The Sarvodaya Movement: Gandhian Approach To Peace & Non-Violence

The Supreme choice before humanity now is between Sarvodaya—Welfare of all and Sarvanasa— extinction of mankind. The book, no doubt serves as a guidepost to Sarvodaya Society and world peace. Further, a scientific attempt is made to analyse Gandhian approach to peace and non-violence. World peace is an epithet that is on the lips of all right thinking men, but it has become an elusive concept. Mahatma Gandhi has often been described as an apostle of peace who strove and died for peace. There is no doubt that Sarvodayites and Sarvodaya Movement stand for peace and tranquility. Basically, this book is an outcome of the fruit of labour based on the Doctoral programme in the Gandhian Movement in India with special reference to Tamil Nadu. Having realized the relevance of Gandhi and Sarvodaya in our day-to-day life, the book brings out an analysis of the current trends among Sarvodayites and an in-depth study in the field of Sarvodaya Movement. It is a well-documented and comprehensive account of the views of Sarvodayites, Gandhites and constructive workers engaged in the Sarvodaya Movement. It obviously analyses how far Gandhian ideology, principles and thoughts are followed and applied by the grassroots constructive workers. A scientific attempt is made to analyse the status quo of Sarvodayites and their role in the Sarvodaya movement in the southern parts of India. Further, it portrays a comparison between elder and younger Sarvodaya workers and necessary statistical tools are applied for a scientific discussion on the subject. The book also projects various factors influencing Sarvodaya Movement highlighting both positive and negative aspects of it. However, the essence of Gandhian thought is summed up in one word - Sarvodaya, which aims at the welfare of all and it has been systematically discussed at length.

S. Narayanasamy (b. 1954), had his higher education at the Gandhigram Rural Institute Gandhigram, Tamil Nadu. He has over 22 years of experience in teaching, research and extension. He serves as a United Nations Volunteer. He has authored/edited seven books and published 48 articles in various national and international journals. On academic assignments, he had been to Srilanka, Italy and Mauritius. He is both academic and activist who has introduced “Peace Bus Technique” and “Mobile School of Peace” for Communal Harmony. He is currently a senior faculty member in the Department of Gandhian Thought and Peace Science offering courses in Gandhian Studies, Peace Science, Rural Reconstruction and Development, Disability issues and Youth Development at Gandhigram Rural Institute. He is also the Director, IDARA – Information Development and Resource Agency for Nehru Yuva Kendras in the Southren Zone covering four states in India and one Union Territory under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt. of India, New Delhi.