Dr. J.K. Bajaj
Former Chairman, ICSSR & Director of the Center of Policy Studies
My Humble Namaskaram to Distinguished
Dignitaries!
My
humble Namaskaram to Parampujya Sarsangchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat ji, the Chairman and Founder of Pragna Bharti, Dr. Hanuman Chowdary ji and all the other distinguished dignitaries present here today.
Respected co-workers, friends and colleagues! It is a pleasure to be here. I am joined by two speakers with whom I share a long-standing relationship. I first met them in 1975 during my B.Tech at IIT. Over the years, I have witnessed their journey from being engineers to becoming philosophers and thought leaders in Indian development.
Towards Understanding Indian Development
They have deeply explored the theoretical concept of Indian development and are experts in their field. I won’t delve too much into their work, as they have already shared their insights. One of them, Mahesh Ji, has been associated with the Jhabua district for 25 years. He has worked tirelessly to create resources and has closely interacted with the local communities, particularly the Bhils.
The Bhils are a unique society that embodies the concept of Indian development. They live in harmony with nature and have achieved remarkable success in agriculture, even in challenging terrains like Jhabua, which is geographically uneven with rocky ground. Despite these challenges, they have managed to cultivate wheat and achieve high yields.
Their social structure is strong and they have successfully conserved water and forests. This success is rooted in their community-driven efforts and traditional practices. They have awakened a sense of social responsibility, which serves as a lesson for all of us in Indian society.
The Lens of Indian Development through Tradition and Culture
The concept of development is deeply embedded in Indian traditions and culture. It is not just a theoretical idea but a way of life. The Bhils, for instance, live this concept daily.
There are three ways to understand Indian development:
1. Theoretical Approach: Developing a conceptual framework.
2. Practical Approach: Observing societies like the Bhils who live this concept.
3. Historical Approach: Studying how villages functioned during the British era and before.
Case Study: Ulavu and Pun – Villages of Glory
My collaborator, Srinivas ji, recently shared insights about two villages in South India. Books have been published on these villages, offering valuable insights into Indian development. The two villages we studied are Ulavu and Pun. Ulavu is known for its advanced farming practices, while Pun is a center of religion, culture, and knowledge.
In Ulavu, farming productivity was exceptionally high. For instance, the annual production per person was 2,500 kg, compared to 12 kg in developed countries today. This highlights the glory of Indian agriculture in the past. Pun, on the other hand, was a hub of religious and cultural activities. It was home to 63 Nayanars (saints) in the Shaivite tradition. The village had numerous temples, lakes and gardens, many of which are still visible today. The architecture and water management systems were remarkable, reflecting a deep understanding of nature and sustainability.
Pavilion—Aadhyatma
Shri Ramanujacharya
Ramanujacharya, born in 1017 CE in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most influential philosophers in Hinduism and a central figure in the Shri Vaishnavism tradition. Initially educated in Advaita Vedanta under Yadava Prakasa, he eventually developed his own philosophy—Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism)—which teaches that while Brahman is one, it possesses attributes and form. A reformer and spiritual visionary, Ramanujacharya emphasised bhakti (devotion), social equality and service to humanity. He opposed the caste-based restrictions of his time, opened temples to all and worked to uplift marginalized communities through education and spiritual inclusion.
Throughout his life, Ramanujacharya played a key role in temple administration, especially at Srirangam and Tirumala, standardizing rituals and making them accessible to all devotees. He authored nine significant texts, including Shri Bhashya, Vedartha-Sangraha and Gita-Bhasya, laying the doctrinal foundation of Vishishtadvaita. In his later years, he continued teaching and composing hymns until his passing in 1137 CE at the age of 120. His legacy endures as both a philosopher and a social reformer. In 2022, a 216-feet statue—the “Statue of Equality”—was inaugurated to honour his life and teachings, celebrating his vision of spiritual and social equality for all.
The Splendour of Self-governing Villages
These villages were self-governing and independent. They managed their resources efficiently, with 30% of their production allocated for administrative and religious services. The villages had a well-structured system for security, crafts and trade.
For example, in some villages, there were 400 houses, with over 100 weavers. This indicates a thriving economy and a high level of cultural activity. The mantra behind this splendour was a combination of art, technology and a deep connection with religion and nature.
Key Takeaways
1. Religion and Culture: The villages were deeply religious, with numerous temples that guided their way of life.
2. Nature and Water Management: They had an exceptional understanding of nature, particularly water conservation.
3. Self-governance: The villages were independent and self-sufficient, with a strong sense of community.
These principles are still relevant today. By revisiting these traditional practices, we can redefine the concept of development in modern India.
Thank you!
“The concept of development is deeply embedded in Indian traditions and culture.”
– Dr. J.K. Bajaj
Director of the Center of Policy Studies
