Rural Development Programmes 97|

Nilokheri Experiment is a valuable example of how rural development can be

TheIthroughself-help, cooperation, and democratic
achieved
lives of
planning. The project has had
impact on
the the people in Nilokheri and it continues to be a model
lasting
a rural development projects in India and around the world.
other
for
APPROACHES TO RURAL COMMUNITY
2.3 DEVELOPMENT
Approachesto,rural community development encompasses arange of diverse strategies
philosophiesthat.aim at fostering positive changes within the rural areas. These
approaches
and recognize that rural development is not solely about economic growth, but
alsoaboutenhancing
e the overall well-being, empowerment, and sustainability of rural
Various approaches have been proposed and
communities. practiced over the years,
own emphasis and principles. One approach is inspired by the ideals of
pach withits
Mahatma Gandhii which emphasizes self-reliance, use of local resources, and community
participation. Another approach, influenced by Rabindranath Tagore's philosophy,
focuseson holistic human development through education, cultural enrichment, and
spiritualgrowth.
carenttimes, participatory development approaches have gained prominence.
Theseadvocatethe involvement of ilocal communities in decision-making, planning, and
implementation processes. Participatory rural development recognizes that communities
possess valuable knowledge about their needs, resources, and aspirations. Thus, by
engagingcommunity members, these approaches ensure that development interventions
a contextualy relevant, sustainable, and owned by the people they affect.
2.3.1 Tagore's Approach
Rabindranath Tagore's approach to rural community development is a multifaceted
philosophy that emphasizes on holistic human growth through education, cultural
ennichment, and aharmonious relationship with nature. His vision, often associated
with Santiniketan, an educational institution he founded, offers a unique perspective
on rural development that goes beyond the conventional economic metrics.
Tagore's Vision:
Kabindranath Tagore's vision of rural community development centered around
ceaing a harmonious and holistic society where individuals could realize their full
potential in harmony with nature and culture. He envisioned aworld where education.
ental
cutural enrichment, and sustainable living were interwoven thus leading to the
empowerment of individuals and the Overall well-being of rural communities.
 Rural Development (Administration and Planning)
|98
and Pillars:
Major Principles Tagore's approach
Holistic Human
Growth:
- physical,intellectual. ernotional, the al st,
development
ensuring of individuals
that economic and spirtv,
progress was balanced with personal fulfilrment.
Empowerment: He believed )education that
Education as
encourages critical thinking, and ernmpowers individuals to shape iberatesherf ittroar,
destinies.
Enrichment: Tagore emphasized on preserving and
Cultural
celebratis,
" cultural identity, fostering pride in local traditions while emoracingthe benit

of acosmopolitan outlook.
SustainableCoexistence: Hlis philosophy highlighted the importance cike
in harmony with nature, practicing sustainable agriculture, and respectingte
delicate balance between human needs and ecological well-being.
Integration of Urban and Rural: Tagore als0 advocated for a synthesit ri
rural and urban values by allowing cornmunities to benefit from modernity whie
at the same time, retaining their cultural roots.
Outcomes of Tagore's Approach:
Empowered Individuals: Tagore's emphasis on education led to the
empowerment of individuals by enabling thern to think critically, rmake intorme
decisions, and contribute meaningfully to the society.
" Cultural ldentity: His approach helped rural communities in preserving that
cultural heritage while embracing global influences, leading to aunique bera
of traditional and contemporary values.
Sustainable Practices: Tagore's philosophy promoted sustainable agricute
methods thus fosteringa balanced coexistence with nature and ensuring oi3
term environmental health.
Sustainab.le
Harmonious Society: The integration of education, culture. and
livingcontributed in the creationof aharmonious and balancedsociery
Successful Examples: remains
Santiniketan: The institution founded by Tagore, Santiniketan.
It has
ashining example of his approach to rural community development.
produced individuals who have excelled in various fields while carryir1g
Tagore's values and philosophies.
VVisva-Bharat
Visva-Bharati University: Tagore's vision was realized through educatior.
University, an
institution that continues to promote his philosophy of
culture, and sustainability.
 Rural Development Programmes 99 |
Cultural Revival: Tagore's emphasis on cultural preservationinspired various
ruralcommunitiesto revive and celebratetheir traditionsthus enrichingthe fabric
ofrurallife.
Ecological.Sensitivity: Tagore's sustainable approach to agriculture and living
" hasresonated with contemporary efforts towards ecological conservation and
sustainable tarming practices.

In
essence, Rabindranath Tagore's approach to rural lcommunitydevelopment was
visionary and multifaceted philosophy that recognized the interconnectedness of
human beings, culture, and nature. His emphasis on holistic human growth through
education, cultural enrichment, sustainable living, and harmonious coexistence still
nspire those seeking a balanced and inclusive path of rural development.
Continuestoinspire
Tagore's legacy is a reminder that development should uplift individuals while at the
rving their cultural identity and ensuing the health of the environment.
sametime preserving1

2.3.2 Gandhi's Approach

Mahatma Gandhi's approach to rural communitydevelopment, often referred
nas the "Gandhian Approach," is rooted in self-reliance, simplicity, and grassroots
nnuerment. Gandhi believed in the transtormation of rural India through a bottoms
uD process that prioritized human dignity, economic self-sufficiency, and sustainable
lving, His approach was deeply influenced by the principles of nonviolence, truth, and
the welfare of the poorest and most marginalized sections of society.

Gandhi's Vision:
Mahatma Gandhi's vision of rural community development was centered around
achieving a self-reliant, decentralized, and harmonious society. He envisioned villages as
sel-sustaining units where individuals lived in dignity, practiced simplicity, and actively
participated in their gOvernance and economic activities. Gandhi'sultimate goal was to
create ajust and equitable society wherein every individual, especially the marginalized,
had an opportunity to lead a meaningful and empowered life.
Major Principles and Pillars:
Swadeshi andSelf-Sufficiency: Gandhi's approach focused on promoting the
eof locally produced goods (Swadeshi) and the development of village-based
industries. He believed that economic self-sufficiency would only be able to free
India from foreian economic domination by creating employment opportunities
in rural areas.
Decentralization and Self-Governance: Gandhi emphasized on the
nportance of decentralized governance through village panchayats. He believed
|100 Rural Development(Administration and
that local self-governing bodies would empower communities
Planning)
that aligned with their unique needs and priorities. to make
Simplicity andDignity of Labour: Gandhi's's
of leading asimple life and engaging in manualphilosophyHe stresed on
labour.
decisr,
form of labour should be respected thus promoting believed thtahleva
equality among individuals. self-reliance and a ever.
Non-violent Resistance (Satyagraha): Gandhi's principle of non-viseonlseer;
resistance aimedto bring about social and political changes
uithout
violence. This principle empowered individuals and
challenge the unjust practices and policies. communities to respeotaincgehu,
Equality and Eradication of Untouchability:
Gandhi fo
funtouchability. advocated
equality and the eradication of the practice of u He
integrating the marginalized sections of the society into the worked
towards
promoting unity among diverse communities. mainstream
by
Environmentally Sustainable Practices: Gandhi's emphasis on sal
sufficiencä extended to environmental
sustainable agricultural practices and thesustainability
as well. He encOuranot
conservation of natural resources n
ensure the well-beingof the present and future
generations.
Outcomes of Gandhi's Approach:
Economic Empowerment: Gandhi's promotion of cottage
self-reliance led to increased economic opportunities in rural areasindustries and
thus reducing
the dependency on external
resources.
Community Participation: His emphasis on self-governance
the local communities to actively empowee
fostering a sense of ownership andparticipate in the decision-making proces
responsibility.
Promotion of Equality: Gandhi's advocacy of social equality and eradication
of
untouchability helped in contributing to a more inclusive society. upliting
marginalized sections, and promoting social cohesion.
Non-violent Movements: Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistanc'
played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence by inspiringsimilar
movements globally and showcasing the power of
peaceful protests.
Successful Examples:
Champaran
Bihar, Satyagraha: Gandhi's first successful satyagraha
inChampara.
i practias
focused on the
which resulted in the issues of indigo cultivation and unfairlandlord
improved of
 Rural Development Programmes 101|
Khadiand|Village Industries: Gandhi's promotion of khadi (hand-spun and
" handwoven cloth) and village industries revitalized the rural economies and
empowered| local communities.
Non-violent Independence Movement: Gandhi's leadership in lndia's
struggle for independence demonstrated the effectiveness of non-violent
resistancein. achieving political change.
Promotion of Community Health: Gandhi's emphasis on cleanliness,
hygiene, and preventive healthcare practices helped in improving the health
andwell-being of rural communities.
MGbetmaGandh's approach to rural community development envisioned a self
aliant. decentralized, and just society. His principles of self-sufficiency, non-violent
resistance, social equality, and environmental sustainability continue to inspire efforts
tnuards holistic rural development that prioritizes dignity, empowerment, and equity.
Gandhi's legacy serves as a guiding light for those seeking to create meaningful and
lasting positivechanges in rural communities.
2.4 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
thinkers who
Both Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi were prominent Indian
they shared a
proposed distinct approaches to rural community development. While
in terms of
commitment for the upliftment of rural areas, their philosophies differed
their approaches:
emphasis, principles, and strategies. Here's a comparative analysis of
1. Emphasis:
development, education,
" Tagore: Tagore's approach focused on holistic human nature. He believed in
cultural enrichment, and a harmonious relationship with
creativity, and cultural preservation as
the importance of individual fulfilment,
integral components of rural development.
simplicity, non
Gandhi: Gandhi's approach laid emphasison self-reliance,revolved around
philosophy
Violence, and community empowerment. His
decentralized governance.
economic self-sufficiencu. social equality, and
2.Vision:
envisioned a society where development was beyond economic
agore: Tagore
and included spiritual. cultural, and intellectual growth. His aim was
Pogress thus fostering
oalanced coexistence between humans, culture, and nature
a
harmonious communities.
 (Administration and
Rural Development
|102
Gandhi: Gandhi s vision was centered on the
Pla nni
creation
ng)of
empowered villages. His aim
politicaloppression
local self-governance.
was to liberate India
through non-violent resistanceeand
from he
sel -sut
promotingeconomiK,i
egu
3. Educational Philosophy: t

Tagore: Tagore believedineducation. as a means to empower

Creative and critical thinking. He indi
established institutions like the
that celebrated cultural diversity, holistic learning. and
viduals thro
integration Sartinikz
of
sciences.

Gandhi: Gandhi's approach to education was practical and linkeditot the ne:
arsar.
of rural life. He advocated for basic education that focused on
and moral values, enablingindividuals to become self-reliant and thus vocational
s
to their communities. Contibu
4. Cultural Enrichment:

Tagore: Tagore's approach emphasized on the preservation of cultural hets:

while at the same time embracing global influences. He saw culture as abrid:
between therural and urban worlds, fostering unity and understanding.
" Gandhi: Gandhiemphasized on Swadeshiand the revival of village industris
that aimed to promote traditional craftsmanship and empower the rural artisars
thereby preserving cultural practices and identity.
5. Economic Focus:
Tagore: While Tagore's approach acknowledged economic development, :
was integrated into abroader context of overall human wel-being. cultura
enrichment, and sustainability.
Gandhi: Gandhi'ssapproach prioritized economic self-sufficiency andequitablk
distribution of resources. He believed that economic prosperity can be achieved
through local industries, and by reducing rural dependency on urban centers.
6. Leadership Style:
Tagore: Tagore's leadership and artistic
was focused on his intellectual changesand
contributions. He used literature, music, and education to inspire
foster cultural understanding among the rural population.
" Gandhi: Gandhi's leadership was involvementit
characterized by his direct strikes
grassroot movements including non-violent protests, marches, and hungerr
which aimed in challengingthe
oppressive systems.