Vivad Pariwad Ke Samadhan Hetu Anekantvad

This document, titled "Vivad Pariwad ke Samadhan Hetu Anekantvad" (Anekantvad for the Resolution of Disputes and Arguments) by Prof. Dr. Sanjavi Prachandiya, argues that Anekantvad is the essential and indispensable solution to disputes and conflicts.

The author begins by lamenting the numerous conflicts and misunderstandings that arise from a lack of proper understanding. He points to the pervasive violence witnessed globally, from Punjab and Assam to Sri Lanka and Iraq-Iran, suggesting that such events are not mere accidents but indicators of a narrowed mental state. He questions whether humanity has retreated from thoughtful consideration, becoming intellectually stagnant or forgetful of the principles of critical thinking and intellectual discourse.

The text asserts that all such conflicts have an underlying basis, though it is often temporary and unclear. This basis remains unchallenged only as long as our intellectual capacity is dormant. The author proposes that an intellectual revolution, characterized by proactive thinking, will lead to a positive approach, echoing the proverb, "He who acts without thought, repents later; spoiling his own work, he becomes a laughingstock in the world."

Therefore, the text posits that a positive approach to thinking is synonymous with Anekantvad, and Anekantvad itself is the vital tonic needed to resolve disputes.

The document uses the analogy of understanding an object: gaining knowledge with open eyes leads to a more accurate perception, while doing so with closed eyes can result in misinformation. The example of the blind men and the elephant is cited to illustrate how focusing on a single aspect ("only this") leads to misunderstanding, whereas recognizing the multiplicity of perspectives ("also this") is crucial.

The author emphasizes that the scale of a problem, whether domestic, societal, or national, does not dictate the size of the solution. Instead, the key lies in having multiple options for resolution. Taking a one-sided conclusion inherently carries the potential for conflict. Conversely, exploring a problem from various angles helps to contain and ultimately resolve disagreements, preventing disputes from escalating.

The text cites the example of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, whose approach to resolving national issues through agreements is presented as an embodiment of "ubhay marg" (the path of both), which is fundamentally the path of Anekantvad. This suggests that Anekantvad offers a way to embrace multiple perspectives and find common ground.

In essence, the document argues that the principle of Anekantvad, which advocates for understanding issues from multiple viewpoints, is the most effective and necessary tool for resolving disputes and fostering peace.