Acharya Vinoba Bhave, a prominent figure in modern Indian history, is celebrated for his instrumental role in India’s freedom struggle and remarkable social reform initiatives. His birth anniversary, recently commemorated by India’s Prime Minister, gives us the opportunity to delve into his life and contributions.
Early Life and Spiritual Orientation
Vinayak Narahari Bhave, known as Acharya Vinoba Bhave, was born on 11th September 1895 in Gagode, Bombay Presidency (now Maharashtra). As the eldest son of Narahari Shambhu Rao and Rukmini Devi, he devoted his life to nonviolence activism, social reform, and spiritual teachings, inspired particularly by Mahatma Gandhi, with whom he shared a profound bond.
A Lifelong Bond with Gandhi
Vinoba first met Gandhi on 7th June 1916 and willingly embraced a life of austerity at Gandhi’s Ashram. His association with Gandhi greatly influenced his philosophies and commitments towards improving Indian village life. On 8th April 1921, Vinoba moved to Wardha to oversee a Gandhi-ashram there. He also disseminated his interpretations of the Upanishads through his Marathi monthly publication, `Maharashtra Dharma’.
Active Role in India’s Struggle for Freedom
With dedication to Gandhi’s principles of non-cooperation and swadeshi, Vinoba actively participated in the freedom movement. Encouraging the production and use of Khadi, he was imprisoned for six months in 1932 on accusations of conspiracy against British rule. Even in confinement, he continued his philosophic pursuit, delivering lectures on the ‘Bhagwad Gita’ which were later published.
Vinoba Bhave: Social Reformer
Vinoba Bhave’s role as a social reformer deeply impacted India’s post-independence sociopolitical structure. He fought against social inequality and strove for ‘Sarvodaya’, meaning ‘Progress for All’. The Bhoodan Movement, one of the key initiatives of the Sarvodaya plan, was started by Vinoba in 1951 as a peace-trek through the violence-stricken Telangana region.
The Bhoodan Movement
The Bhoodan Movement, which lasted for thirteen years, began when Vinoba urged landlords to donate land to the impoverished Harijans of Pochampalli village. The movement gathered momentum and covered a distance of about 58,741 Km across the country. Approximately 4.4 million acres of land were collected, of which around 1.3 million acres were distributed among the poor and landless farmers.
Acharya: A Spiritual Leader and Advocate of Simple Living
Bhave established several ashrams promoting an austere lifestyle concentrated on spiritual values. In 1959, he founded Brahma Vidya Mandir, a self-sufficient community for women, following Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals. He also protested vehemently against cow slaughter, vowing to fast until it was banned across India.
Literary Contributions
Alongside his socio-political and spiritual endeavors, Bhave authored significant works such as ‘Swarajya Sastra’, ‘Geeta Pravachane’, and ‘Teesri Shakti or The Third Power’. These publications reflect his profound thoughts and philosophies.
Awards, Recognition and Death
Acharya Vinoba Bhave was honored with several awards, including the international Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 1958, and posthumously with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1983. He passed away in 1982 in Wardha, Maharashtra, but his teachings and values continue to inspire generations.