He abolished every trace
of untouchability from his heart. He believed in communal amity. In order
to know the best mind of Islam he gave one year to the study of Koran in
the original. He, therefore, learnt Arabic. He found this study necessary
for cultivating contact with the Muslims living in the neighborhood.
The Padayatra (journey) of
Vinobaji, which was part of his Bhoodan movement now belongs to history.
It was a demonstration of Gandhian doctrine of Trusteeship.
Of the many teachings of
the Gita which Vinobaji highlighted in his talks, one of the most important
was the role of self-help. "The Gita is prepared to go to the lowest, the
weakest and the least cultured of men. And it goes to him not to keep him
where he is, but to grasp him by the hand and lift him up. The Gita wishes
that man should make his action pure and attain the highest state."
Vinobaji passed away at Paunar
on November 17, 1982. He was posthumously honored with the Bharat Ratna
Award in 1984