परस्परं भावयन्तः
Summary
The article reflects on the fragmentation of institutions in India, noting that political parties like the Communist Party, Socialist Party, and Indian National Congress have split, while the Jan Sangh shows cracks and the Swatantra Party has disintegrated. Even the Gandhi family has experienced deep divisions, and the Sarva Seva Sangh, envisioned by Vinoba Bhave as a 'Lok Sevak Sangh,' faces an uncertain future. The author, writing 28-30 years ago, observes that these problems persist today, emphasizing that solutions lie not in conflict but in mutual cooperation. Drawing on India's ancient tradition of synthesis and unity, as expressed in the concept of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and the Vedic prayer for shared intentions and hearts, the article argues that national strength depends on citizens having broad and balanced minds. It references the Gita's teaching of 'parasparam bhavayantah'—mutual upliftment through selfless action—and cites teachings from Jesus, Muhammad, Buddha, and Mahatma Gandhi to underscore the importance of love, tolerance, and collective effort. The author highlights Vinoba Bhave's idea of 'satyagrahi' (truth-seeker) from Mahavir's teachings, advocating for focusing on others' virtues rather than faults. The article also discusses the need for consensus in decision-making, citing examples like the Quaker practice of silent meditation and the Vatican's conclave for electing a Pope. It critiques the majority-based election system for fostering evils and suggests that constructive institutions should operate by unanimous agreement. The author identifies the lack of a compelling mission as a cause of internal strife, proposing 'antyodaya' (uplift of the poorest) as a guiding goal, as Gandhi emphasized serving the 'daridra-narayana' (God in the form of the poor). With nearly 22 crore people below the poverty line, the article calls for evaluating all programs by their benefit to the poorest, warning that without this focus, slogans like 'Garibi Hatao' remain hollow
Conclusion
The document's central implication is that India's persistent institutional fragmentation—from political parties to the Gandhi family and constructive organizations like the Sarva Seva Sangh—stems from a loss of shared purpose and mutual goodwill. The outcome, as the author argues, is a weakened nation unable to uplift its poorest citizens, with half the population still below the poverty line decades after independence. The text suggests that only by reviving the principle of "parasparam bhavayantah" (mutual upliftment) and adopting a clear mission of "antyodaya" (welfare of the last person) can these divisions be healed. Without a compelling, selfless goal, institutions inevitably succumb to internal conflict and stagnation. The author concludes that true progress requires moving beyond petty disputes toward collective sacrifice and brotherhood, following Gandhi's test of whether any action benefits the most destitute. This alone can restore national strength and unity.