In a world where industrialization and longer working hours are often touted as the keys to progress, it's crucial to take a step back and consider whether this path truly leads to the well-being of society. A recent statement by Narayana Murthy, advocating for Indians to work 70 hours a week for the country's development, has sparked a vital discussion. In this context, the words of Prabhupada, a prominent spiritual leader, shed light on an alternative perspective that condemns the shift from agrarian society to industrialization.
Prabhupada's viewpoint emphasizes the fundamental principles of economic development, firmly rooted in agriculture and cow protection. He contends that the necessities of human society are basic and essential: food grains, fruits, milk, minerals, clothing, and wood. These simple, natural resources have historically been the building blocks of human sustenance.
One can hardly argue that the human body requires iron tools and machinery in the same way it requires sustenance from the land and cows. Prabhupada evokes a time when leaders like Maharaja Yudhisthira presided over societies that enjoyed regulated rainfall. In his view, these rains, controlled by celestial deities like Indradeva, ensured a balance in nature that promoted agricultural production.
Regulated rainfall, when combined with astronomical influences, yielded valuable stones and pearls, thereby enhancing not just basic sustenance but also the overall quality of life. Abundant grains and vegetables could feed both humans and animals, while a productive, "fatty" cow provided ample milk, a vital source of vigor and vitality.
The essence of Prabhupada's message lies in questioning the necessity of the artificial luxuries that come with industrialization. He wonders aloud why societies need cinemas, houses of prostitution, slaughterhouses, and an array of gadgets and distractions when the land and cows can provide everything required for a simple, fulfilling life.
Prabhupada raises a valid point by asking whether the pursuit of an artificial and luxurious life, characterized by cinema, cars, radio, and indulgence in flesh and hotels, truly serves the betterment of society. He critiques this modern civilization, which often seems to be producing nothing but individual and national conflicts. The industrialists and politicians want individuals to work hard in factories and warfields so that they get benefitted from the work of masses.
The move towards industrialization, with its factories and relentless work hours, has had its share of successes. It has undoubtedly propelled societies into an era of technological advancements, economic growth, and increased productivity. However, Prabhupada's perspective encourages us to reflect on the cost of this progress.
The shift from an agrarian society, where the focus was on the simple, sustainable production of food and resources, to an industrialized civilization marked by long working hours and consumerism, has brought about profound societal changes. It has created a culture that frequently prioritizes materialism and instant gratification over the essentials of life.
Prabhupada's viewpoint resonates with those who believe that industrialization has taken us away from our connection with the land and nature, disconnecting us from the very sources that sustain us. It raises the question of whether a relentless pursuit of technological advancement and industrial growth is in alignment with the fundamental needs of humanity.
In a world where individuals are increasingly stressed, burnt out, and isolated, Prabhupada's words prompt us to reevaluate our priorities. Is working 70 hours a week for the sake of a materialistic, consumer-driven society truly the path to progress? Or, as Prabhupada suggests, should we reevaluate our values, redirect our efforts toward agriculture and cow protection, and return to a simpler way of life that meets our essential needs and promotes a sense of harmony and balance?
In conclusion, Prabhupada's condemnation of the move towards industrialization from agrarian society serves as a thought-provoking perspective. It challenges the prevailing notion that longer working hours and industrialization are the only paths to development. The essential message is that human society can thrive with a focus on agriculture and cow protection, meeting the fundamental needs of life in a sustainable and harmonious manner. It's a call to reconsider the true meaning of progress and to ensure that our pursuit of development aligns with the well-being and harmony of our society.
By Rama Aprameya dasa