The Humanist Stream of Indian Political Thought – O.P Gauba

General Introduction

• Humanism refers to a philosophical outlook that emphasizes the immense potential of human intellect and understanding.

• It holds that human beings are capable of achieving the highest forms of knowledge, creativity, and progress through the use of their reason and intellect.

• Human dignity, human interests, and human welfare are considered the primary concerns in all worldly affairs.

• According to the humanist perspective, the human being is capable of self-realization through the application of reason.

• Humanism seeks to transcend divisions based on race, religion, and nationality.

• It regards every human being as a rational and sensitive entity, and therefore as an end in itself, not merely a means to other goals.

• The philosophy of humanism elevates the value and dignity of the human individual to the highest position in the universe.

• In the context of modern Indian political thought, Swami Vivekananda and Rabindranath Tagore are often regarded as major representatives of humanist ideas.

• Another important thinker associated with humanism is M. N. Roy, who developed a distinctive interpretation known as:

  • New Humanism

  • Scientific Humanism

  • Radical Humanism.

• M. N. Roy initially began his intellectual journey as a communist thinker.

• Over time, he rejected several doctrines of communism and gradually moved toward an independent humanist philosophy.

• His concept of Scientific Humanism aimed to apply scientific knowledge and rational thinking to achieve human emancipation.

• The central objective of Scientific Humanism was the liberation and advancement of humanity through knowledge, reason, and scientific progress.

• Jawaharlal Nehru, an important Indian statesman and political thinker, also advocated a form of scientific humanism within the broader framework of his political philosophy.

Communism

Communism refers to a theory that advocates abolition of private property, common ownership of estate and means of social production, and compulsory labour for all citizens under a system of planning. In a communist society, people are supposed to work together, to live together and to share the fruit of their common labour. In common parlance, communism is used synonymously with Marxism.

Swami Vivekanand

Introduction

• Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902) was one of the greatest spiritual thinkers of modern India, who showed a path for human emancipation in the modern world.

• His original name was Narendranath Datta.

• He adopted the name Vivekananda (meaning “one inspired by reason or discrimination”) in 1893 while travelling to participate in the Chicago Parliament of Religions as a monk.

• Vivekananda was the most distinguished disciple of Ramakrishna Paramhansa (1836–1886).

• At the Parliament of Religions in Chicago (1893), he represented Hinduism and presented its philosophical and spiritual ideas before the world.

• His speech was eloquent, universal, and respectful toward all religions, which greatly impressed the international audience.

• During his short life span, Vivekananda visited the Western world twice.

• He also participated in the Congress of Religions at Paris in 1900.

• Although Vivekananda did not actively participate in politics, his teachings awakened a strong sense of national pride and love for freedom among Indians.

• He played an important role in reviving confidence in India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

• Through his lectures and writings, he presented the greatness of Indian culture and philosophy so powerfully that it earned deep respect in the Western world.

• Vivekananda wrote extensively on Indian philosophy and on the social problems facing India.

• His writings addressing India’s social conditions include:

  • India and Her Problems

  • Modern India: Our Duties to the Masses

  • The Evils of Adhikarvad (Authoritarianism)

  • The Cycle of Caste.

• In addition to his written works, his speeches delivered on various occasions form an important source for understanding his philosophical and social ideas.

Gospel of Humanism

• Swami Vivekananda is regarded as a major exponent of humanism in modern Indian philosophy.

• His humanism emerges naturally from his deep faith in spiritualism.

• According to Vivekananda, every human being possesses immense inner potential, because each person acts as a channel for the infinite knowledge and power present in humanity.

• In the Preface to Raja Yoga, he stated that each individual is a conduit for the infinite ocean of knowledge and power behind mankind.

• In his speeches and writings, later compiled in The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, he elaborated his concept of man and the value of humanity.

• Vivekananda used the term “man” in a universal sense, referring to all human beings irrespective of gender, race, religion, nationality, or region.

• According to him, a person becomes a true human being only when he rises above his animal instincts and strives for perfection.

• Human life is therefore a continuous struggle for self-improvement and spiritual elevation.

• Vivekananda emphasized that man is truly human as long as he strives to rise above nature, both:

  • external nature

  • internal nature.

• He believed that every human being is initially endowed with virtue, which must be developed through persistent effort.

• Human progress, according to Vivekananda, is not a journey from falsehood to truth, but rather from one level of truth to a higher level of truth.

• The process of becoming a true human being represents the highest standard of perfection in the universe.

• Vivekananda even suggested that angels or gods must become human beings to achieve perfection, highlighting the supreme value of human existence.

• When individuals cultivate their inner virtues and realize their true humanity, they become self-regulating and self-governing beings.

• At this stage, human beings are no longer controlled by external forces, but are guided by the laws they create for themselves.

• Vivekananda therefore emphasized the moral autonomy and self-discipline of the individual.

• Once this stage of development is reached, human beings acquire immense power and capability.

• Vivekananda believed that human power has no limits, particularly the power of thought and the power of speech.

• However, he defined power not as domination over others, but as the capacity to perform noble actions and serve humanity.

• True power lies in the ability to uplift the downtrodden and improve the conditions of the world.

• Vivekananda rejected the idea that power should be used to exploit others for selfish interests.

• In his view, a human being who embodies virtue and compassion becomes the most valuable asset of the universe.

• Therefore, Vivekananda emphasized that human beings are more valuable than all the wealth of the world.