The Social Role of the Gita

by Satya P. Agarwal

The present work is a new perspective on the Bhagavad-Gita, supported by through research, for it focuses attention on the social relevance of this famous Hindu scripture.

Part 1 provides a penetrating analysis of how new interpretations of the Gita palyed a significant role in the social history of India during the ninteenth and twentieth centuries. The illustrative material consists of five case studies relating to : Raja Rammohun Roy, Swami Vivekananda, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Aurobindo Ghose and Mahatma Gandhi.

Part II expalins how the social applications of the Gita are linked with its most important teaching for the modern age, viz., Loksamgraha---- the good of the society. Lokasamgraha is a sanskrit term occurring in the Gita but not in Upanishads and a modern interpretation of the lokasamgraha-approach is the inculcation of social values and a sense of social responsibility in each individual.

About the Author:

Dr. Satya P. Agrawal is a Social Scientist with a brilliant academic record as well as notable professional achievements, in India, United States and United Nations. His academic honours include five gold medals and numerous merit scholarships and research fellowships at various Universities. His professional contributions include the writings of pioneering books on the concepts and methodology of Manpower Supply and Demand