Democracy survived in India. It flourished here, people got a better deal, a better life without violence, bloodshed and state terror. It was achieved in non-violent ways.
Vinoba never claimed success for bhoodan. He said he wanted to plant ideas for a better tomorrow. If they fail, he would not worry. New thoughts would sprout, new ideas, better ideas would come and replace the old ones. Ideas never fail. They change life, they change the society. They try to make the life of the people better. Vinoba was happy with this action. Effects and results are for others to judge and evaluate. As a Karmayogi, he was not interested in the fruits of his karma. He did his duty.
With love,
Yours, L.N. Godbole
14th October, 1990 My dear Pranav,
Sampattidan, jeevandan and trusteeship were some of the other ideas propounded by Vinoba. As a matter of fact, Mahatma Gandhi first stated the idea of trusteeship. The upanishadic injunction “Jen tyakien bbunjitah ma gradha kasya chiddhamanam” is found in the Isopanisad. It is a part of daily prayer in many ashrams of Gandhiji and Vinoba. It means enjoy in renouncing wealth. Don’t be acquisitive,
All great religions have preached this idea. Gandhi wanted those who have wealth or possessions to use them for the benefit of others. They should take least for themselves. Vinoba did not want to collect money from the people. He said: Keep your money with you. Only announce that a certain portion of your yearly income would be spent for others. This you will do on your own, without force and without fail. Vinoba did not want
66 �
