Why in the news?

• Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi paid tribute to Acharya Vinoba Bhave on his birth anniversary.

Acharya Vinoba Bhave

• Birth: Born on 11 September 1895 at Gagode village, Maharashtra.
• Early Life:
  • Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings; joined Sabarmati Ashram in 1916.
  • Actively participated in the Indian independence movement, including Non-Cooperation and Quit India Movement.
• Contributions:
  • Bhoodan Movement (1951):
    • Urged wealthy landowners to donate land to landless peasants voluntarily.
    • Started at Pochampally (Telangana).
  • Gramdan Movement: Extension of Bhoodan- Entire villages pledged land for collective ownership and cooperative farming.
  • Sarvodaya Philosophy: Propagated Gandhi’s idea of Sarvodaya (welfare of all) through non-violence, truth, and self-reliance.
  • Constructive Programmes:
    • Promoted Khadi, rural upliftment, literacy, and self-sufficiency.
    • Advocated shramdaan (voluntary labour) and simple living
• Ideological Legacy:
  • Believed in spiritual politics and moral transformation of society.
  • Was a follower of Gandhian way of living.
  • Emphasized trusteeship concept: wealth as a trust for the welfare of society.
  • Advocated decentralisation and Gram Swaraj (village self-rule).
• Recognition:
  • Awarded Bharat Ratna (1955).
  • Respected across political and religious lines as a moral leader.
• Death: Passed away in 1982.