Establishing a System for Sustainable Development
To advance Bharatiya Developmental Philosophy and support local initiatives, it is essential to establish specialized institutions. India has a long-standing tradition of dedicating one’s life to a single cause. The Indian Gurukul tradition is a good example of this. Additionally, Indian society has historically developed systems and technologies tailored to the needs of specific regions. For instance, various cattle breeds have been developed to suit local climates and requirements. However, this tradition is in decline for various reasons.
To effectively present any subject, a network of institutions and systems must be established. Yojak has consistently advocated for the creation of a decentralized system, proposing that these arrangements should be implemented at three levels.
Akshay Krushi Parivar
Shashwat Vikas Prabodhan Parishad
National-level Organizations
These are organizations dedicated to the study, capacity development, and policy formulation on specific subjects at the national level. They will consistently highlight the significance of their specific subjects to both society and the government, conducting necessary studies to support this. They will assist the government in creating and refining policies, and work collaboratively with society to develop its policies.
India has a centuries-old tradition in agriculture. A unique method of agricultural development has evolved here, characterized by the sustainability of agricultural products and the effective management of natural resources. Crops, seeds, and farming methods have been developed in harmony with agro-ecological zones. To spread these ancient principles nationwide, train farmers in these methods, create relevant literature, empower local institutions, and ensure these ideas are reflected in government policy, an organization called Akshay Krishi Parivar has been established. Yojak has contributed to this effort. Through Akshay Krishi Parivar, a nationwide exchange of ideas on Indian agricultural practices is underway.
Regional Organizations
Considering India’s diversity and vastness, there is a need for institutions and arrangements to present Bharatiya Developmental Philosophy tailored to the specific needs of different regions. These efforts aim to raise societal awareness about this philosophy and to drive development work based on its principles. These arrangements can be applied to various units, including cultural units, special community influence areas, agro-ecological zones, and regional levels.
The Shashwat Vikas Prabodhan Parishad has been established to promote Bharatiya Developmental Philosophy in the tribal areas of Gujarat and to build the capacity of local voluntary organizations. Efforts are now underway to enhance sustainable development processes in these regions. The organization focuses its activities on 14 tribal districts of Gujarat. Initiatives such as the Madhya Bharat Vananchal Samruddhi Yojana, discussion sessions for informed citizens, and technical workshops on various subjects relevant to tribal areas are being organized through this organization.
Local Institutions
In Bharatiya Development Philosophy, there is a strong emphasis on local institutional structures for development. It is essential for people to unite and establish institutions for various purposes. Through the Madhya Bharat Yojana, a three-tier institutional structure at the village group level is advocated. This includes forming a resource-sharing group at the grassroots level, a development committee at the village level, and a Parisar Seva Samiti at the village group level. Additionally, the creation of trusts or societies for various tasks and the establishment of agricultural production companies are also encouraged.
Similarly, efforts to promote institutional work focused on local specialties and issues are ongoing. For example, in the Wardha district of Vidarbha, there is an indigenous cow breed named “Gavalav,” which is highly valued for agricultural work in the local environment. However, this breed is now nearing extinction. To conserve it, an organization named “Gavalav Jatan, Samvardhan, Samshodhan Paidaskar Charitable Trust” has been established by traditional cowherd workers who take care of this breed. The Nandurbar District Development Council has been formed as part of this initiative.
The formation of an organization named “Samutkarsh” was encouraged in the Nandurbar district. It primarily comprises local entrepreneurs and youth eager to boost business for the district’s development. As a result, a record of local natural resource-based industrial development has been established in Nandurbar, and efforts are now being made to promote it further.
