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What is Sarvodaya?

“The good of the individual is contained in the welfare of all.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Introduction


Sarvodaya is a Sanskrit phrase that means "universal uplift" or "progress for everyone." Mohandas Gandhi coined the word as the title of his 1908 translation of John Ruskin's treatise on political economics, "Unto This Last," and Gandhi began to use the term to describe the objective of his political philosophy. Later Gandhians, such as Indian non - violence leader Vinoba Bhave, adopted the phrase as a label for the post-independence Indian social movement that sought to guarantee that self-determination and equality reached all strata of Indian society.


Objectives


The Sarvodaya Movement's goal is to develop a network of such self-sustaining village communities. Family connections, which are now restricted to blood groups, will be expanded to encompass the whole village, with differences based on race, creed, caste, language, and so on being fully removed. Agriculture will be organised in such a way that everyone will have enough to eat. The industry will be pursued on a small scale until all of the villagers are gainfully engaged. The requirements of the community will be defined by the people themselves, via the Village Council, which will be representative of the whole village.

Principles:


  • There is no centralized government.


  • Politics will no longer be a tool of power, but rather a tool or service, and Rajneeti will give way to Lokneeti.


  • The spirit of love, brotherhood, truth, nonviolence, and self-sacrifice will pervade all people. Nonviolence will be the foundation of society.

  • There will be no party system or majority control, and society will be free of the evil of majority tyranny. Gandhi is an anarchist, which he calls Ramrajya.


  • The Sarvodaya society is built on the principles of equality and liberty. There is no space for unhealthy competitiveness, exploitation, or class animosity.


  • Sarvodaya stands for the advancement of everyone. Everyone should conduct their work and adhere to the concept of non-possession. Then the objective of: from everyone according to his effort and each according to his needs will be realized.


  • There will be no private property, private property serves as a weapon of exploitation and a cause of social divisions and animosity. Similarly, the profit incentive will vanish, as will rent and interest.

Conclusion


Gandhi Ji's Sarvodaya model seems idealistic and impractical, raising questions about its viability as a principle for governing society. Gandhi Ji emphasizes just one part of human nature, which is cooperative, while ignoring another side, which is atomistic and self-centered, rendering his idea flawed.


Though there are certain flaws, we must strive to implement some of his ideas, such as cooperation, peace, and compassion for everyone at our own individual level at least. Preamble mentions Fraternity i.e, brotherhood.

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