PROUT is the Progressive Utilization Theory. It is the first socio-economic theory that takes into account the entire human potential, including the mental and spiritual, while advising a socio-economic path for the benefit of both the individual and society. Shrii Prabhat Rainjan Sarkar (1922-1990) propounded the fundamentals of Prout in 1959, and continued to develop the theory throughout his life.
Based on spiritual values of life Prout aims to tackle socio-economic challenges through progressive maximum utilization and rational distribution of all types of individual and collective resources. The theory advocates economic democracy based on cooperatives and local planning eventually supported by a democratic world government as the cure for today’s economic and political ills. In order to achieve complete global integration, Prout deems it necessary to establish self-reliant economic zones defined by common cultural and economic factors in order to develop the indigenous strength of the various societies and peoples.
The idea of this ideology of the socio-economic theory of PROUT is that the whole of creation is one family and every member of the family has the right to utilize their entire cosmic inheritance.
1st fundamental principle of PROUT
No individual should be allowed to accumulate any physical wealth without the clear permission or approval of the collective body.
Purport: The universe is the common property of all. All people have usufructuary rights, that is, the right of enjoyment, but no one has the right to misuse this common property. Those who gather much wealth and hoard it directly curtail the happiness and convenience of others in society. Their behaviour is flagrantly anti-social. Therefore no one should be allowed to hoard wealth without the permission of society.
2nd fundamental principle of PROUT
There should be maximum utilization and rational distribution of all mundane, supramundane and spiritual potentialities of the universe.
Purport: The wealth and resources inherent in the crude, subtle and causal worlds should be developed for the welfare of all people. All resources hidden in the five fundamental factors – solid, liquid, luminous, aerial and ethereal – should be fully utilized and this endeavour will ensure the maximum development of the universe. People will have to earnestly explore land, sea and space to discover and manufacture the necessary resources. There should be rational distribution of the accumulated wealth of humanity. In other words, apart from meeting the indispensable minimum necessities of all, the necessities of meritorious people and those with special requirements must also be met.
3rd fundamental principle of PROUT
There should be maximum utilization of physical, metaphysical and spiritual potentialities of unit and collective bodies of human society.
Purport: The collective body, collective mind and collective spirit must be developed. One must not forget that collective good lies in individuals and individual good lies in collectivity. Without providing for the comfort of the individual through proper food, light, air, accommodation and medical treatment, collective good can never be accomplished. So it is with the sole intention of doing collective good that one will have to devote oneself to individual good.
The development of the collective mind is impossible without developing a proper social consciousness, encouraging a sense of social service and awakening knowledge in every individual. So, inspired with the thought of doing good to the collective mind, one has to do good to the individual mind. Absence of spirituality and spiritual morality in an individual will break the backbone of the collectivity. So for the sake of collective good one will have to awaken spirituality in individuals. One or two powerful, learned or worldly-wise people, or one or two spiritualists do not indicate advancement and progress of the whole society. The body, mind and self of every individual have the potential for limitless expansion and development. This potentiality has to be harnessed and brought to fruition.
4th fundamental principle of PROUT
There should be proper adjustment amongst these physical, metaphysical, mundane, supramundane and spiritual utilizations.
Purport: While promoting individual and collective welfare there should be proper adjustment amongst the physical, mental and spiritual spheres and the crude, subtle and causal worlds. For example, society has the responsibility of meeting the minimum necessities of every individual but if society arranges food and builds a house for everyone under the impetus of this responsibility, individual initiative becomes retarded. People will gradually become lethargic. Therefore society has to make such arrangements so that people, in exchange for their labour according to their capacity, can earn the money they require to purchase the minimum necessities. In order to raise the level of minimum necessities of people the best policy is to enhance their purchasing capacity.
The law of adjustment further stipulates that while taking services from a person who is physically, mentally and spiritually developed, society should follow a balanced policy of adjustment. If only one of these three capacities – physical, mental or spiritual – is developed in a person, society should take the one that is developed. If both physical and intellectual capacities are sufficiently developed in a person, society should adopt the policy of adjustment, which takes more intellectual service and less physical service, because intellectual power is comparatively subtle and rare. If all three capacities – physical, mental and spiritual – are found in one person, society should make greatest use of their spiritual service and least of their physical service.
The greatest service to the cause of social welfare can be rendered by those who have acquired spiritual power, and the next service by those having intellectual power. Those having physical power, though not negligible, cannot do anything by themselves. Whatever they do is done under the instructions of those with intellectual and spiritual power. Hence the responsibility of social control should not be in the hands of those who have great physical capacity, or in the hands of those endowed with courage, or in the hands of those who are intellectually developed, or in the hands of those with worldly skills. Social control should be in the hands of those who are spiritual aspirants, intelligent and brave all at the same time.
5th fundamental principle of PROUT
The method of utilization should vary in accordance with changes in time, space and person, and the utilization should be of progressive nature.
Purport: The proper use of any object changes in accordance with the changes in time, place and person. Those who cannot understand this simple reality want to cling to the skeleton of the past and are consequently rejected by contemporary, living society. Sentiments based on narrow national outlook, regional outlook or caste pride etc., tend to keep people away from rudimental facts and original ideas. Those influenced by such sentiments cannot openly accept the simple truth. Consequently they are compelled to slink away to the back stage after having done indescribable damage to their country and fellow citizens.
Changes in the use of every object inevitably occur according to changes in time, place and person. After recognizing this fact people will have to progressively utilize every object and every idea. For example, scientific research must be applied so that a person, instead of wielding one huge hammer today, will be able to wield many hammers simultaneously, using the same strength. In other words, scientific research, guided by progressive ideas, should extract greater and greater service from the same human potential. It is not a sign of progress to use outdated scientific technology in an age of developed science.
Human beings will have to bravely face whatever large and small obstacles that may arise due to the use of various resources and materials created by progressive ideas and developed technology. Human beings have to march forward to victory on the path of all-round fulfilment in life.
BOOK SOURCE : Ananda Sutram, 1962 ; Prout At a Glance
APPEAL : We are looking for people who wants to act and live on these given fundamentals of PROUT as given by the great philosopher – Shri P.R. SARKAR. We need people from all spheres of the world who can understand these principles and lead a life of glory.
Anandanagar: A Practical Model for PROUT
Anandanagar, envisioned as a beacon of spiritual and socio-economic progress, embodies the principles of the Progressive Utilization Theory (PROUT). This comprehensive socio-economic model conceived by Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar, advocates for a balanced and progressive utilization of resources to ensure the collective welfare of all.
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Integrated Development Approach: Anandanagar’s development strategy aligns with PROUT’s integrated approach, which emphasizes the harmonious growth of agriculture, industry, education, and culture. By promoting agro-industrial complexes, the region aims to achieve self-sufficiency and economic resilience, ensuring that local resources are optimally utilized to benefit the local communities.
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Cooperative Economy: One of the cornerstones of PROUT is the cooperative model of ownership and management. To that end, Anandanagar is being built upon a foundation that fosters cooperatives in agriculture, manufacturing, and services. This approach not only democratizes economic power, but also ensures that the fruits of labor are equitably distributed among all members of the community.
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Education and Empowerment: Education in Anandanagar’s various Ananda Marga educational institutes is designed to be holistic, combining academic excellence with practical skills and moral education. This aligns with PROUT’s emphasis on nurturing well-rounded individuals who are not only knowledgeable, but also ethically grounded and socially responsible. And to empower the people, the schools and vocational training centers equip individuals with the skills needed to thrive in a dynamic economy.
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Environmental Sustainability: PROUT emphasizes the importance of environmental balance and sustainability. That’s why, the master plan for the development of Anandanagar includes various projects for the conservation of natural resources, afforestation projects, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. By maintaining ecological harmony, Anandanagar aims to serve as a model for sustainable development.
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Cultural Revival: Cultural richness is a vital aspect of a vibrant society. To nurture that cultural richness, Anandanagar promotes and conserves the various local arts, traditions, and cultural practices of Ráŕh, ensuring that modernization does not come at the cost of cultural erosion. Under the initiative of various departments of Ananda Marga, various cultural centers are run and festivals and culturally significant days are celebrated in Anandanagar to preserve the diversity and heritage of the local communities.
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Social Justice: Anandanagar is committed to upholding the ideals of social justice, a core tenet of PROUT. Initiatives aimed at eliminating poverty, reducing inequality, and providing equal opportunities for all have always been central to Ananda Marga’s development agenda for Anandanagar. Special attention is given to the marginalized groups of the region to ensure their full participation in the socio-economic life of the region.
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Decentralized Planning: Decentralized economic planning is another key principle of PROUT. Therefore, Anandanagar’s governance at the grassroots level is participatory, involving local communities in decision-making processes. This ensures that development plans are tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of the people, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Conclusion: Anandanagar, through its commitment to the principles of PROUT, aims to become a living example of sustainable and equitable development. By integrating Asti-Bháti-Ánandam approach with economic, social, and environmental dimensions, it seeks to create a society where prosperity and well-being is shared by all, and where the present paves the way for a harmonious and progressive future.