From Socialism to Sarvodaya

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The publishers have suggested that I should write a few words of introduction for Jayaprakashji's statement. I do not think it was very necessary. Still, I am writing something for their satisfaction. I have been impressed by Jayaprakashji's numero-us qualities ever since I came to know him. What at-tracts me most is the simplicity of his heart. This sim-plicity often causes considerable misunderstandings about him. Sometimes he may also commit errors on account of it. Gandhiji once described swaraj as the "right to commit mistakes". He who cannot commit mistakes is not capable of doing anything. This statement of Jayaprakashji will give the readers a clear impression of his simple-heartedness. The "isms" that arise as reactions may have some influence in particular periods, but they are essentially transient: they have no abiding value. Of late, various collectivist creeds have found favour in the world as reactions against individualism. These creeds have proved to be very popular for the time being. But most of them are now faltering, fading out or getting de-formed and giving rise to new reactions. Sarvodaya is not a reaction to any "ism". It is India's own thought and her own system but not some-thing that cannot be applied in any other time or country. Its external form may vary according to the needs of particular times and places. (This non-insistence on a specific form is a fundamental element of sarvodaya philosophy.) But its inner core is eternal. I have al-ready dwelt on this point in my Swarajya Shastra. In this statement of Jayaprakashji, we have a well-knit account of the evolution of his thought. Its echo is sure to ring in many hearts. I am firmly convinced that the various one-sided ideologies, groping towards their own fullness, will ultimately merge in the ocean of sarvodaya. In any case, I am sure that this statement will encourage readers to give deep thought to the sarvodaya philosophy.

**Contents and Sample Pages**