Rashtriya Sadachar Ane Navnirmana

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Rashtriya Sadachar ane Navnirmana" (National Morality and Reconstruction) by Sukhlal Sanghavi:

The text explores the challenges of creating a new national morality and morality to address contemporary problems, arguing that existing practices are insufficient. The author, Sukhlal Sanghavi, emphasizes that traditional moral codes, while deeply rooted in various religious sects, castes, and societies, are often contradictory and fail to meet the demands of modern, complex issues.

Key Arguments and Points:

• Inadequacy of Existing Moral Codes: Sanghavi begins by highlighting how societal and religious practices are often fragmented and even contradictory. He cites examples from Islam, Christianity, and Hindu traditions, noting that even within a single sect or caste, practices can differ significantly (e.g., differing views on remarriage or cousin marriage). This diversity, while historically rooted, is presented as a barrier to a unified national morality.
• Universally Accepted Virtues: Despite these differences, Sanghavi acknowledges that certain virtues are universally accepted across different groups. These include compassion for all living beings (bhutdaya), hospitality (atithya), public welfare works like digging wells and building rest houses (ishtapoorna), providing shelter for the homeless, and care for the sick and animals. He notes that these practices, though ancient, have evolved with the times.
• The Crucial Inner Dimension: The author then introduces a third, more profound level of morality that is not always outwardly visible but is highly valued in exceptional individuals. This level involves purifying the mind and eradicating inner impurities such as narrow-mindedness, possessiveness ("mine and yours"), and the sense of superiority/inferiority. Sanghavi asserts that without addressing these inner blemishes, the value of outwardly visible moral practices is diminished. True moral progress, he suggests, comes from the extent to which these inner impurities are reduced.
• Root of Modern Problems: Sanghavi identifies the root of contemporary national issues as a focus on individual or personal gain over collective welfare. This mindset, he argues, is the source of conflicts between communism, socialism, and capitalism, as well as the persistence of social inequality and the inability to ensure national security.
• The Principle of Collective Welfare: The solution, Sanghavi posits, lies in the principle of thinking and acting with collective welfare in mind, a concept he links to Mahatma Gandhi's life and teachings. He stresses that individuals must be willing to forgo personal benefits when they conflict with the greater good of society.
• Reconstruction of National Morality: To build this new national morality, Sanghavi calls for the cultivation of this principle of collective welfare through education and practice. He believes that this one core principle, when fostered in families, communities, and educational institutions, can help resolve complex national problems.
• National Festivals as a Platform: Sanghavi points to national festivals like Independence Day and Republic Day as opportunities to foster national morality. He acknowledges the established practices like flag hoisting, parades, and cultural programs, which, while embodying national spirit and unity, are primarily symbolic.
• Beyond Symbolic Gestures: The author critically questions whether these symbolic national activities alone can alleviate the suffering of the impoverished, unemployed, and downtrodden segments of India. He argues for the necessity of tangible, living programs alongside these symbolic celebrations.
• Practical Suggestions for National Morality: He proposes concrete actions that should be integrated with national celebrations to serve collective welfare:
  • Universal Sanitation: A focus on cleanliness in villages and cities is paramount.
  • Maintenance of Public Water Sources: Ensuring clean and functional wells and ponds is crucial for life.
  • Healthcare Access: Doctors and medical professionals should offer dedicated, free treatment to all patients regardless of their status.
  • Support for Swadeshi Goods: Encouraging the use of locally produced, even if rough, indigenous products.
  • Educators Engaging with the Underserved: Teachers and professors should directly connect with the illiterate and oppressed to understand and address their issues.
• Conclusion: Sanghavi concludes that without consistently implementing these essential moral practices, India cannot truly become "bright" or prosperous. He emphasizes that the nation needs to move beyond mere external rituals and engage in meaningful, life-affirming activities that directly benefit the collective.

In essence, "Rashtriya Sadachar ane Navnirmana" is a call for a profound shift in societal thinking, moving from individualistic pursuits to a deep commitment to collective well-being, and translating this commitment into tangible, practical actions that form the foundation of a strong and ethical nation.