- ‘Integral Humanism’ is the core philosophy of Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya proposed in 1964–65
- It presents an alternative to Western ideologies like capitalism, socialism, communism, and secularism.
- This philosophy regards India as an eternal and cultural nation (Sanatan Rashtra).
- While Western ideologies create conflict between individual vs. society, man vs. nature, and science vs. spirituality, Integral Humanism focuses on their harmony and integration.
- The philosophy emphasizes the unity between the individual (Vyakti), society (Samashti), nature (Srishti), and the Divine (Parameshti).
- Ekatma Manavavada emphasizes the integrated development of a human being — physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual — in harmony with society and nature
- Life’s four goals (Purusharthas), i.e, Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha form the philosophical foundation of Ekatma Manavavada
- According to Upadhyay, man comprises body, mind, intellect, and soul. True progress occurs when all four are nourished, not just economic growth, but moral and spiritual upliftment
- Integral Humanism followed the tradition of Advaita developed by Adi Sankara. Nondualism represented the unifying principle of every object in the universe, of which humankind was a part
- Ekatma Manavavada upholds the principles of Swaraj (self-rule) and Swadeshi (self-reliance)
- Schemes like Antyodaya (upliftment of the weakest), Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Panchayati Raj reflect this philosophy
- The Sanskrit word vivarta (विवर्त) means alteration, modification, change of form, altered condition, or state
- Vivartavada, or the theory of apparent transformation, is central to Shankaracharya’s Advaita Vedanta philosophy
- Brahman is the ultimate, unchanging reality, and the world appears to exist without actually altering the true nature of Brahman
- According to Advaitins, the cause (Brahman) produces the effect (world) without undergoing any real change.
- He maintains that Brahman is the only truth (Satya), eternal, formless, and unchangeable, while the world is Mithya/Maya
- This theory upholds non-dualism (Advaita), asserting that the Atman (individual self) is not separate from Brahman, and liberation (moksha) is attained through knowledge (jnana) that removes ignorance.
- Analogy of Gold and Ornament – The ornament is a transformation of the gold, but it doesn’t fundamentally change the gold’s essence. Similarly, the world is a transformation of Brahman, but Brahman remains unchanged
- It is the opposite of Parinamvaad, which views transformations as real changes.
Intro:
“It is impossible to know when and how much water a fish drank, similar is the act of stealing government money by officials” – Kautilya
Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, was an ancient Indian philosopher, economist, and statesman who lived during the Maurya Empire around the 4th century BCE. In Arthashastra,Kautilya provides extensive insights into governance, administration, and the consequences of corruption.
Monopoly + Discretion – Accountability = Corruption
Obtaining things without consideration or inadequate consideration from a person you are dealing in a official Capacity .
Misuse of Government Treasury –
- Embezzlement of public funds
- Cases of misappropriation, cheating and forgery
- Nepotism, bribery, and favoritism
Ex – 2 G Spectrum, Aadarsh housing society scam
Administrative inefficiency –
- Corruption often leads to nepotism, favoritism, and the appointment of incompetent individuals to key positions within the administration
- In the Arthashastra, he stresses the importance of meritocracy and the appointment of qualified individuals based on their competence rather than personal connections
Obstruction in the path of national development –
- Delay in projects. Ex – in Bangladesh, corruption in the construction sector has led to poor quality infrastructure
- Abuse of power is also a forms of corruption (2nd ARC) and hampers the national development
Conclusion –
Kautilya emphasized the importance of strict laws and regulations, effective enforcement mechanisms, and the promotion of ethical values among public servants. Recent efforts like Santhanam Committee, Hota committee, Institutions like CBI, CVC, Lokpal and Lokayukta and strong and independent judiciary are the steps in right direction.
