A Mass Movement
I have always had faith in the Anuvrat Movement.
I have kept abreast of its activities ever since the days when only a few people were aware of it and today when I hear the people talking about its widespread impact I feel exhilarated. I am of the view that the Movement owes its success to the work being done by a band of 650 dedicated sadhus under the leadership of Acharya Shree Tulsi. The progress of any work depends entirely on the single-minded devotion of the workers. Another important thing to be noted in this context is that the people in India are influenced only by what saints preach to them. The thing that has pleased me most is that the Movement has transformed itself into a mass movement. I do not think that the people still subscribe to the view that it belongs to a particular sect. Its appeal to the masses augurs well for its future.
Not only does this Movement incline us to do good to others but it also helps us to purify our own life and mould it in the right direction. The best life one can live is the life of self-restraint. I, therefore, wish that the ideals of Anuvrat may be popularized among all sections of society. If I am asked to hold some post in this organisation I shall be glad to accept the post of a supporter.
Dr. RAJENDRA PRASAD
First President of India
The First Step towards Moral and Cultural Rejuvenation of the People
The Anuvrat Movement is a collective movement for the moral upliftment of our country. Such movements can be instrumental in furthering the role of religion. Its sponsor has launched it with a broad outlook so that the followers of all faiths may extend their helping hand to it. It comprises basic principles of life. In my opinion it is the first step in the direction of the moral and cultural elevation of the people. May this noble endeavour of Acharya Tulsi bear rich fruit.
CHAKRAVARTI RAJGOPALACHARY
First Governor-General of India
It Deserves Encouragement
We live in an age of acedia, spiritual drought and torpor of the soul. Young men are more inclined towards materialistic doctrines and any movement which recalls to us the spiritual character of human nature is welcome. In our country, the Anuvrat Movement is fulfilling this function. Its work, therefore, deserves encouragement.
Dr. S. RADHAKRISHNAN
Former President of India
A Movement of Strong Foundation
If we wish to build the edifice of our nation, Us foundation must be laid deep. If we lay the foundation on sand, the whole structure will collapse the moment it gives way. The edifice erected on the foundation of character is always strong. We have the responsibility of implementing many important projects in our country. They are all embedded in character. The Anuvrat Movement is doing good work in this direction. I believe that the more this work progresses the better it is. So I wish the Anuvrat Movement all success.
JAWAHARLAL NEHRU
First Prime Minister of India
An Instrument for Introspection
The real instrument for our progress is the ability to see within and analyse things introspectively. I am very happy to note that the Anuvrat Movement is fully awake to this fact.
LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI
Former Prime Minister of India
Real Spirit of Anuvrat Is Humanism
I have been associated with the Anuvrat Movememt for many years and I have great respect for it. It is not because I am a follower of Acharya Shree but because I consider it my duty to cooperate with the work he is doing for the country in the field of building character and creating a climate of orderliness and morality.
There can be only one true religion and that is humanism. Different sects and creeds must work in the same direction, but it is regrettable that today religious communities are indulging in mutual strife that will put those to shame who do not believe in religion. It is a weakness of human nature that there should be strife in the name of religion. It is for religion to wipe out this weakness. The Anuvrat Movement does not seek to convert anyone to Terapanth, but tries to disseminate religion in its true form and spirit.
It is making special efforts to bring about moral reconstruction in the country. The vows of Anuvrat may be small or atomic, but we will have to observe them with respect due to the greatest vows. In fact no vow can be small or atomic. All that happens is that we make progress by degrees beginning with the smallest and going to the highest. I have benefited from it and it has also helped me to discover my own shortcomings.
MORARJI BHAI DESAI
Former Prime Minister of India
Solace to Troubled Mind
Any number of laws may be enacted but they will fail to bring about a basic reform in man. It is because laws operate superficially and fail to win our hearts. The Anuvrat Movement has succeeded in touching our hearts. If a change of heart is brought about in all the people, the picture of our country will be wholly different. I am sure that the work of the Anuvrat Movement will make further progress. It gives solace to the anguished spirit. I have full sympathy for this movement and I am with all those who support it.
MAULANA ABUL KALAM AZAD
Former Minister for Education and Scientific Research and Eminent National Leader
A Movement for Building Character
Anuvrat Movement is a movement for building character and the world needs it most today. So far these vows have been regarded as individual values but Acharya Shree Tulsi and his devoted followers are instrumental in getting them accepted as societal values. As the social value of these vows increases it will result in an all-round development of man. I welcome this movement.
GOVIND BALI.ABH PANT
Former Minister for Home Affairs and National Leader
Building a Strong Nation
As long as we do not uplift the moral standards of the people, our efforts to build a strong nation will not be so successful. I, therefore, send my best wishes for this movement for the moral reawakening of humanity.
GURUMUKH NIHAL SINGH
Former Governor of Rajasthan
Sarvodaya and Anuvrat
Acharya Shree Tulsi has through a special technique of his own combined restraint with service and this has had and will continue to have a profound effect on many fields of life.
Sarvodaya and anuvrat are not different but are two ways to reach the same destination. Anuvrat lays emphasis on the purity of thought and action and inspires the individual to observe restraint and eschew addictions. Sarvodaya is also possible only when the individual develops a character infused with purity of conduct and self-control. It is for this reason that I do not distinguish between anuvrat and sarvodaya. The workers of both should become partners in a common endeavour, for both are complementary I wish this moral movement of anuvrats a hearty success.
ACHARYA VINOBA BHAVE
Sponsor of Bhoodan Movement and Great Leader of India
A Movement Acceptable to All
I have no fascination for any particular religion. A religion that creates divisions between one man and another cannot survive in this age of science. Today everyone desires human solidarity. A religion which rejects the idea of conciliation and defies the scientific spirit will not be able to endure any longer on the earth.
As far as I have understood, Acharya Shree Tulsi and his Anuvrat Movement are dedicated to the noble cause of changing the whole world into one family so that all may live in love and peace. The Anuvrat Movement bears testimony to this inner urge. In fact the Movement is universally respected Acharya Shree has given a revolutionary shape to the basic ingredients of the ancient truths by presenting them in a new way. He has undertaken this great task with a view to promoting moral awakening throughout the world. This movement is not meant for a particular region or country. It is not for India alone. It is also meant for the USA and the USSR. The truth is that it is meant for all even though it is called anuvrat.
JAIPRAKASH NARAYAN
Eminent Sarvodaya Leader of India
Anuvrat - A Cure for All Evils
Acharya Shree Tulsi, together with his monks and nuns, is playing an important role in creating a climate of morality. This work of his is in keeping with the lofty traditions of Indian culture. Today we are in need of a strong society based on the principles of unity, morality and secularism. For this it is necessary for our young men and women to be people of character so that they may be able to fight the moral evils and eradicate them. Anuvrat is an elixir which can help everyone acquire the highest purity. It is a spiritual instrument for attaining samadhi (the state of total peace and cessation of consciousness). It is a pathway leading to the royal road. The work that has been done or is being done by the Anuvrat Movement is not only laudable but also a source of joy.
INDIRA GANDHI
Former Prime Minister of India
The Beauty of Truth
I have received some reports about the work of the Anuvrat Movement sponsored by Jain Acharya Shree Tulsi. I most heartily welcome this movement. The members of this movement take vows to follow truth and self-reliance in their daily life. When truth is absorbed in the smallest activities the whole life becomes an embodiment of truth. Our hankering after materialism has fanned the fires of low instincts and untruth. Our country is also undergoing a phase of decadence. A small group of people who practise truth in their life may be likened to a candle. Let the light of this candle glow more and attract more people towards the beauty of truth.
RAJARSHI PURUSHOTTAM DAS TANDON
Former President of Indian National Congress
