सर्वजनहिताय, सर्वजनसुखाय।
समूहिक उत्कर्षः (Samuhik Utkarshah)
The progress of society lies in the upliftment of all its members.
Social emergence, as envisioned by Prof. (Dr.) R.P. Banerjee is rooted in the timeless wisdom of Vedic philosophy. It is the harmonious evolution of individuals and communities, where spiritual growth, equitable opportunities, and collective well-being create a thriving and inclusive society. Guided by principles from the Vedas and Upanishads, the initiative aims to foster unity, compassion, and sustainable development.
Disparity in civilization was noticed at the dawn of the learning phase in the European world during the period of Socrates down to the period of Aristotle through Plato. It was actually taken care of to redress the intrinsic cries of human Soul by Sir Isaac Newton through crafting of his Principia Mathematica. The role of which was a projective understanding of intrinsic qualities of human being and giving a lease of life to each attribute to blossom with the gentle breeze and sneezing watery conditions of Mother Nature.
Vedic Foundations of Social Emergence
01
सामानी व आकूतिः (Samani Va Akutih)
“May our intentions and aspirations be united.”
Source: Rigveda 10.191.3
Unity in purpose is the cornerstone of social emergence. This principle inspires communities to transcend individual goals and work towards shared prosperity.
02
संगच्छध्वं संवदध्वं (Sangachchhadhwam Samvadadhwam)
“Walk together, speak together, let your minds be united.”
Source: Rigveda 10.191.2
Collaboration and mutual understanding are essential for societal progress, fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated, and conflicts are resolved peacefully.
03
वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam)
“The world is one family.”
Source: Maha Upanishad 6.71
This universal ideal promotes a sense of interconnectedness, encouraging individuals to embrace global responsibility while nurturing local communities.
04
सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः (Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah)
“May all beings be happy; may all be free from illness.”
Source: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.4.14
A society thrives when its members are healthy, happy, and free from fear. This principle underscores the importance of equitable access to resources and care.
05
न तेन तर्पणीयोऽसि यस्तेन तर्पयति प्रजाः (Na Tena Tarpaniyo’si Ya Stena Tarpayati Prajah)
“He who nourishes others is truly nourished.”
Source: Taittiriya Upanishad 1.11
This teaching reflects the cyclical nature of giving and receiving, emphasising that societies flourish when individuals prioritise the well-being of others.
Key Objectives of Social Emergence
Empowerment through Education:
Inspired by the principle of Pranjanartham (knowledge-based growth), this initiative focuses on educating marginalised communities to enable self-sufficiency and innovation.
Equitable Distribution of Resources
Guided by Samani Aakutih (distributive justice), the initiative ensures that resources are fairly allocated, creating opportunities for everyone.
Promoting Harmony and Peace
Following Jagadanandam, Samannayam, and Shantim (universal harmony), the initiative nurtures environments of unity amidst diversity.
Health and Holistic Development
Aligned with Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah (universal well-being), the initiative addresses the physical, mental, and spiritual health of communities.
Fostering Innovation and Creativity
Reflecting Naba Jagriti Dharanam (creativity and growth), this effort encourages new ideas and solutions to societal challenges.
Journey of Towards Life Foundation(TLF)
TLF is the CSR wing of EIILM-Kolkata which aims to spread happiness among the young children belonging to the marginalized community. The objective of TLF (as envisioned by Prof.(Dr.)R.P.Banerjee is to serve the greatest good to the largest number of people by sharing happiness, joy and riches and absorbing sufferings and perils. The journey of TLF started way back in 2006 through a comprehensive Research Study of the City of Kolkata, spanning its length, breadth and corners. There were a large number of souls barely living their lives in the conditions of despair, delusions, disappointments, crimes, horrors and depressive features. Being people drawn from basically an academic institution, the journey first started with imparting some lessons to the children of people squarely living in all situations of burning heat, chilling cold, and drenching waters at different seasons. Food itself is a crisis. Apart from that, the right food of knowledge and the appropriate inputs for a life to stand up was a crisis throughout. TLF with its soft touch of hundreds of young MBA, BBA, BCA and other students and their teachers along with the sympathetic good hearted people have made a breakthrough in the life of many of these people scattered at different places of the city of Kolkata, spread across from one end to the other.
The Promise and Vision:
It’s a new journey now with a new promise and vision which the volunteers, transactors and operators have identified, thereby affirming to accomplish the following:
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Infuse the strength of mind among all these children drawn from pavements, slums, shanties, canal sides, beneath shades, road sides and similar contexts.
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Infuse the strength of mind among all these children drawn from pavements, slums, shanties, canal sides, beneath shades, road sides and similar contexts.
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Tangible inputs of education at the level of fundamentals of science of life, science of nature, science of the activities, art of work, art of thought, art of accomplishments, art of creations and art of attaining strength of mind.
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Unfold the hidden and intrinsic spirit within to mould those elements of spirit into activities of work meaningful to life and society.
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To hold their hands and support their minds towards becoming a tangible economic unit in the society, not only maintaining the individual life, but also contributing to the time now and forward, the elemental living for similar or dissimilar others.
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To infuse empirical and eternal values in all of them with a view to develop a cluster of Sattwa Guna (attributes of righteousness) in each of them in such a manner that the effect of spread of this generates a new dimension of the societies which would be in a position to hold the backbone and stems of the future of civilization.
Success Stories
Realising Social Emergence
Urfauddin’s Journey
Urfauddin, a student at the Tollygunge Center of Towards Life Foundation (TLF), benefitted from academic training in subjects like English, Mathematics, and Computer Science. Now pursuing a BCA degree from EIILM Kolkata, he exemplifies how education can transform lives and contribute to social emergence.
Soumi Paul’s Empowerment
Soumi Paul’s life changed through TLF’s vocational programs. After completing her training, she secured a stable job and now actively contributes to her community, demonstrating the power of self-reliance
Connecting Leadership, Economy, and Society
Vedic Leadership and the principles of Raj Dharma extend naturally into the realm of social emergence. By nurturing ethical leaders who prioritise collective well-being, social emergence bridges the gap between economic systems and societal harmony.
Quote from Arthashastra by Kautilya:
“प्रजासुखे सुखं राज्ञः प्रजानां च हिते हितम्।
नात्मप्रियं हितं राज्ञः प्रजानां तु प्रियं हितम्।।”
“In the happiness of the subjects lies the happiness of the king; in their welfare, his welfare. The king’s interest is not his true interest; rather, it lies in the interest of his people.”
This principle reinforces the interconnectedness of leadership and social emergence, highlighting the role of leaders in fostering equitable and thriving communities.
Towards Social Emergence: The Next Steps
Through initiatives like TLF, Prof. Banerjee is turning Vedic ideals into actionable strategies. From education and healthcare to gender equity and environmental sustainability, the Social Emergence initiative embodies the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (universal family).
Explore Further
Discover how you can become part of this transformative journey. Visit our Social Emergence Programs or Join the Movement.