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Gurukul Education in Ancient India (800 BCE): Student Life, Values & Daily Routine

  Education in Ancient India – The Gurukul System Around 800 BCE Education in ancient India was not just about reading scriptures or learning discipline—it was a way of living . Around 800 BCE , the Gurukul system flourished across forests, small settlements, and hermitages, offering a rare blend of knowledge, spirituality, skills, and character-building . While modern education focuses on degrees, Gurukul focused on life , turning children into responsible, emotionally grounded, and wise adults. Let’s walk into a Gurukul and live one day as a student of 800 BCE… Living With the Guru — A Family Beyond Blood Students (called shishyas ) lived in the hermitage of their teacher, the Guru . There were no school buildings, benches, or classrooms. Instead, there were: mud huts open courtyards sacred fire altars (yajna kunda) libraries of palm-leaf manuscripts and forests filled with birds and the fragrance of sandalwood The Guru was not just a teacher—he was a p...
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Social Movements in India: Meaning, Types, and Examples

 



Introduction

A social movement is a collective effort by people to bring about change in society. The term “social movement” was first used in the 19th century and today it includes movements like the farmers’ movement, youth movement, labour movement, freedom struggle, and Navnirman movement in Gujarat.

Social movements arise when a section of society demands change in old traditions, institutions, or practices, while others resist it. This conflict creates momentum for change. Every movement is backed by conscious motives, ideology, and long-term goals.

Meaning of Social Movement

A social movement is not just temporary protest—it is an organized, long-lasting process of collective action aimed at reforming or transforming society.

According to sociologists:

  • Boom & Selznick – “When the collective action of people is organized and long-lasting, then it is called a social movement.”

  • Every movement has a specific goal—to bring change in the social structure.

Characteristics of Social Movements

  1. Long-term social process.

  2. Collective participation.

  3. Goal-oriented.

  4. Inspired by ideology.

  5. Action-oriented in nature.

  6. Provides a shared identity to participants.

  7. Uses specific methods to present demands.

  8. Brings both change and continuity.

Types of Social Movements

1. Reformative Social Movement

  • Brings partial changes in society without challenging the existing order.

  • Focuses on morality, social prestige, and awareness.

  • Example: Raja Rammohan Roy’s movement against Sati and child marriage; movements for women’s education by Karsandas Mulji and Maharishi Karve.

2. Revolutionary Social Movement

  • Aims for radical change, replacing the existing system with a new one.

  • Rejects traditional institutions and builds new ones.

  • Often arises from exploited classes.

  • Example: White Revolution by Dr. Verghese Kurien (Amul) and Bhoodan Movement by Vinoba Bhave.

3. Resistant Social Movement

  • Arises when people oppose rapid social changes they cannot adjust to.

  • Objective: Maintain the status quo.

  • Example: Anti-Narmada Dam movement, resistance against language policies.

4. Protest Social Movement

  • Expresses dissatisfaction, demands, or counter-demands.

  • Seen in all societies, especially democratic ones.

  • Example: Protests against inflation, movements against atrocities on women.

Example: Cleanliness Movement in India

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) is a modern example of a social movement. Launched in 2014, it aimed to eliminate open defecation, manage waste, and improve sanitation across the country.

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that millions die every year due to polluted air and water.

  • Such movements highlight the importance of collective action for public health and sustainable living.

Conclusion

Social movements are powerful instruments of change. Whether reformative, revolutionary, resistant, or protest-based, they shape the future of society. From Raja Rammohan Roy’s reforms to the Swachh Bharat Mission, these movements reflect the collective will of people to fight for justice, equality, and progress.
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