Question – Explain the concept of the word “Sarvodaya” with the help of examples from the lives of prominent personalities. – 5 February 2022
Answer – Sarvodaya is the socio-political philosophy which emphasizes that an ideal society is one in which welfare of all living beings is ensured.
The word Sarvodaya means ‘universal upliftment’ or ‘progress of all’. It is noteworthy that this theory was inspired by John Ruskin’s book on political economy ‘Unto this last’. Sarvodaya wants to establish such a classless, casteless and exploitation free society, in which every individual and group can easily get the means and opportunities for their all-round development. Sarvodaya wants to create a society in which there is neither destruction nor exclusion of any community on the basis of caste, varna, class, religion, caste, language etc.
The construction of Sarvodaya Samaj will be such that it works for the benefit of all with the creation and power of all. In which people with less or more physical ability get equal protection of society, and everyone is considered entitled to equal remuneration.
Concept of Sarvodaya through Life and Lessons of ‘Prominent Personality’
- It was the central teachings of John Ruskin listed in his book ‘Unto This Last’ which Gandhiji adopted to formulate the concept of Sarvodaya.
- Tolstoy’s “simplicity of life” and “purity of purpose” deeply influenced Gandhi’s concept of Sarvodaya. Tolstoy and Gandhi both respected “love” as the means to solve all problems in their lives. Tolstoy laid great emphasis on truth, love and non-violence.
- Gandhi, like Thoreau, was of the view that democracy can be realized only in a stateless society and that government is best that “rules” the least.
- Vinoba Bhave’s aim was to establish a casteless, classless and stateless society based on love and non-violence. His aim was to end the contemporary system of governance based on oppression and exploitation. To achieve this, he started the Bhoodan movement through people’s participation rather than through government legislation.
- Sampoorna Kranti concept of Jayaprakash Narayan also dwells in the concept of Sarvodaya. As per his own words, “there is hardly any difference between sarvodaya and Sampoorna Kranti. If there is any, then sarvodaya is the goal and Total Revolution the means.”
In this, Dr. Lohia’s ‘Sapta Krantis’, Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan’s ‘Chaukhamba State’, Marx’s ‘classless system’, Gandhi’s ‘Ram Rajya’ and Savarkar-Hedgewar’s ‘Hindu Rashtra’ are seen. In this, by changing the social system, love and non-violence get a place. In this, by not distinguishing between “end-means” like Marx, Non-violence, love, harmony, friendship have a paramount place to achieve the goal.
Gandhiji had said, “I do not want to leave any sect or sect behind me.” This is the reason that today Sarvodaya has become synonymous with a capable life, a complete life, and a complete life.
Although Sarvodaya was propounded as a social ideology, the circumstances in the immediate aftermath of India’s independence transformed it into a political theory. Its aim was the eradication of social inequalities, which could be effectively addressed by political will, and the state machinery.