Socio-Economic Justice For the collective welfare of the entire uni- Prabhat verse, Sarkar propounded Prout (the Pro- gressive Utilization Theory), which stands for the maximum utilization and rational Ranjan distribution of all the resources and poten- tialities of the world - physical, mental, and spiritual - and the creation of a new, humanistic social order of harmony and Sarkar justice for all based on Neohumanism, the principle of love for all beings of the uni- verse. His demands for social justice, and his un- compromising moral stand against corrup- In the field of science, Sarkar introduced tion and exploitation, brought about the the theory of Microvita, which has subse- opposition of certain vested interests which quently captured the interest of scientists resulted in the persecution of Ananda around the world. In a series of discourses, Marga and his own arrest in 1971 under Sarkar struck at the heart of conventional false charges. During his seven-year incar- physics and biology, pointing out that the ceration he survived a poisoning attempt basic buildings blocks of life are Microvita by government ofcials and fasted on a - emanations of pure consciousness. The liquid diet for over five years in protest. Microvita theory provides a link between Ultimately acquitted of all charges by the the worlds of perception and conception high court, he was eventually released from and implies that the distinct disciplines of prison in 1978. From then until his physical physics, biology, and mathematics will departure in 1990, he continued to guide merge into one science of understanding the rapid expansion of Ananda Marga all the real nature of the universe. over the world. In the fields of music, literature and art, Sarkar urged artists to produce art for service and blessedness rather than merely Beaconlight of the Future "art for art's sake." Sarkar not only wrote Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar wrote over 100 long philosophical treatises, but enriched books on subjects as diverse as mysticism, us as well with children's stories, fiction, cosmology, sociology, history, education, comedy and drama. His most dramatic yoga, medicine, ethics, psychology, hu- contribution is the 5018 songs known as manities, linguistics, economics, ecology, Prabhat Samgiita (Songs of the New Dawn) farming, music and literature. He delivered which he composed from September of several thousand discourses and composed 1982 until his departure in October 1990. over 5000 mystical songs. But most impor- These beautiful songs express the spiritual tantly, through his personal example, pro- feelings and universality of the human found philosophy, systematic spiritual heart. Most of the songs were written in practices and far-reaching service projects, Sarkar's mother tongue, Bengali, and Ben- he has been - and continues to be so to gali scholars have bestowed on them the this day - the sole inspirational drive for highest praise for their poetic and symbolic the universal mission of Ananda Marga. expression. God) and taught a system of practical Contributions to the Fields of spiritual disciplines for physical, mental Humanities, Linguistics, Science and spiritual development. Recognizing and the Arts him as a spiritually realized master, his followers called him Shrii Shrii Ananda- In the field of ecology and environmental murti, which means "He who attracts others awareness, Sarkar propounded the phi- as the embodiment of bliss”, or simply losophy of Neohumanism, expanding the "Baba" (father). spirit of humanism to include love for ani- mals, plants and the inanimate. He started Those who followed his teachings found a global plant exchange program to save their lives transformed as they overcame and propagate thousands of plant species, the weaknesses and negative tendencies of and encouraged the establishment of ani- the mind to experience a deep peace and mal sanctuaries in various locations around bliss within. Inspired by his selfless exam- the world. ple, they focused their eforts on serving the society and elevating the oppressed. In the realm of philology and linguistics, Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar wrote numerous vol- umes on the Bengali and Sanskrit lan- Ananda Marga guages which trace the evolution of words, phrases and cultural traditions that com- In 1955, while still leading a normal family prise today's tapestry of Indian languages, life as a railway ofcial, Prabhat Ranjan Sar- as well as new and important insights into kar formed the organization Ananda Marga Indo-European and other languages of the ("Path of Bliss") with the twin purposes of world. spiritual progress and social change. To

this end he began training missionaries to spread his teachings of "self-realization and service to humanity" all over India and Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar later throughout the world. Reflecting the broadness of his universal vision, Ananda Modern writer, philosopher, scientist, social Marga subsequently became a multi- theorist, and spiritual leader, Prabhat Ran- faceted organization with diferent jan Sarkar has attracted a following in more branches dedicated to the upliftment of than 130 countries. His books have been humanity through education, relief, wel- translated into all the world’s major lan- fare, the arts, ecology, intellectual renais- guages, and his unique blend of historical sance, women's emancipation, and human- perspective and social commentary has istic economy. been the inspiration for social activists seeking progressive alternatives to capital- In 1963, he established the Education, Re- ism and communism. lief and Welfare Section, which runs schools, orphanages, medical units, retire- From his early childhood in Bihar, India, ment homes, free kitchens, drug rehabilita- where he was born in 1921, Prabhat Ran- tion centers and homes for shelterless jan Sarkar has been attracting others by his women throughout the globe. The Ananda deep love for humanity and guiding them Marga Universal Relief Team (AMURT) has along the path of self-realization. Adjust- rendered disaster relief in fire, flood, ty- ing the ancient science of Tantra Yoga to phoon, earthquake and war, and received meet the needs of this age, he developed a numerous citations from the United Na- scientific and rational philosophy (based on tions, the Red Cross and many govern- the immanence and transcendence of ments.