PM Modi paid tributes to social reformer Acharya Vinoba Bhave on his 131st birth anniversary, calling him a timeless source of inspiration in India’s journey towards building a Viksit Bharat

About Acharya Vinoba Bhave 

Early Life and Background

• Birth: Born on September 11, 1895, as Vinayak Narahar Bhave, popularly known as Acharya Vinoba Bhave. 
• Philosophy and Role: A staunch advocate of non-violence and human rights, revered as a spiritual leader, freedom fighter, and social reformer.

Association with Mahatma Gandhi

• Inspiration from Gandhi: Inspired by Gandhi’s 1916 speech at Banaras Hindu University, Bhave famously burned his school and college certificates and abandoned formal studies.
• First Meeting with Gandhi: Met Gandhi at Kochrab Ashram in Ahmedabad on June 7, 1916, an encounter that profoundly influenced his life.
• Engagement in Constructive Programmes: At Sabarmati Ashram, Bhave participated in teaching, spinning, village industries, Khadi promotion, Nai Talim (new education), sanitation, and hygiene initiatives.

Role in India’s Freedom Struggle

• Khadi Movement: Actively promoted Khadi, spinning fabric himself and encouraging self-reliance through domestic production.
• Non-Cooperation and Swadeshi Advocacy: Supported Gandhian principles of non-cooperation and use of Indian goods over foreign products.
• Imprisonment in 1932: Served five years in prison, teaching the Bhagavad Gita to fellow inmates (Translated the Bhagavad Gita into Marathi (Geetai), later published as a book).
• Individual Satyagraha Leader: He was  personally chosen by Mahatma Gandhi, became the first Satyagrahi on October 17, 1940, to inaugurate the Individual (Personal) Satyagraha.

Bhoodan Movement

• Initiation: Started in 1951 to encourage landowners to voluntarily donate land to the landless.
• Objectives: Address inequality in land ownership and empower rural communities.
• Impact: Inspired millions of landless farmers, promoted rural development, and fostered socio-economic equality.

Legacy of Vinoba Bhave

• Compassion and Selflessness: Known for non-violent advocacy, social reform, and rural upliftment.
• Influence on Land Reforms: His work in land redistribution left a lasting impact on India’s socio-political landscape.
• Enduring Inspiration: Even after his death on November 15, 1982, his philosophies and practical work continue to guide activists and reformers.
• Spiritual and Philosophical Contributions: Combines spiritual teachings with actionable social reforms, making him a revered figure in Indian history.

Literary Works of Vinoba Bhave

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