Acharya Tulsi
For some time past a new note has been audible-that there are too many institution organisations in the community. They clash with one another. It gives rise to groups, quarrels and bickering. One organisation takes up the work started by another, and complications arise. In the beginning there was only one organisation-'Terapanthi Sabha". Now we have a Youth Association, a Women’s Council, an Anuvrata Committee, the Jain Vishva Bharati, the Anuvrata Vishva Bharati, etc. Since we have not been able to properly conduct the work of even one or two institutions, where is the need for so many? Whichever department, group or individual has raised this question, it is not without some foundation. The way certain institutions are functioning, is a matter of concern. Their mutual tussles and imbroglios compel and individual to conclude that to start an organisation is to invite problems. This is one aspect.
From another angle, the existence of an organisation in itself constitutes no problem. The problem arises because of other factors. ln this age of democracy, wherever there is a group some sort of organisation is essential. Organisations are a means: of promoting community development. Differences of age ideas type of work and systems of working are the inspiration behind the creation of different institution. Thus, scattered energies are bound in a unity, opening new dimensions for progress. In these circumstances, it is not possible to merge all the institution into one, or to ban altogether the opening of new one. But this does not mean that any individual may start a new organisation at any time he pleases. It is necessary to prevent the mushrooming of unnecessary organisations. However, in special case one should keep an open mind. In this connection, it is necessary to frame a long-term policy after due deliberation. This could be easily taken up in the ‘Welfare Year’.
Wherever there are organisations, many people are associated with them.-Every individual has ideas of his own. In case of differences, a tussle here and there cannot be ruled out. Wherever there are clouds, thunder is bound to be there. That all the members of an organisation should think alike does not make sense. Every member of the community has a right to participate in the affairs of an institution of the community, provided he accepts the traditions and beliefs of his community. On this ground every individual has a contribution to make to social development. Some idea may occur to someone which may win the support of the entire community. All this has to be kept in mind while seeking a solution of institutional problems.
In my opinion, one big factor behind the problems connected with various organisation, is the lack of trained workers. Practical steps should be taken to fill in this lacuna. If the office- bearers and the members of the executive come out of the ranks of trained workers, mutual conflict can be avoided to a great extent.
Proper training has value in every sphere of activity. It may be business, housekeeping, or running an organisation, without training, no work is thoroughly done. A certain action may be performed without training, but it would be lacking in elegance and finish. At the meeting of the Intellectual Forum, this issue was discussed at length, and it was suggested that during the"Welfare Year", some 5-6-day seminars be arranged to impart proper training to the workers. The intellectual Forum should shoulder the responsibility of holding such shivirs and should prepare an outline of the programme thereof.
Whether it be a big organisation or small, three kinds of people are involved in its functioning-the donors, the office-bearers, and dedicated workers. It is not essential for the donors to be trained, since they have no direct hand in the running of various institutions. For the other two kinds of people, training is necessary. Some people can donate money, but no time. If such people choose to get training, it is good, but even if they do not, it makes little difference, since the work of the organisation does not suffer on that account. Some people, though not educated, are very much dedicated and full of the spirit of service. By acquiring the capability of running an institution, they can prove to be very useful to the community. Some workers, though trained and experienced, cannot offer their services without remuneration. They, too, have their value. All the parts of a motor-car have their utility. Similarly, all people, big or small, are of use to the community.
In the matter of training, it is desirable to concentrate on two points. On the outer level, efficient organisation, and on the inner level the values of toleration honesty and hard work. Neither of these two aspects should be ignored. The properly trained people of the community may draw up ambitious plans, but should not be power-hungry. They will have to account for every naya paisa entrusted to them. If, through their programmes and about the utility of their organisation, it would usher in a new era in the history of organisations.
