New Delhi: Dr. Karan Singh, renowned philosopher and thinker, has called upon parliamentarians mainly Gandhians to come together to combat the forces of hatred and division in society.
Speaking at the launch of Sangharsh Ki Aapbeeti, a memoir by Laxmi Das, a steadfast Gandhian from Himachal Pradesh, he also urged parliamentarians to maintain differences without harboring hatred.
The book was unveiled alongside Civil Aviation Minister Dr H.K. Patil, who hailed Das as a rare figure dedicated to Gandhian values.
A former chairman of the Khadi Commission, Laxmi Das is known for his decades-long work in rural development, social justice, and promoting self-reliance among marginalized communities.
Walking the Gandhian Path
Das’s life is a testament to Gandhian ideals. His padyatras across the country—10 months in Jammu and Kashmir, campaigns in Punjab during its troubled times, and rural development initiatives in Bihar and Himachal—brought him closer to the struggles of ordinary people.
His work under the Bhoodan movement, initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave, helped distribute land to the landless, transforming countless lives.
Fighting Untouchability
Laxmi Das’s fight against untouchability began in the 1960s when his family faced social boycott for inviting a Dalit to a social event.
As Secretary of the Harijan Sevak Sangh, founded by Mahatma Gandhi, he continues to champion social justice, running hostels for Scheduled Caste children and editing the magazine Harijan Seva to spread awareness.
Rural Development and Cottage Industry
Das advocates an integrated approach to rural development, emphasizing skill-building, local entrepreneurship, and cottage industries to empower rural youth and reduce migration to cities.
As Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, he introduced over 50 initiatives, from enhancing productivity in hand-spinning to promoting rural industrialization and creating over 2.5 lakh jobs in a year.
Technology for Progress
Believing in the transformative power of technology, Das has worked to modernize sectors like handmade paper, beekeeping, and leather processing.
These innovations have made cottage industries more sustainable and appealing to rural youth.
Health and Naturopathy
Echoing Gandhi’s principles of self-reliance, Das promotes naturopathy through training centers across India.
These initiatives not only improve health but also provide livelihoods to practitioners.
Literary Contributions
Laxmi Das has authored books on Gandhian movements, Panchayati Raj, and sustainable industries, sharing his vast experience in rural development and social reform.
Born on September 10, 1947, in Ujhi village, Chintpurni, Himachal Pradesh, Das’s lifelong dedication to building a just society rooted in Gandhian values remains unwavering.
