Kesarimalji Surana Abhinandan Granth

Author(s): Nathmal Tatia, Dev Kothari
Publisher: Kesarimalji Surana Abhinandan Granth Prakashan Samiti

Page 1284

Social Justice to Mankind
63
in one way or the other. It is a matter of no less gratification, but the impact is not universal. Prof. Dandekar and Rath in their book, Poverty in India', have suggested certain measures to uplift the society, by way of opening hospitals, schools, orphanages, temples, dharamśālās and so on, as these are the places of common good and thereby cultural affinity strengthens.
Education enlightens the society. Adult literacy classes, public libraries, documentary films, sports and N. S. S. activities should form the part of village life. Health services should be accessible to the poorest lot of the people. Drinking water facility is basic. Family planning measures should not be lost sight of, if present and future generations aspire to live happily within the limits of national resources. However, optimistic we are, there are definitely limitations in 'national resources and future growth. Sir Norman Ipping points out that message for infusing life in rural folk should be wide-spread in various walks of life. Although it is great challenge, 'be friend to all' is the need of the time. Similarly, Rajesh Tandon mentions that there are several voluntary agencies-government, semi-government and private--are already working in the field of social welfare. Governments grants, gifts and private charity, coupled with community honorary work should make headway in desired channels. Unhealthy politics is the main constraint.
On economic front, machines invaded all spheres of social life. The trend of universal automation and mechanisation is penetrating into the society. Its percolation is felt by all, and the method of living has been undergoing change. From a long term aspect, it is a forecast of the 'Dooms Day for the destruction of man in the process. Mountains of ink and pressures are the order of the day. Leisure civilisation has brought about a society of mass consumption, ousting men from the sphere of social production. Pseudo-humanistic factors are disrupting the very fabric of social order, where as man's stature is a vast potential. Mahatma Gandhi visualised it long ago to achieve harmony and peace in the world. How long this dilemma of material welfare versus real human happiness should perpetuate, is a question mark for all right thinking people in its perspectives.
EGALITARIAN SOCIETY The main aim is to create a more cohesive, balanced and intergrated society, maintaining dynamic status-quo and keeping in view to provide happiness to the largest number of mankind. To-day sharp contrast exists between the urban and rural areas and the gap widens with the progress of time. Education and technology are the main ingredients of a modern society and they are more urban-based. And the society is hetrogeneous. To a larger extent, casteism, poverty, disease and illiteracy are rampant particularly in traditionally-ridden-people of the society and they act as a polarisation among the peoples of the land.
According to the latest census of 1981, the percentage of literacy is 36 percent against 29 percent in 1971. It has increased five times from 1947 to 1980 and its expenditure has multiplied from Rs. 57 crore to Rs. 3000 crore. This change is also noticed in expansion of health services, with the result the average span of life has increased from 32 years to 53 years. It is noteworthy that an average Indian now lives longer than his/her fore-father.
Urban people are comparatively more benefitted in educational advancement. 70 percent of enrolment of the upper and middle class is in secondary education, and 80 percent of those, in University education. Whereas 60 percent of illiterates could give their children 25 percent of elementary education. It was laid down in the Constitution that elementary education ought
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