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TULSI-PRAJNA
Individual, Family and Relatives
The individual stood at the centre of these circles, surrounded by (1) the Family, (2) the Relatives, (3) the Municipality, (4) the Nation, (5) the World-State, not unlike the socio-political concept of Dayananda (1824-1883) and Gandhi (1869-1948). After the development of self Family forms the first sphere of activity in the service of Humanity, thus such care should be taken tbat love of family does not deteriorate in familyism", and "family-egotism” does not prompt people to "rob their neighbours and ruin the State", warns HarDayal. While the family may be served to the best of one's capacity, “familyism” should not be allowed to make a harmonious social life impossible. Similarly, an individual owes a duty to the relatives too. Municipality
Next comes the Municipality. It is territorial and political in its nature and scope. It is our "political" home. We are united to the other inhabitants of the village or town by the civic bond of a common political organization. This sacred tie of citizenship elevates an individual to the status of a "civilized” person. True public spirit can be developed within the limit of the Municipality. This is the cradle of citizenship. Thus one should discharge all duties of citizenship as an honest and trustworthy citizen. One should take a deep pride in one's Municipality and its history. A town is not mere agglomeration of streets and houses; it is a community with a past. So its healthy growth should command the allegiance of every citizen. Nation
Nation is the next concentric circle, surrounding an individual. But just as the family stands in the danger of degenerating into
familyism", so does the nation stand in the danger of deteriorating into "parrow, chauvinistic nationalism" at the cost of humanity at large. Such "nationalism" gives rise to Imperialism, Fascism. It has led to the slaughter of millions of human beings. It has led to the enslavement of tribes and smaller and weaker nations. It has held humanity to ransom. World-State
This too must lapse into history as a passing phase like feudalism and yield place to the world-state and world-citizenship, which is the logical consummation of the city-state and the nation-state. Then humanity will breathe a sigh of relief and be free from the fear of war and mass homicide.
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