“People are the treasure of the country, and agriculture and industry are the normal mints,” says Sree Sree Thakur Anukulchandra. (The Message, Vol.VIII:337). In today’s era, we see a growing focus on establishing special economic zones (SEZ) to promote large industries across the nation. However, Sree Sree Thakur’s ideology presents a contrasting perspective—one that prioritizes people’s well-being and sustainable development over unchecked industrialization.
India’s Socio-Economic Challenges
India faces a multitude of socio-economic challenges, including pervasive poverty, significant income inequality, and widespread unemployment. Despite notable economic growth, the benefits have not been evenly distributed, leading to a widening gap between the affluent and the impoverished. The top 1% of Indians own 58% of the country's wealth, while the bottom 50% hold just 3%. (Oxfam International)
Unemployment remains a pressing issue, with many individuals, including highly qualified youth, struggling to find gainful employment. This situation is exacerbated by the rise of large industries that prioritize automation and efficiency over human labor, leading to job displacement and a decline in traditional skills. (The Times & The Sunday Times)
The Pitfalls of Large Industries
Sree Sree Thakur warns against the excessive promotion of large industries, stating that, “Large industries are those which give more output with minimal manpower. This makes many jobless. Joblessness not only makes them suffer, but more importantly, makes them lose efficiency. That is why, even though a country shines from the exterior, the majority become poor and useless.” He emphasizes that the rise of such industries creates a labor class that is vulnerable and often unemployed.
Instead of allowing large industries to dominate, he advocates for the establishment of domestic enterprises. According to Sree Sree Thakur, “Attempt should be made to create domestic enterprises so that unnecessary large industries could be avoided” (Alo. Pras. Vol.7: 8-5-1946).
A Self-Reliant Household: The Key to Sustainability
Sree Sree Thakur envisions every household as a self-sufficient unit, incorporating essential facilities such as a worship room, grinding and milling setups, a loom, workshop, laboratory, library, cottage industry, kitchen garden, flower and fruit garden, and even a segregation room for patients. This comprehensive setup serves not only to meet the family’s needs but also to instill in children the value of productive activities in a playful manner. (Alo. Pras. Vol.7: 8-5-1946).
Addressing the concern about financial limitations, he assures, “Money does not become a stumbling block to achieve this. If one remains active, then Goddess of Lakshmi (wealth) keeps company. Lakshmi means discussion, vision, wisdom, branding, etc. Lakshmi can’t remain without these” (Alo. Pras. Vol.7: 21-3-1946).
Reviving Cottage Industries: A Path to Eradicating Poverty
Sree Sree Thakur’s strategy to combat poverty revolves around reviving and promoting traditional cottage industries. He advocates for a return to practices such as maintaining cattle, kitchen gardens, flower and fruit orchards, looms, and grinders. While acknowledging the importance of machines in modern times, he stresses the value of active participation and inventive thinking to make machines even more effective.
He states, “People should not waste their time, opportunities, land, or any other resource. Instead, they should utilize them to make their lives wealthier” (Alo. Pras. Vol.6: 25-12-1945).
The Purpose of Industry: Serving People
For Sree Sree Thakur, the ultimate goal of any industry is to serve people. He asserts, “If one serves people with every compassion for their existential proficiency, wealth flows there to worship him” (The Message, Vol.VIII:321). He cautions against earning through deceptive means, as “hoax of money makes one a man of heartless intelligence” (The Message, Vol.VIII:327). Instead, he encourages creativity and a commitment to fulfilling the genuine needs of society.
Decentralizing Large Industries
To bridge the gap between labor and capital, Sree Sree Thakur proposes decentralizing large industries. He envisions a model where production is distributed across households. Each family would handle a specific part of the production process, and the parts would later be assembled at a central location. This approach not only preserves the family setup but also ensures that profits are shared among many rather than a select few.
“If families manage different parts of production according to instinct and if the family members be both the owner and worker of the industry, then the trick of so-called capitalists to engage people as laborers fails,” he explains (Alo. Pras. Vol.7: 8-5-1946).
The Role of Government in Protecting Cottage Industries
Sree Sree Thakur underscores the importance of government intervention to safeguard cottage industries from the monopolistic tendencies of large industries. He suggests that the government should levy duties on products manufactured by large industries if those products are also made by cottage industries. Additionally, he calls for government support in promoting cottage industry products and providing necessary amenities and opportunities. At the same time, he cautions against undermining essential large industries, advocating instead for a balanced approach (Alo. Pras. Vol.7: 8-5-1946).
Every Home: A Miniature University and State
Sree Sree Thakur’s ultimate vision is to transform every home into a “miniature university and a miniature state.” This model would minimize the conflict between capitalists and laborers, ensuring food security and employment for a vast population (Alo. Pras. Vol.7: 8-5-1946).
Economic Wealth of the Country
Where sufferance for the Love is a blessing, where hearth and home are satisfied, blended with sweet relation, economic wealth of the country normally flows in a puffing flow.
—The Message: Vol.VIII:342
Agriculture and Industry
Agriculture and industry with their nurturing service are the natural mint and wealth of the country.
—The Message Vol.VIII:336
Exploitation that Elates
Exploitation that does not exalt but sears the being is exploitation indeed, but exploitation that elates and activates is the vim of vitality.
—The Message Vol.VIII:323
Conclusion
India’s socio-economic challenges, including poverty, income inequality, and unemployment, underscore the need for a sustainable and inclusive approach to development. Sree Sree Thakur Anukulchandra’s vision for cottage industries offers a transformative solution. By decentralizing production, reviving traditional practices, and fostering self-reliant households, his teachings provide a path to harmonize economic growth with social well-being. His wisdom reminds us that true progress is not measured by industrial expansion alone but by the prosperity and happiness of the people. Let us embrace this compassionate and sustainable vision to create a better future for all.
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