ndhi and Sarvodaya – Panchayati Raj

Ga

In Harijanbandhu - a publication by Mahatma Gandhi – on 18/01/1948, Gandhi-ji had written about Panchayati Raj. According to him true purpose of Panchayati Raj was to empower last man in the queue. He said that smallest Indian (meaning an Indian who is impoverished – destitute and powerless) should have same rights as that of elite. Every Indian has to become pure (pure probably had very versatile meaning for Gandhiji).

He believed that pureness means being away from Cast, creed, color. He believed pureness to be synonym of love – one who gives love to all. He believed pureness means not considering anybody untouchable (India had history of untouchables where some elite considered others to be untouchables). To a pure Indian, according to Gandhi – both worker and owners were on same footing. Pureness is keeping away from wine and other narcotics. Pureness to Gandhiji was fidelity to spouse. Fidelity meant to him not fidelity in actions but fidelity in mind. Pureness to Gandhiji meant total non-violence.

My Interpretation:

Interpretation may vary from one person to another. Hence, there is no doubt that my interpretation may be materially different.

One thing is certain, when we read stuff like this – like talking about fidelity, equality – we feel that these are propositions fit to be forgotten with books in which they are written. Many of us may feel it is a waste of time to give a thought to these things.

Yet, when we work in our workplace, courts, government offices and all such places, we probably run for equality. Some more successful and established make out ways by which - they push others down the line to make more space for them at cost of others.

Nature by itself has not created any equality. Look at the lion and a deer. The deer is clawed by lion and the helpless creature can do nothing. Where is equality? Why should we as humans propose a concept of equality when nature just says – “Survival of fittest”.

Logically this proposition looks true and more convincing. But in that case, strongest should survive and weaker should perish as happens in animal kingdom. In that case Gandhiji was was so feeble – a short man with no physical strength should die. Same way lot of scientist who are physically weak should also perish and those Sumos of Japan and likes of Bruce lees should survive. Army should prevail over civilians and weapons over peace.

Do we want a world like that? “NO” – probably answer for most of us. We prefer peace over war. Love over hatred. We are traveling away from pure animal instincts. A lion may kill cubs of lioness to mate with her. Can we think of doing this to any lady? No.

In a corporate context, this concept is useful because, attention is given to what is said rather than who said it. Many times best suggestions come from bottom because they are people who understand problem at its zenith. We have to value all. How can we be oblivious to people around us. How can we achieve team spirit if we undermine somebody? How can we be happy by mocking on others? Sometimes best things do not come in best package.

From physical paradigm, we traverse to mental paradigm. From mental paradigm we travel to spiritual awareness. Probably Gandhiji was in a different world that we are yet to see.

Rest for some other time.