3 Review(s)

Probably, this is for the first time that a comprehensive Gandhian Philosophy of Social Work has been articulated. Earlier, some sporadic attempts were made to delineate Gandhian approach to social work by relating Gandhian thoughts to the tenets of social work. But Gandhian Philosophy of Social Work underlying this book is based entirely on Gandhian concepts and ideals that may have relevance for social work of Gandhian concept. Gandhian Philosophy of Social Work as discussed in this book is basically spiritual in nature in the sense that spirituality runs through the entire theme of social work like blood in the veins. This book defines the concept of spirituality and distinguishes it from materialism. Further, it discusses how both can be synthesized in keeping with Indian traditions as society needs both of them. This book also discusses the Gandhian motivation for social work as it evolved in his personal life. In fact, it was not the product of any one incident that occurred in his life but was the cumulative effect of his experiences in his whole life. The chief characteristic of Gandhian Philosophy of Social Work is that it is directed towards the goal of self-realization that Gandhi termed as the Destiny of Humankind. The objective of Gandhian social work is also different from the usual concept of social welfare. It is to rejuvenate the entire personality and life of the individual so that one could become the guardian of one’s dignity and self-respect, and in the process it reconstructs the social system wherein the stipulated objective is ensured. Social problems as discussed in this book are not the usual social welfare problems. These are the problems that are the cause and the effect of various ills and evils in the life of the individual and the society. And the roots of the problems lie in the mind of man. These could also be traced in various social institutions, particularly the family and also in social structure at large. The book also discusses the methods for the rejuvenation of the individual and reconstruction of the society. These methods are also the tools to fight against social evils and social injustice that are roadblocks in the path of individual well-being and serial progress. The theme of Gandhian Philosophy of Social Work underlying the book has been articulated by evaluating and analyzing various action programs that Gandhi had launched, first in South Africa and subsequently in India besides his writings that have a bearing on the theme.