Supriya Goswami
In the year 1959, the great spiritual guru, philosopher and social reformer ‘Shri P. R. Sarkar’ first described the revolutionary socio-economic theory called ‘Progressive Utilisation Theory (PROUT)’ to overcome the limitations of Capitalism, Communism and Mixed economy. The motive of PROUT is to create a society which is free from all kinds of exploitation but with physical, mental and spiritual development of all people.
“There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved. It is not possible for a bird to fly on one wing”
– Shri P. R. Sarkar
‘Girls Proutist (GP)’ was founded later by Shri P. R. Sarkar on August 4, 1978, after He was brought to a rented House at New Patliputra Colony (Patna) for resting and recuperating upon His release from Bankipore Central Prisons on Aug 02, 1978.
Shri P R Sarkar always wanted and expressed his desire to see the women in society move along with men, walking side by side. He had also pointed out the necessity and obligation of all the men to support the women in all positive tasks in the society, since the society is mostly seen to be male dominated at present. He wanted both to co-operate with each other and work together.
“Men and women must work together in co-ordinated co-operation to achieve a glorious human society”
– Shri P. R. Sarkar
Women too have rights as human beings and to prevent them from exploitation and uplift them, He gave the GP trade. He was also very pleased and comforted with the work done by ladies and enthusiastic girls working for Proutist Universal since some time.
The first GP Global Secretary ‘Avadhutika Ananda Sumita Acharya’ was given the post in September 1978. Interestingly she was already working as SWWS Women Welfare Department (WWD) for Delhi Sector at the time. Baba sweetly asked her at time of giving the charge – “Kaam Sambhal logi na?” (Will you be able to manage the work?). Didi replied saying – “Haan Baba” (Yes Baba). Later the first GP office was setup in a rented house of Mahanirvan building at Jariyahaat, Kolkata, West Bengal in India.
Soon Ananda Sumita didi was sent to take seminars for women abroad at countries such as Denmark, Germany, Italy etc. where she moved around for about one and half months. It was the first time that a GP cadre went for propagating PROUT philosophy in other countries. Baba was so happy that he asked the Avadhutika sisters around if they took photographs of Didi going overseas or published the news in newspaper as it was a milestone event. Baba soon gave the dress code of white saree with parrot green border and parrot green blouse to be worn by GP optee sisters.
Later on all the Sectorial Secretary posts were created and filled as well as further posts up unto block level were created and started to be filled. ACB board was created too and all other tasks to move the work of GP in full swing were undertaken. GP has identical structure as Proutist Universal but is managed and administered by Girls and Women only leadership at all levels, extending from village community up to Global level. The headquarter of GP was setup in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Baba also used to inspire sisters to strive to be worthy of the position given. He told that one must make efforts to do so saying that– “If one gives an aeroplane to you and you don’t know how to fly it, then there is no meaning of getting an airplane.”
It was a usual practice of Baba that whenever he gave a new department or trade, he would just give it great importance or highlight it by means of too many reporting sessions, work on media presence by printing newsletters, magazines etc. Baba also instructed on taking out processions and railleys for women’s causes.
The GP cadre started taking out processions and railleys at several places to create awareness on social issues such as malpractice of dowry, atrocities against women (like railleys were taken out in Kolkata against rape and burning to death of nuns in Orissa and also against rape cases in West Bengal), women exploitation at household level (like atrocity on daughter in law by a mother in law at Purnea), etc. The news used to be covered by media and had an impact. This way psychological pressure was put on people doing wrong things to do right things.
At the time due to enormous pressure and competition between departments or trades, it so used to happen that cadre of other trade were taken into GP trade by the GP workers by saying that you will be able to visit Baba if you opt for GP. It sometimes led into tussel between the workers of that trade and GP. The WWD incharges once complained to Baba that GP is taking away WWD cadres by trick, on which He replied with a smile- “Ye kaam tum log bhi kar sakti thi”. It felt that Baba didn’t want anyone to mind such things but just keep on working for the society with healthy competition and complete efforts.
“In andheron ko mitaao to koi baat bane,
Kuchh diye aur jalaao to koi baat bane,
Maanavta ki aas aur vishwaas bhi tumhi ho,
Apni shakti ko jagaao to koi baat bane”
– Avtk. Ananda Bharti Acharya (1st Avadhutika and 1st CWWS of WWD in Ananda Marga) Didi’s favourite inspirational lines
Later on the Proutist Sarva Samaj Samiti (PSSS) also was given and therefore the Mahila Samajas were given too for each samaj. The Mahila Samaj Secretary of each of the 44 samaj had to compulsorily be an optee of GP as per the rule. The work of GP thus expanded and progressed with time since then. Nowadays not only India, but many different countries have GP cadre working actively as per the guidelines given by beloved Baba.
“The auspicious signs of the awakening of women are clearly visible in every sphere of social life.”
– Shri P R Sarkar
All the daughters of “Baba– the Paramapurusha and a Loving Father” today have His blessings with them. Therefore women and girls of GP must strive to put their best and sincere efforts to work for the creation of an ideal society in near future, a society where no woman is exploited but instead walks along with the men, also supported by the men, for their all round development and true progress i.e. in physical, mental and spiritual spheres. And that is and will be one of the signs of being awakened women and worthy daughters of Baba in the human society.
“Let women be the vanguard of a new revolution which humanity must achieve for a glorious tomorrow”
– Shri P R Sarkar
(Information collected in talks with Avtk. Ananda Sumita Ac., Avtk. Ananda Suchita Ac., Manjula Dayanand Didi, Uma Didi of Patna, Avtk. Ananda Giita Ac.)
