7. Let us Solve our own Problems

The problems faced by people living in cities and villages — such as shortage of water, piled-up garbage or disputes over land — are called issues or problems in civic life.

One person alone cannot solve them; they can be solved through the efforts and co-operation of everyone.

Sant Gadgebaba and Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj stressed the importance of cleanliness.

‘Shramdaan’ means the voluntary contribution of labour — people give their own work, free of cost, for a common task. The people of Khudawadi village in Osmanabad district cleaned their village in this way. Everyone agreed to help. The waste water was dealt with first, the garbage was turned into manure using vermiculture, and a toilet was built in each house. Because the whole village worked together, the job was done without waiting for outside help.

For a society to be peaceful, the basic needs of all its sections must be met and every person must get the necessary security. Exploitation must stop, inequality must decrease, and everyone must have the right to take part in public life. When we understand the importance of peace and settle our differences through peaceful methods, a peaceful environment is created in the family, the school and the community.