Description
New Century Publications Maharishi Valmiki Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Ambedkar A Comparative Study of their Thoughts by Pangannavar Arjun Yallappa
Since the dawn of civilization, India has produced many sages, saints, scholars, scientists, poets and singers. Many ancient ideas and traditions have remained alive in all time periods of history, though some of them acquired new forms and dimensions. In this scenario, the lives and ideas of Maharishi Valmiki, Mahatma Gandhi, and Babasaheb Ambedkar assume importance in the contemporary world. The similarities and dissimilarities of their views on different aspects of human life are a subject matter of research and debate among sociologists, economists, political scientists and religious leaders.Valmiki is revered as the first poet (or Adi Kavi) and his Ramayana, the first kavya (poem). According to the legend, Rama sent Sita to the forest. Sita finds refuge in sage Valmiki’s ashram, where she gave birth to twin boys Lava and Kusha. Lava and Kusha were Valmiki’s first disciples, to whom he taught the Ramayana. Gandhi was born in Porbandar on October 2, 1869 to a Hindu bania family. In April 1893, at the age of 23, Gandhi entered South Africa as a lawyer where he lived for 21 years and imbibed the values of morality and political agitation. Gandhi returned to India in 1915. Gandhi played a leading role in the freedom struggle which ultimately led to the Independence of India in 1947.The life of Ambedkar is a lesson in shaping the personality he gave to himself and others. The period of his life from 1891 to 1956 was spent in activities of struggle, learning, organization, and awakening—a unique and unprecedented life. Ambedkar must be considered as a great thinker and social reformer rather than limiting him to a specific class prophet status.The relevance of the ideologies of the three thinkers covered in this book will guide ‘Nav Bharat’. The book will help researchers, literary thinkers, scholars, students, and general readers to deliberate on new aspirations and dimensions for an emerging India.