By Citrá Tr?n Thúy Ng?c
Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar advocated “PROUT” or Progressive Utilization Theory to replace all defective systems in vogue today, in order for humanity to progress in the present era. The philosophy of PROUT is also embedded in the form of 5018 songs he composed within a span of eight years (1982-1990) – a unique achievement in human history – like a rainfall of celestial songs. However, before composing these songs, known collectively as Prabhat Samgiita, he had composed the Prout Song poem during his imprisonment in 1977. It was because of his Prout theory that challenged the major “isms,” that he was imprisoned. It is understood that PROUT goes hand in hand with Neohumanism, its philosophical foundation.
Let’s listen to PS 2155– Alakar Dut Ese Here Bole which fully expresses this spirit of Prout and Neohumanism:
| Alakára dúta ese hese bole esechi, ámi, esechi duhkha dekhechi vedaná bujhechi chut?e ese gechi esechi, ámi, esechi Mánu?e mánu?e ei hánáháni áááááááááá mánu?e mánu?e ei hánáháni keno kare jáy kára?a ná jáni sa?pada jáhá sabákár táhá mápiyá diyáchi esechi, ámi, esechi Sakalera tare sakale tomrá áááááááááá sakalera tare sakale tomrá sabár svárthe báncá ár mará ekai parivár bhakta tomará e kathá jániechi esechi, ámi, esechi | The messenger from heaven came and told, “I have come. Having seen sorrow and understood pain, I came rushing along.” He adds, ”Why human beings get involved in mutual fighting I do not know. Whatever natural wealth there is, is for all. I have given as per the requirements, in a measured way. O human beings, remember you all are for all and all belong to you. Your existence, life and death is for the progress and need of all. O devotees, know that you belong to only one family of human beings. |
The urgency of the realization of PROUT is fully expressed in another song, PS 4795 – E Gan Thamibe Na, illustrated in the link below by a dance drama on Manas YouTube Channel and an artistic drawing on Prout Magazine. Dance with instrumental percussion is a powerful form of self-expression, a way to connect with others, and a means of preserving cultural traditions of our entire civilization.
| E ga?n tha?mibe na? E da?bi damibe na? Path ben?dhe dilo a?lokojjvala Prout?er pres?an?a? Sahya karechi juga juga dhare Sahyer siima? gelo bheun?ge par?e Da?nav a?jio bhrubhaun?gi kare Niitiva?dii unmana? Pu?rva digante arun? eseche Ka?ler ka?lima? sariya? je geche Vis?a?der par a?lok jhariche A?r deri sahibe na? | This song will not end. This demand will not be silenced. A path that brings unity bright— That is the mission of PROUT. Age after age, we have endured; But the limit of tolerance was breached. Nowadays, the demons knit their brows— The moralists are restless. On the eastern horizon the sunglow comes; The era of darkness is soon to fade. After gloom, effulgence pervades; Further delay will not be borne. |
The diversity of themes and musical art forms in Prabhat Samgiita can foster greater understanding, collective feelings, and connection among people of different cultures and backgrounds. These songs are powerful tools for personal and collective transformations by creating a balance between human suffering and higher spiritual ideals, such as PS 4403 – dialogue with the Supreme, PS1222 – social upliftment; PS1090 and PS4599 – awakening social consciousness, PS4370 – spiritual empowerment, PS209 – the Supreme Grace, PS3476 – love for nature, PS880 & PS3714 – call to social service & universalism, PS4173– universal renaissance, PS4725 – social equality, and PS2192 (One Human Society). They channelize human tendencies from mundane to subtlety and offer a comprehensive spiritual and emotional map for humanity.
Through this music expressing mysticism and devotional sentiments with lyrics in vernacular languages and folk melodies, Prabhat Samgiita serves as a guide for a Universal Renaissance. It inspires a global change towards a universal society, balancing all human potentialities fueled by ideals with a vision of economic democracy and universal wellbeing. In some way, the songs have depicted the social cycle of PROUT philosophy and touched our hearts and souls.
References:
- PS 209 – Tomare Asiima Apar Bhalobasar (Supreme Grace)
- PS 880 – Manav Samaj Avibhajya (Call to Universalism)
- PS 1090 – Manus Sabai Apan (Social Consciousness)
- PS 1222 – Asiyache Se Din (Social Upliftment)
- PS 2192 – Manus Jena Manuser Tare (One Human Society)
- PS 3476 – Amar E Phulavane (Love for Nature)
- PS 3714 – Kiirna Vishirna (AMURT – Saving Humanity)
- PS 4173 – Calo Bhai Egiye (Universal Renaissance)
- PS 4370 – Tomar Namer Tarii Beye (Spiritual Empowerment)
- PS 4403 – Tava Tare Ankhi Jare (Dialogue with The Supreme)
- PS 4599 – Ulka Ashani Bahiche Vahni (Awakening social consciousness)
- PS 4725 – Jabe Keu Chilo (Social equality)