Who of the following is the pioneer of the "Bhoodan Movement"?

The correct answer is Vinoba Bhave.

Key Points

• Vinoba Bhave was the pioneer of the Bhoodan Movement, which started in 1951 in Pochampally, Telangana.
• The Bhoodan Movement aimed at persuading wealthy landowners to voluntarily donate a portion of their land to landless farmers.
• Vinoba Bhave, a disciple of Mahatma Gandhi, was deeply influenced by Gandhian principles of non-violence and social justice.
• The movement was part of a larger initiative to address issues of land redistribution and rural poverty in India.
• Through his efforts, millions of acres of land were donated to benefit the landless and marginalized communities.

Additional Information

• Bhoodan Movement:
  • The term "Bhoodan" translates to "land gift" in Hindi.
  • It was a voluntary land reform movement initiated to bridge the gap between the wealthy landowners and the landless poor.
  • The movement was inspired by Gandhian philosophy and sought to create a more equitable rural society.
• Vinoba Bhave:
  • Born on 11th September 1895, Vinoba Bhave was a social reformer and spiritual leader.
  • He was the first recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 1958.
  • He is also known for his contributions to Sarvodaya (universal upliftment) and promoting non-violent activism.
• Gramdan Movement:
  • The Gramdan Movement was an extension of the Bhoodan Movement, where entire villages voluntarily donated their land for equitable redistribution.
  • This movement aimed to foster collective ownership and reduce economic disparity.
• Challenges of the Bhoodan Movement:
  • Many land donations were either unsuitable for cultivation or encumbered with legal disputes.
  • The implementation of land redistribution faced bureaucratic hurdles and resistance from landowners.