Vinoba Bhave

Vinoba Bhave joined Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, becoming a close disciple. He participated in the Indian independence movement, focusing on nonviolent resistance and social reform.

Vinoba Bhave initiated the Bhoodan (land-gift) movement in Pochampally, Telangana, walking across India to persuade landowners to donate land to landless peasants. The movement collected over 4 million acres of land.

Bhave expanded the Bhoodan movement into Gramdan, where entire villages donated land collectively. He walked thousands of kilometers across India, promoting voluntary land redistribution and rural self-sufficiency.

Vinoba Bhave refused the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1982, stating it was against his principles of simplicity and service. He died later that year.