lies infinite potential — for learning, for healing, for transformation.
Let us walk this path. Together.
🕊️ Made in Bharat. Rooted in Dharma. A Step Towards a Compassionate Future.
💬 Feedback Is Welcome
I don’t expect everyone to agree with everything written here.
If you have a critique, a question, or even think this concept isn’t valid — I invite you to share it.
🧘♂️ I promise to listen with an open mind and respond with clarity.
Whether you're a skeptic or a supporter, your thoughts help refine this vision.
Let’s walk this middle path together — through dialogue, not debate.
Your insights are a gift — and as the Dhammapada says,
“The gift of truth excels all other gifts.”
By: @vixxkigoli
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