Birth Anniversary of Vinoba Bhave

• 13 Sep 2025

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Acharya Vinoba Bhave on the occasion of his birth anniversary, recalling his towering contributions to India’s spiritual, social, and political landscape.

Key Points

• About: Vinayak Narahari Bhave was born on 11th September 1895 in Gagode, Bombay Presidency (Maharashtra).
  • He was a freedom fighter, social reformer, and spiritual teacher, deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's principles of non-violence and equality.
• Awards & Recognition: He was the first recipient of the international Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 1958.
  • He was also conferred with the Bharat Ratna (India's highest civilian award) posthumously in 1983.
• Association with Gandhi: Vinoba met Gandhi on 7th June 1916 and took residence at the Ashram.
  • The name Vinoba (a traditional Marathi epithet signifying great respect) was conferred upon him by Mama Phadke, another member of the Ashram.
  • On 8th April 1921, Vinoba, following Gandhi's directives, went to Wardha to take charge of a Gandhi Ashram and later published a monthly Marathi magazine, Maharashtra Dharma, featuring his essays on the Upanishads.
• Role in Freedom Struggle: He took part in programs of non-cooperation and especially the call for the use of Swadeshi goods instead of imported goods.
  • He was also chosen as the first Individual Satyagrahi (an Individual standing up for Truth instead of a collective action) by Gandhi himself.
  • He was given the honorific title “Acharya” (teacher).
• Bhoodan Movement: In 1951, Vinoba Bhave started his peace trek on foot through the violence-torn region of Telangana.
  • In 1951, the Harijans of the Pochampalli village requested him to provide them with around 80 acres of land to make a living.
  • Vinoba asked the landlords of the village to come forward and save the Harijans.
    • A landlord got up and offered the required land.
    • It was the beginning of the Bhoodan (Gift of the Land) movement.
  • The movement continued for thirteen years, and Vinoba toured the length and breadth of the country, a total distance of 58741 Km.
  • He was successful in collecting around 4.4 million acres of land, of which around 1.3 million was distributed among poor, landless farmers.
• Literary Work: His important books include Swarajya Sastra, Geeta Pravachane, Teesri Shakti, etc.