HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 18: Model Answer

Question: Explain the Gandhian concept of Sarvodaya with the help of examples from the lives of prominent personalities. .            8 marks (120 words)

Answer: 

INTRODUCTION

Sarvodaya means ‘progress of all’ or ‘Universal uplift’. Gandhi started this Sarvodaya movement, and people consider it an addition to his efforts in his non-violence movement. The main objective of this event was to establish a new India based on non-violence and love.

It is an intellectual and powerful movement to develop India’s socio, economic and moral independence.

Sarvodaya is the socio-political philosophy which emphasizes that an ideal society is one in which welfare of all living beings is ensured. It is not something which one man or set of men can gain or enjoy to the exclusion of others.

It implies the participation of people from all strata of the society irrespective of class, caste, creed and religion.

It also stands for the total blossoming of all the faculties – physical, mental and spiritual of the human being

MAIN BODY

The concept of Sarvodaya through life and lessons of prominent personalities

It was John Ruskin’s central teachings enlisted in his book titled ‘Unto This Last’ that were adopted by Gandhiji to build his conception of Sarvodaya. Therefore, the concept borrows heavily from Ruskin’s central teaching that the good of the individual is contained in the good of all.

Tolstoy’s simplicity of life and purity of purpose deeply influenced Gandhi’s conception of Sarvodaya.

Both Tolstoy and Gandhiji respected the instrument of love to solve all problems in their lives. Tolstoy gave great emphasis on the truth, love and non violence.

Gandhiji also, like Thoreau, held the view that democracy can be realised only in a stateless society and that government is best which governs the least.

Vinoba Bhave aimed to establish a casteless, classless and stateless society based on love and non-violence.

He aimed to eliminate the contemporary ruling system that is based on oppression and exploitation. To achieve this, he launched the Bhoodan movement through people’s participation rather than through government legislation.

• Sampoorna Kranti (Total Revolution) concept of Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) also dwells in the concept of Sarvodaya. As per his own words, “there is hardly any difference between sarvodaya and Total Revolution.

If there is any, then sarvodaya is the goal and Total Revolution the means.”

Conclusion

Although Sarvodaya was propounded as a social ideology, India’s immediate post independence circumstances led to transformation into a political doctrine. Its objective was eradication of social inequalities, which could be effectively addressed by political will and state machinery.