By Ganesh Bhat |
Here – where we are now
We are living in a society of paradoxes. The world’s wealth is increasing, as is the number of poor people. Temples, churches, mosques, and religious places are rising, but spirituality is waning. Human welfare associations are formed everywhere, but human values and empathy are missing.
Socioeconomic Conditions
We are living in a world marked by unprecedented global interconnectedness, yet deep and persistent disparities remain. At the heart of this contradiction lies an economic system that does not recognize human rights. While global wealth increases, it is alarmingly concentrated in the hands of the richest 1%, leaving billions behind. This widening gap manifests in several interrelated ways.
Income inequality is growing more severe, as the wealthy continue to amass greater riches while the poor face worsening deprivation. This imbalance leads to the misuse or hoarding of resources, fostering social unrest and widespread feelings of disenfranchisement. Simultaneously, access to life’s fundamental necessities—food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education, and other basic amenities—remains a daily struggle for a vast portion of the population.
The effects of this inequity are particularly visible in patterns of urbanization and migration. As rural regions fail to generate sustainable employment, people are forced to move to cities, which in turn become overcrowded, expensive, and socially isolating. Amid this, local communities find themselves increasingly dispossessed. The control over natural and economic resources has shifted into the hands of external capitalists, whose decisions are driven solely by the motive of profit, rather than the wellbeing of the communities they affect.
Morality and Human Values
As the world grows more complex, morality and human values are steadily disappearing from both public discourse and private life. One of the most visible signs of this decline is the rise in self-centeredness. Societies and families are becoming increasingly fragmented, marked by a growing emphasis on individualism and personal gain over collective wellbeing.
This cultural shift is accompanied by an erosion of empathy. The widespread use of mobile communication and the dominance of social media have significantly reduced the quality and frequency of face to face interactions. As a result, people are becoming more inward focused, with studies suggesting a correlation between digital hyperconnectivity and rising levels of narcissism and emotional detachment.
Simultaneously, environmental degradation reflects a deeper moral crisis. Driven by the pursuit of short-term economic gain, humanity has prioritized exploitation over stewardship, leading to the large-scale destruction of ecosystems. Forests are cleared, rivers polluted, and countless species pushed toward extinction—all with little regard for their intrinsic value. This unchecked exploitation has in turn contributed to an alarming increase in natural disasters, serving as a stark reminder of the long-term costs of moral neglect.
Psychological and Emotional Wellbeing
Across the globe, a growing mental health crisis underscores the psychological toll of modern life. Anxiety, depression, and related conditions are on the rise, driven by a combination of unclear life purpose, relentless societal pressures, and unsustainable lifestyles. The World Health Organization (2023) reports that over 970 million people globally—more than one in eight—are living with a mental disorder, with depression and anxiety being the most prevalent. Particularly among young people, the constant pressure to succeed, remain digitally visible, and meet unrealistic expectations has created a breeding ground for psychological distress.
Paradoxically, in an era of hyperconnectivity, a profound sense of loneliness has taken hold. While social media enables instant communication, it often replaces meaningful inperson relationships with shallow digital interactions. A Harvard study on loneliness (2021) found that 36% of all Americans—including 61% of young adults—report feeling “serious loneliness,” contributing to widespread disconnection from families, communities, and support networks.
This emotional strain is compounded by widespread physical and emotional exhaustion. Burnout is no longer limited to high stakes professions; it has become a common experience, fueled by overwork, economic insecurity, and the always-on demands of digital culture. The global phenomenon of “quiet quitting,” popularized through platforms like TikTok, reflects a growing disillusionment with unsustainable work conditions and a search for deeper meaning.
At the same time, the role of religious institutions in supporting emotional well-being has become increasingly complicated. While they were once pillars of moral and spiritual guidance, many now serve as echo chambers for dogma, reinforcing rigid ideologies and, in some cases, stoking hatred and division. A Pew Research Center (2019) study found that younger generations are leaving organized religion in record numbers, citing hypocrisy, political entanglement, and the lack of genuine spiritual depth as key reasons. Rather than nurturing inner transformation, many institutions have become entangled in sectarianism, power struggles, and exclusionary practices.
Cultural and Technological Shifts
The pace of cultural and technological change today is unprecedented, reshaping how we live, work, and relate to one another. Social media, once celebrated as a tool for connection and empowerment, has revealed its darker edge. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have been linked to reduced attention spans, increasing political polarization, and rising mental health concerns, particularly among adolescents. A 2023 study by the American Psychological Association highlights how frequent social media use is associated with heightened anxiety, body dissatisfaction, and poor sleep among teens. At the same time, social media facilitates the spread of disinformation, creating echo chambers that reinforce extreme views and sow distrust in public institutions. And while AI promises efficiency and innovation, it also intensifies economic precarity for millions.
THERE: Where We Aspire to Be
A radically different kind of society—one grounded in justice, cooperation, and spiritual depth—is not just a dream, but a vision held by many who care deeply for humanity’s future. Shri Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar, philosopher and founder of Prout (Progressive Utilization Theory), offered a detailed roadmap for such a world: a “cosmic society” bound by universal fraternity, where dignity and purpose replace exploitation and despair.
In this envisioned society, every person is guaranteed the minimum necessities of life—not as charity, but through access to meaningful employment and purchasing power. Economic dignity is restored by ensuring that all able-bodied individuals have the opportunity to work and support themselves and their families. Surplus wealth, once everyone’s needs are met, is distributed according to merit—not for personal luxury, but to empower capable individuals to further contribute to collective welfare.
Social harmony is built on a shared ideal of human unity, with no space for divisive forces like caste, race, or religious sectarianism. Justice is restorative, not retributive, and laws evolve rationally with the needs of society. People are offered opportunities to transform, rather than punished irreparably—a principle supported by restorative justice movements worldwide.
Economically, the structure is decentralized and cooperative. Small businesses remain in private hands; key industries are publicly owned; and medium scale enterprises are managed by cooperatives—models already seen in action, like the Mondragon Corporation in Spain. Agriculture is recognized as a foundational industry, with fair prices set based on production costs, helping stabilize rural economies.
Mechanization is used not to displace workers but to shorten the workday, freeing time for creative, communal, and spiritual pursuits. Education is protected from political influence, and science serves humanity, not profit. Voting rights are granted to those with a basic understanding of sociopolitical issues, and corrupt leaders can be legally removed by the people.
On a global level, every human is recognized as a world citizen, with the right to travel, live, and thrive anywhere on the planet. World governance is organized as a federation of decentralized, self-reliant economic zones. All languages are cherished as part of humanity’s shared heritage, and the intrinsic value of nature—plants, animals, ecosystems—is protected by law.
Most importantly, this society cultivates peace not through control, but through spiritual practice, moral education, and a conscious rejection of superstition and exploitation. It is a world where inner growth and collective well-being are not in conflict, but deeply intertwined.
Strategies from HERE to THERE
Transitioning to the society envisioned by Prout requires more than ideas—it calls for organized, collective effort grounded in awareness, education, and bold imagination. As Sarkar noted, “Collective psychology decides the course of history.” The first step is to raise awareness: educating communities about the principles and benefits of Prout through workshops, conferences, and widespread media efforts.
This shift begins by exposing the myths of capitalism and its self-centered logic, replacing it with a model rooted in cooperation and equity. Central to this is popularizing the idea of self-sufficient socio-economic zones—where resources are managed locally and employment is generated for local people. Communities must be encouraged to reclaim their identity and power, cultivating local sentiments within a universalist framework.
Decentralized decision making must also become a public demand. People should be reminded that they are the rightful stewards of their local resources and must insist on the transfer of decision making power from distant authorities to local hands. A balanced economy—capable of generating full employment—is not a dream but a practical goal. Block-level planning, driven by local people and experts, can demonstrate this by designing development projects that reflect local realities.
Agriculture must be elevated to the status of industry, with farmers educated and mobilized to demand fair pricing based on production costs. The cooperative spirit must be nurtured through the creation of farmers’ cooperatives, marketing cooperatives, consumer cooperatives, and credit unions. Cooperative banking systems should also be promoted, ensuring that financial institutions serve people—not profit. In Kerala, India, cooperative banks have long shown how local control over credit can promote inclusion and resilience (Birchall, 2013).
Decentralized renewable energy—solar, wind, and biogas—must become a priority, along with the demand to decentralize power distribution. Agroindustries and “agrico” industries should be promoted in rural areas to create employment and add value to agricultural output. Eco-friendly industries must be supported to ensure that development proceeds in harmony with nature. According to IRENA (2022), decentralized renewables not only reduce emissions but also create sustainable local jobs.
Amidst challenges, there are reasons to be optimistic because there is growing awareness and activism. There is a change in collective psychology; many people are recognizing the need for change and taking action to address social and environmental issues.
Humanity is navigating a complex, multifaceted landscape. While there are many challenges to address, there are also opportunities for growth, innovation, and positive change. By acknowledging our current situation and working together, we can create a brighter future for all.
This transition would require careful planning, coordination, and the involvement of various stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, businesses, and local communities.
We should encourage all common factors and discourage all divisive tendencies. Prout advocates unity and synthesis in the face of diversity.
To support this shift globally, networks must be formed—linking individuals and organizations working for decentralized economies, ecological protection, and cooperative development. Finally, those with revolutionary potential must be united under a shared banner of service, ethics, and transformation. The path to “There” is through conscious, organized action—and it begins now.
References
World Health Organization. (2023). World mental health report: Transforming mental health for all. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240062481
Harvard Graduate School of Education. (2021). Loneliness in America: How the pandemic has deepened an epidemic of loneliness. https://mcc.gse.harvard.edu/reports/lonelinessinamerica
Pew Research Center. (2019). In U.S., Decline of Christianity Continues at Rapid Pace. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/10/17/inusdeclineofchristianitycontinuesatrapidpace/
McKinsey Global Institute. (2023). The Future of Work After COVID19. https://www.mckinsey.com/featuredinsights/futureofwork
American Psychological Association. (2023). Social Media and Mental Health: Tips for Teens and Parents. https://www.apa.org/topics/socialmediainternet/socialmediamentalhealth
Pew Research Center. (2021). The State of Online Harassment. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/01/13/thestateofonlineharassment/
Latimer, J., Dowden, C., & Muise, D. (2005). The Effectiveness of Restorative Justice Practices: A MetaAnalysis. The Prison Journal, 85(2), 127–144.
Wolff, R. (2021). Democracy at Work: A Cure for Capitalism. Haymarket Books.
Kauffman, C. M., & Martin, P. L. (2017). Constructing Rights of Nature Norms in the US, Ecuador, and New Zealand. Global Environmental Politics, 17(4), 62–82.
Birchall, J. (2013). Resilience in a downturn: The power of financial cooperatives. International Labour Organization.
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2022). Renewable Energy and Jobs: Annual Review. https://www.irena.org