The concept of the Creative Society by Manoranjan Mohanty refers to a vision of a society characterized by human-centered development, innovation, and social transformation. Mohanty, a noted political scientist and social theorist, discusses this idea in his work as a way to rethink development, social justice, and democratic governance.

Key Features of the Creative Society:

1. Human-Centric Development:
   • Focuses on people as the center of all progress, rather than emphasizing economic growth or material accumulation alone.
   • Values human dignity, equality, and the enhancement of individual and collective capabilities.
2. Creativity in Social Structures:
   • Advocates for the transformation of rigid social hierarchies and institutions to foster inclusivity and creativity.
   • Encourages participatory democracy and grassroots mobilization for social change.
3. Cultural Pluralism:
   • Promotes diversity and intercultural dialogue as essential components of societal progress.
   • Sees cultural creativity as vital for solving global and local challenges.
4. Sustainability and Equity:
   • Envisions a society where economic growth aligns with ecological balance and social justice.
   • Critiques exploitative practices and calls for equitable resource distribution.
5. Political Engagement:
   • Stresses the importance of active citizenship and political participation to challenge authoritarianism and inequality.
   • Emphasizes democratization at all levels of governance, empowering marginalized groups.
6. Global Solidarity:
   • Advocates for global cooperation to address shared challenges like climate change, poverty, and conflict.
   • Rejects narrow nationalism and promotes humanistic values on a global scale.

Influences on the Concept:

Manoranjan Mohanty’s idea of the Creative Society is influenced by:

• Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence, self-reliance, and participatory governance.
• Karl Marx's critique of capitalism and his vision of human emancipation.
• Post-colonial and feminist perspectives on justice and equality.

Navnirman Andolan was a socio-political movement started in Gujarat in 1974 by students and middle-class people against economic crisis and corruption in public life. It is the only successful agitation in the history of post-independence India that resulted in dissolution of an elected government of the state.

Chimanbhai Patel became the chief minister of Gujarat in July 1973 replacing Ghanshyam Oza. There were allegations of corruption against him. The urban middle class was facing economic crisis due to the high price of food.

On 20 December 1973, students of L.D. College of Engineering, Ahmedabad went on strike in protest against a 20% hike in hostel food fees.

The wave of this protest started showing across academic institutions of Gujarat which resulted a committee called Nav Nirman Yuvak Samiti.

This committee demanded resignation of the Chief Minister Chidambhai Patel. India Gandhi then then Prime Minister, due to the political pressure, asked the CM to resign and the President rule was imposed.

The same Committee again demanded fresh election and which was supported by opposition parties. Morarji Desai the then leader of Indian National Congress (O) supported the demand and sit for hunger strike. Finally elections were held on 10 June and the result was declared on 12 June 1975. This was the day when the verdict of Allahabad High Court was declared which was for electoral malpractice by Indira gandhi in 1971 Lok Sabha election. This verdict was against Indira Gandhi.

Meanwhile, Chimanbhai Patel formed a new party named Kisan Mazdoor Lok Paksh and contested on his own. Congress, which won only 75 seats, lost the elections. Coalition of Congress (O), Jan Sangh, PSP and Lok Dal known as Janata Morcha won 88 seats and Babubhai J. Patel became Chief Minister. This government lasted nine months and president's rule was imposed in March 1976. Congress won elections in December 1976 and Madhav Singh Solanki became Chief Minister.

Jayaprakash Narayan visited Gujarat on 11 February 1974, after Chimanbhai Patel's resignation, though he was not involved in the movement. The Bihar Movement had already begun in Bihar. It inspired him to lead it and turn it into a total revolution movement, which resulted in the Emergency.

The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), meaning "Save the Narmada Movement," is a prominent environmental and social movement in India that began in the early 1980s. The movement was initiated in response to the construction of the Narmada Dam on the Narmada River, which threatened to displace thousands of people and disrupt local ecosystems.

Key Aspects:

• Focus: The NBA opposed the large-scale dam project due to its environmental impact and the displacement of indigenous communities and farmers. The movement advocated for the rights of affected people, sustainable development, and proper rehabilitation measures.
• Activities: The movement involved mass protests, legal battles, and public awareness campaigns. Activists sought to highlight the negative consequences of the dam and demanded fair compensation and rehabilitation for displaced communities.

Leader:

• Medha Patkar is the most prominent leader of the Narmada Bachao Andolan. A social activist and advocate for environmental justice, Patkar has played a central role in mobilizing support for the movement, organizing protests, and representing the concerns of affected communities.

The Narmada Bachao Andolan has had a significant impact on environmental activism and development policies in India, drawing international attention to the issues of displacement and environmental degradation.

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The Mazdoor Kishan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), founded in 1990, is a prominent grassroots organization in Rajasthan, India, dedicated to the rights of workers and farmers. Established by Aruna Roy, Nikhil Dey, and Shankar Singh, the MKSS focuses on issues related to labor rights, land rights, and rural development.

Key Aspects:

• Focus: The MKSS works to improve the living conditions of marginalized communities through advocacy for fair wages, job security, and transparency in government programs. It has been instrumental in promoting the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which aims to increase government accountability and transparency.
• Activities: The organization engages in grassroots activism, legal aid, and public campaigns to address grievances and ensure the effective implementation of welfare schemes.

The MKSS has significantly influenced social and political reforms in India, contributing to the empowerment of rural workers and farmers and strengthening democratic accountability.

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India Against Corruption (IAC) was a notable anti-corruption movement founded in 2011. Led by Anna Hazare, Arvind Kejriwal, and other activists, the IAC aimed to combat corruption in Indian politics and promote transparency. The movement gained widespread attention through mass protests and hunger strikes, notably Hazare’s fast at Jantar Mantar, demanding the enactment of the Jan Lokpal Bill to establish an independent anti-corruption authority. The IAC played a significant role in raising public awareness about corruption and led to the formation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with Kejriwal becoming its leader and Delhi’s Chief Minister.

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The Bhumata Ranragini Brigade, founded in 2011 by Trupti Desai, is a women's organization based in Maharashtra, India, focused on fighting for gender equality and women's rights. The brigade is known for its activism against patriarchal practices and discrimination, including issues like gender-based violence and inequality.

Key Activities:

• Advocacy: The brigade has been involved in various campaigns to address gender injustices and has organized protests against practices such as the restriction of women’s entry into certain religious places.
• Impact: The Bhumata Ranragini Brigade has gained attention for its bold activism and efforts to challenge traditional norms, contributing to the broader movement for women's rights in India.

Rajni Kothari describes social movements and civil society organizations as "Non-Party Political Formation." In his analysis, Kothari highlights how these entities operate outside the traditional political party framework, engaging in advocacy, activism, and mobilization around specific social, economic, or environmental issues. He emphasizes that non-party formations play a crucial role in democratizing politics, enhancing civic engagement, and representing marginalized voices. Kothari's work underscores the significance of these organizations in influencing public policy and fostering political awareness, suggesting that they can complement or challenge established political parties in their quest for social change.