The recent anniversary of Acharya Vinoba Bhave’s birth was marked by rich tributes from the Indian Prime Minister. Known as a prominent social reformer, a disciple of Mahatma Gandhi, and the founder of the Bhoodan Yajna or Land-Gift Movement, Bhave holds a significant place in India’s history. Here, we delve into his life, his works, and his enduring legacy.
Early Life and Influence of Mahatma Gandhi
Born on 11th September 1895 in Gagode, Bombay Presidency, now in Maharashtra, Vinayak Narahari Bhave was the eldest of Narahari Shambhu Rao and Rukmini Devi’s children. His mother’s spirituality had a profound impact on him, inspiring him to read ‘The Gita’.
Bhave was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles and ideologies, viewing him as both a political and spiritual guru. In 1916, he abandoned his high school studies to join Gandhi’s ashram at Sabarmati, near Ahmedabad, leading him on a path of austerity dedicated to improving Indian village life.
Role in India’s Freedom Struggle
Bhave actively participated in non-cooperation movements and promoted the use of Swadeshi goods over foreign imports. In 1940, Gandhi selected him as the first Individual Satyagrahi against British Raj in India. Throughout the 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s, Bhave faced several imprisonments for leading nonviolent resistance to British rule, earning him the honorific title of acharya, meaning “teacher”.
Contributions to Social Work
Bhave dedicated his life to combating social evils such as inequality. Drawing from Gandhi’s example, he advocated for populations referred to as Harijans by Gandhi. He championed the term Sarvodaya, meaning “Progress for All”, and implemented several programs in the 1950s under the Sarvodaya movement, primarily the Bhoodan Movement.
The Bhoodan Movement
In 1951, Bhave launched the Bhoodan Movement, inspired by a request from the Harijans of Pochampalli village in Telangana for 80 acres of land. After hearing their plea, he urged local landlords to donate land, leading to an unprecedented voluntary land-gift movement. Over 13 years, Bhave traveled across the country, collecting approximately 4.4 million acres of land, with about 1.3 million subsequently distributed among poor, landless farmers. This movement earned global admiration as a unique experiment in voluntary social justice.
Religious Work and Literature
Bhave actively contributed to religious discourse. In 1923, he published ‘Maharashtra Dharma’, a monthly Marathi containing his essays on the Upanishads. He also established several ashrams promoting a simple, luxury-free lifestyle focused on spirituality, along with Brahma Vidya Mandir in 1959, a self-sufficient women’s community based on Gandhi’s teachings. His literary works include ‘Swarajya Sastra’, ‘Geeta Pravachane’, and ‘Teesri Shakti’ or The Third Power.
Death and Posthumous Recognition
Bhave passed away in 1982 in Wardha, Maharashtra, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. In recognition of his contributions, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1983. In 1958, Bhave became the first international figure to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award, another testament to his impactful life and work.