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ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS
THE ANUVRAT MOVEMENT: THEORY AND PRACTICE
by
Shivani Bothra
Florida International University, 2013
Miami, Florida
Professor Nathan Katz, Major Professor
The slogan: "Self-restraint is life," forms the philosophical ideal behind the
Anuvrat Movement. The purpose of my thesis is to evaluate the Anuvrat Movement
introduced by Acharya Tulsi as a non-sectarian, ethical-spiritual movement. The study
considered in some detail the historical context within which the movement emerged.
The thesis provides a much-needed analysis of the 11 vows formulated by Tulsi in the
model of the traditional vows in Jainism. It explored the question whether these vows are
relevant and effective in the contemporary Indian society, and whether Tulsi's movement
can cross the geographical boundaries of the Indian sub-continent to be a part of larger
global initiatives. The study explored the social significance of the concepts of
nonviolence, social justice and sustainability in the wider global community. The study
suggests a positive association between the exemplary charismatic role of a leader and
the popularity and longevity of social movements in India.
