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 of words. It had no guidance for Action. Vinoba was very particular about this Action (Karma). Acting locally was very important for him. He therefore evolved his idea from Bhoodan to Gramdan. | will tell you about Gramdan as envisaged by Vinoba some other time. With love, Yours, L.N. Godbole

Letter 34

23rd September, 1990 My dear Pranav,

You should not be surprised if I tell you that Vinoba was the earliest thinker in India who started the talk about Stree Shakti or Women’s Power. This was in 1954, when he started the Brabmavidya Mandir at Pavnar.

Traditionally,the search for Brahman has been an activity only for men. women were kept away from sadbana. In fact, you will find a common belief that Woman was a hindrance in the way of achieving success at a high spiritual level. It was Bhagwan Ma- haveera who ordained women for the spiritual quest. But it was only for one’s own salvation. It was an individaul effort.

Vinoba started Brahmavidya Mandir for women, who follow brabmacharya (celibacy) and try to understand brahman as a group quest. His disciples from Brahmavidya Mandir, all women have set up an ashram in Gauhati ,Assam. It is called the Maitri ashram. There are three other ashrams which were started at various places. Two of his women disciples continued padayatra for 12 years in all parts of India to spread the word of Sarvodaya and Brhamavidya. :

It is significant that when Vinoba died on 15th November, 1982, his funeral pyre was lit by Mahadevitai, a woman disciple. This token

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