Vinoba Bhave

Acharya Vinoba Bhave (1895–1982) was an Indian social reformer, Gandhian activist, and spiritual leader. A close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, he promoted nonviolence, self-reliance, and constructive social work. Bhave is best known for initiating the Bhoodan (land-gift) movement in 1951, urging landowners to voluntarily donate land for redistribution to the landless. He traveled widely to advocate village-based development and social justice through peaceful means. Bhave also worked to spread Gandhi’s ideas and emphasized ethical living and spiritual discipline. His public life made him a prominent figure in India’s post-independence reform efforts.