Why in news?
On 11 September 2025 the Prime Minister of India paid homage to Acharya Vinoba Bhave on his birth anniversary, highlighting his contributions to India’s freedom struggle and social reform.
Who was he?
Vinayak Narhar Bhave, better known as Acharya Vinoba Bhave, was a philosopher, spiritual leader and disciple of Mahatma Gandhi. He is widely regarded as the “National Teacher of India” and the spiritual successor to Gandhi.
Early life and freedom movement
Born on 11 September 1895 in Gagode village, Maharashtra, Bhave was drawn to asceticism and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita from a young age. In 1916 he joined Gandhi’s ashram in Kochrab, Ahmedabad. He was chosen by Gandhi as the first Individual Satyagrahi in 1940 and actively participated in the Quit India movement and other constructive programmes such as khadi promotion and basic education.
Social contributions and legacy
- Bhoodan (Land‑Gift) Movement: Beginning in 1951, Bhave walked across India persuading large landowners to donate a portion of their land to landless farmers. By the mid‑1960s over four million acres had been voluntarily donated.
- Gramdan: In 1954 he extended the idea to the donation of entire villages for community ownership and self‑governance.
- Scholarship and spirituality: A linguist who translated the Bhagavad Gita into Marathi (Geetai), Bhave also wrote commentaries on the Bible, Quran and other scriptures, emphasising unity across religions.
- Trusteeship and Sarvodaya: He promoted the Gandhian ideals of trusteeship (wealth holders acting as trustees for society) and Sarvodaya (welfare of all), influencing land reforms and rural development policies.
Vinoba Bhave’s integration of spirituality with socio‑economic reform continues to inspire movements for non‑violence, self‑reliance and equitable distribution of resources.