Vinoba Bhave

Abstract

Truth and non-violence are the essence of Vinoba Bhave’s ideas. His contribution to the history of the non-violent movement remains significant, and it must be noted that his movement rekindled faith in the non-violence and human values Gandhi advocated. It presented an alternative to violence and a vision of a non-violent society. It raised important questions regarding the inequality prevalent in Indian society. Bhave saw the land as the gift of God, like air, water, sky, and sunshine. He connected science with spirituality and the autonomous village with the world movement. He regarded the power of the people superior to the power of the State. Many of his ideas remain relevant and inspiring in the strife-ridden modern times. This chapter familiarises the readers with the life and works of Vinoba Bhave, the great Gandhian follower and first individual saty?grahi. The reader will get an insight into Bhave’s philosophy; the concepts of Bhudan and Gramdan; and his views on education, Hinduism, peace, and non-violence. The reader will also be acquainted with Bhave’s association with Gandhi; his role in the freedom struggle; his social-political thought; and his ideas on sarvodaya, democracy, and the party system.