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18th November, 1990 My dear Pranav,

25th June, 1975 was a black day in the life of Modern India. A democratically elected Prime Minister with a very huge majority was unseated by a High Court on 12th June, 1975. Values by which a democratic society stands, the constitution stands, were at stake. The Prime Minister chose to disregard the court order. Indira Gandhi imposed an “Emergency” in India to save her personal rule. The whole country became a jail. All political opponents were imprisoned. A black period in India’s political life began.

Vinoba was respected by Jawaharlal. He was respected by Jayaprakash. He was also respected by Indira Gandhi, who was clinging to power against democratic traditions. Vinoba and Jayprakash were very close Jeevandani associates. JP had started his Total Revolution agitation. He was jailed, and so were lakhs of people.

For Vinoba, this was an hour of trial. Many of his close associates felt that he did not rise to the occasion. Many people denounced him. They called him “Sarkari Sant” (government patronised saint). Intellectuals, acaclemics and politicians attacked him for his non-action. They even said he was a partisan and afraid of speaking against the government.

Throughout his life Vinoba had been talking against politics (Rajniti) and in favour of Lokaniti (People's power). He always advised the Sarvodaya Samaj people against young, and joining political parties. They must do only lokashikshan (awakening of the people) about their rights. He never accepted government as a change agent in the society. He was for Swarajya (Self-rule) and not Surajya (good government). All these a were known to the people and accepted by them. Vinoba’s

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