Nirtivad - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Nirtivad" by Darbarilal Satyabhakta, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Nirtivad (निरतिवाद) Author: Darbarilal Satyabhakta (दरबारीलाल सत्यभक्त) Publisher: Satya Sandesh Karyalay (सत्य सन्देश कार्यालय)

Core Concept of Nirtivad:

Nirtivad, as presented in this text, is positioned as the "Indian avatar of the soul of socialism." It is an ideology that seeks to find a middle ground, a balanced approach between extremes, particularly in economic and social matters. The author emphasizes that "excess in any direction is to be avoided" (अति सर्वत्र वर्जयेत्). Nirtivad aims to navigate the complexities of life by harmonizing various aspects rather than succumbing to radical or extreme positions.

Critique of Extremes (Communism and Capitalism):

The book extensively critiques both communism (साम्यवाद) and capitalism (पूँजीवाद) as flawed and impractical systems.

Communism (साम्यवाद):
- Unpracticality and Harmfulness: Nirtivad considers communism a utopian ideal that is impractical and ultimately harmful. The author argues that achieving absolute equality in income, expenditure, and saving is impossible due to inherent human differences in ability, service, and desire.
- Suppression of Individuality: It stifles individual development by making people entirely dependent on the state, leading to a lack of motivation and freedom.
- Slavery and Loss of Joy in Work: Individuals become mere cogs in a large machine, losing the joy of their work and experiencing a sense of servitude.
- Economic Inefficiency and Bureaucracy: Centralized control by the government leads to immense inefficiency, corruption, and inflated costs due to layers of administration and oversight.
- Destruction of Family Values: The proposal to dismantle the family unit is seen as a grave error that undermines humanity.
- Inherent Human Nature: Nirtivad acknowledges that concepts like self-interest and possessiveness (स्व और स्वकीय का मोह) are ingrained in human nature and cannot be entirely eradicated.
Capitalism (पूँजीवाद):
- Sinful Nature: Capitalism is described as inherently sinful (पापरूप). It creates vast disparities, leading to extreme wealth for a few and destitution for the many.
- Exploitation and Usury (व्याज): It thrives on exploitation, where wealth increases without labor (सेवा के बदले में धन नहीं मिलता वल्कि धनिकों को मुफ्त में धन मिलता है). Usury (व्याज खाना) is a primary sin, where the needy are exploited during their crises.
- Creation of Poverty and Misery: Capitalism creates millions of beggars and paupers, leading to a decline in humanity and a life closer to that of animals for the majority.
- Social Discord: The pursuit of profit fuels conflict between individuals, groups, and nations, leading to war and exploitation of resources.
- Unnecessary Production and Consumption: To drive profits, capitalism promotes the production of unnecessary goods and encourages excessive consumption, leading to moral and social decay.

The Nirtivad Solution (An Economic Framework):

Nirtivad proposes a balanced economic and social system with the following key features:

Unemployment Centers (बेकारशाला): Government-established centers for the unemployed, providing food, clothing, and minimal shelter. They would be expected to perform basic labor for about eight hours a day. Travel expenses to and from these centers would be covered by the government.
Restriction on Wealth Accumulation (धन संग्रह पर रोक):
- Land Ownership: Limits on land ownership per family to what can be cultivated by hand, with potential government acquisition of excess land.
- Property Limits: Families could hold up to one lakh rupees in assets, with two-thirds of the excess going to the government for public welfare.
- Exemptions: Certain items like housing, basic food, clothing, books, furniture, and tools for invention are not counted as wealth that contributes to the limit.
- Income Tax: A progressive income tax system, with deductions for housing rent and family size, ensuring that basic needs are met before taxation.
Prohibition of Usury (व्याज हराम):
- No Private Lending: Private lending for interest is forbidden. Individuals can deposit money in government banks but will not receive interest.
- Government-Facilitated Lending: The government can lend money through its banks, but without charging interest.
- Special Provision for the Elderly: Elderly individuals (above 45) may receive a small, government-regulated monthly allowance from their deposited funds, with provisions for dependents and a cap on the amount.
- Mandatory Debt Repayment: Debt repayment is compulsory. Failure to repay can lead to confiscation of property and even imprisonment in debt-correction centers. Bankruptcy declarations are disallowed.
Industrial and Business Regulations:
- State Ownership: Key industries like textile mills, coal mines, railways, and fuel production would be state-owned and managed.
- Cooperative Businesses: Smaller private businesses are allowed, but the practice of shareholding (शेयर) is discouraged to prevent excessive accumulation of wealth by individuals who don't actively participate in the business.
- Insurance and Banks: These would be state-owned or managed by provincial governments.
- Limit on Factory Size: Emphasis on smaller, family-run units rather than large, centralized factories to preserve traditional livelihoods and avoid the social ills associated with large industrial complexes.
Land and Housing Policies:
- Equal Distribution: Aim to distribute land equally, preventing large landholdings.
- Personal Use Only: Houses are for personal use, not for rent. Government-provided housing will be available for rent.
- Mobility: Individuals can settle in new places but must adopt the local language, customs, and refrain from forming exclusive groups or challenging the existing social order.
Government Employee Conduct:
- Impartiality: Government employees must be impartial, free from communal or caste bias, and act without taking bribes.
- Character Verification: Strict verification of candidates' character and integrity is required.
- Salaries and Facilities: A regulated salary structure is proposed, with basic facilities provided.
Women's Rights:
- Equal Inheritance: Women should have equal rights in inheritance as men.
- Marriage Registration: All marriages must be registered with the government, ensuring legal recognition regardless of religious or caste rites.
- Freedom from Discrimination: Women should not be denied opportunities based on their gender.
- Divorce and Polygamy: Provisions for divorce under specific circumstances are suggested, and polygamy is to be abolished.
Inter-State and International Relations:
- Nationalism: While advocating for national unity, Nirtivad discourages aggressive nationalism that leads to conflict.
- World Federation: The ultimate goal is a global federation of nations based on equality, mutual aid, and peace, replacing existing international bodies like the League of Nations.
Social Reforms:
- Abolition of Untouchability: Strict opposition to caste-based discrimination and untouchability.
- Religious Harmony: Promotion of respect for all religions and the establishment of "Dharmalayas" (houses of religion) where symbols of all major faiths are honored.
- Moral Conduct: Emphasis on ethical behavior, honesty, and public service, with strict measures against corruption and antisocial elements.
- Election Reforms: Proposals for cleaner elections, discouraging the use of money and influence, and promoting genuine public service.

The Ideal of Nirtivad:

Nirtivad, therefore, is a synthesis of practical idealism. It doesn't aim for absolute equality (which it deems impossible) but for a just society where basic needs are met, exploitation is eliminated, and individuals can contribute to society while retaining personal freedom and dignity. It seeks to revive ancient Indian values of simple living, ethical conduct, and communal well-being, adapting them to modern challenges. The ultimate aim is a society free from the extremes of greed and destitution, where true welfare and harmony prevail.