Meetu Singh
It’s not our hands that do the work, but Baba’s grace that accomplishes it. This article was prepared as a speech but was not delivered, and finally it blossomed into a piece of writing for Navacetana—all by His divine will. Shri P R Sarkar has had spoken a lot on the subject, that I am bound to share it here verbatim. (all sentence in italics and within quotes are His words)
According to PROUT (Progressive Utilization Theory) and its founder Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar, intellectual women hold a deeply transformative role in the advancement of society. Their contribution extends far beyond personal success or recognition—it is anchored in moral strength, spiritual depth, and social responsibility.
Shrii Sarkar envisioned that the true progress of civilization depends on the active participation of morally and spiritually awakened women. Their intellect, when guided by dharma (righteousness), becomes a force of harmony, justice, and collective upliftment.
“Women must be educated and intellectually awakened so that they can fight against injustice and exploitation in society”.
The Role of Intellectual Women in Society
When women are established in intellect and spirituality, they can lead society along the path of light.
According to Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar, true progress in society depends on the moral and spiritual awakening of intellectual women. He emphasized that intellect, when combined with righteousness and spiritual depth, becomes a guiding force for ethical living and higher values.
Women, endowed with empathy and sensitivity, have the power to mould collective psychology—fostering cooperation, compassion, and unity in place of selfish competition.
As defenders of justice, they stand fearlessly against exploitation and inequality, upholding harmony through moral strength.
Beyond formal education, they serve as true educators, inspiring right conduct, critical thinking, and noble ideals in the community.
A balance of intellect and intuition is essential for all-round development.
Their unique ability to balance rationality with refined sentiment makes social progress humane and sustainable. Guided by the ideals of Neohumanism, such women extend their love and concern to all beings, promoting ecological, social and spiritual harmony.
“Intellectual women are not merely thinkers—they are torchbearers of moral light, architects of a just society, and spiritual guides for humanity’s evolution.”
Sarkar stated that no society can truly progress unless its women are intellectually and spiritually awakened. Such women must take leadership in reforming education, guiding moral movements, and ensuring that social progress benefits all, not just a privileged few.
Shrii P.R. Sarkar emphasized that humanity’s true progress depends on women rising as moral and intellectual leaders. A society that limits women’s intellect hinders its own growth. When women stand as equal partners, guided by wisdom and spiritual strength, the world can advance toward justice, balance, and enlightenment.
Prerequisites to Become a True Intellectual
In PROUT, intellectualism is not merely academic. It is a blend of moral purity, spiritual awareness, and fearless reasoning. Shrii Sarkar outlined several essential qualities to cultivate a true intellect—applicable to both men and women.
Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar emphasized that true intellect must rest on a moral foundation (Yama and Niyama).
“Without moral strength, intellect is dangerous.”
Morality is the foundation of intellect. Truthfulness, non-violence, non-stealing, universal love, and contentment form its base.
“The value of intellect lies in its utility for the welfare of others.”
Genuine intellect expresses itself through service-mindedness, using knowledge for collective welfare rather than personal gain.
“A true intellectual is not a slave to dogma, but a fearless seeker of truth.”
Freedom from superstition and the courage to question exploitation are marks of an awakened mind. Rationality combined with fearlessness ensures intellectual integrity.
Spiritual practice (Sádhaná) deepens and refines the intellect, giving it purpose and compassion. Spiritual practice refines thought and widens vision. Without spirituality, intellect remains shallow; with it, intellect transforms into wisdom.
Self discipline and concentration bring clarity and insight. Ultimately, a true intellectual embodies a universal outlook based on Neohumanism, transcending narrow boundaries of religion, gender, and nationality to embrace all living beings with love and respect.
“Expand your mind from narrow sentiments to universalism.”
Education – The key
Education is the key factor, that makes intellectuals think deeply, act independently, and use their knowledge for collective welfare. Yet, most educated people today lack these qualities because modern education focuses on producing skilled workers, not morally awakened human beings. Many scholars have criticized this flaw in the current curriculum. ERAWS, the education wing of Ananda Marga, has introduced a Neo-Humanistic syllabus that includes moral and spiritual sciences, but real change will come only when such education is widely implemented. Current efforts, including those by UNESCO, remain largely superficial.
He advised intellectuals to study five main branches of knowledge for all-round development:
- Humanities and social sciences – sociology, history, psychology
- Science and technology – to understand material progress
- Economics and administration – to manage resources wisely
- Philosophy and spirituality – for ethical and universal perspective
- Art and literature – for cultivating subtle human expression
“The fundamental difference between art and science is that one is a movement towards finer sentiments, and the other is a rational expression concerning each and every stage of cause and effect”.
In addition to basic, intermediate, and advanced education, intellectuals are encouraged to study Ananda Marga Philosophy, Neo-Humanism, and PROUT, covering subjects such as the 16 Points, Yama and Niyama, Cycle of Creation, Varna Cycle, PROUT Economy, Bio-Psychology, and Yogic Chikitsa. The Girls’ Proutist Intellectual Forum has been conducting free online classes on these topics regularly for the past four years.
Below is a structured list of books.
- Idea and Ideology
- A Few Problems Solved” (Volumes 1–9)
- Neo-Humanistic and Moral Education
- A guide to Human Conduct
- Prout in a Nutshell (all volumes)
- Human Society Part 1 & 2
- The Liberation of Intellect: Neohumanism
- The Neo-Humanist Education
- Subháśita Saḿgraha (Volumes 1–3)
- Ánanda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell
- Namah Shivaya Shantaya & Discourses on Tantra
In Summary
An intellectual woman, according to PROUT, is one who unites wisdom with morality, courage with compassion, and intellect with spirituality—dedicating her mind and heart to the service of all beings and the upliftment of humanity.
References:
Discourses by Shrii P R Sarkar taken from Electronic edition, mentioned under following topics:
- The Awakening of Women,
- A Few Problems Solved
- Neo Humanism
- Prout Economics
- Womens Rights
Meetu Singh
