by Mirra B. Price, a new version of “What is Prout”
What is PROUT?
PROUT is an acronym for the Progressive Utilization Theory which was propounded in 1959 by Indian philosopher Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar. PROUT presents a viable alternative to the outmoded capitalist and communist socio-economic models. Neither of these theories has adequately met the needs of humanity.
Proutists are seeking to convey the comprehensive and visionary goals of PROUT theory, which combines the wisdom of spirituality, the struggle for self reliance and the spirit of economic democracy.
Key Principles of PROUT and Neo-Humanism
Neo-humanism expands the humanistic love for all human beings to include love and respect for all creation—plants, animals and even inanimate objects. Neo-humanism provides for the worldview needed to create ecological balance and planetary kinship.
Basic necessities guaranteed to all: In order to be able to actualize their highest aspirations, people need to have their basic needs met. Access to food, shelter, clothing, education and medical care are fundamental human rights which must be guaranteed to all.
Three-tiered economy and wealth cap: Prout advocates small scale private enterprises, cooperatively owned and managed businesses, and local control of large scale key industries which should be run as public utilities. These three types of ownership will strengthen local economies and promote regional self-reliance. There also need to be limits on the individual accumulation of wealth.
Women’s Rights: Prout encourages the struggle against all forms of violence and exploitation used to suppress women. Prout’s goal is coordinated cooperation, with equal rights between men and women.
Cultural Diversity: In the spirit of universal fellowship, Prout encourages the protection and cultivation of local culture, language, history and tradition.
Women Proutists’ Rising Sun: Who We Are
As women who are Proutists, in this magazine, we are attempting to focus on the struggles that women face in attaining self reliance in society. However, we also wish to present the complete vision of Prout as a new ideology for a new world.
Toward the goal of being inclusive, we invite Proutists and others who are interested in providing a platform for social change to submit articles, letters to the editor, poetry, blogs, and other writings to Rising Sun. Women Proutists are working together to create a world in which all people have the opportunity to develop their full potential. We educate and organize our communities to resist oppression, exploitation and discrimination. Women Proutists support the all-round physical, economic, intellectual and spiritual development of women.