PROUT- Chronology

Here is a chronological outline of PROUT (Progressive Utilization Theory), highlighting its origin, development, and global spread:

1959 – The Genesis of PROUT

On October 17 to 22, 1959, the first PROUT Convention was held at Jamalpur-the birth place of P.R.Sarkar. During this Convention on October 21, 1959, he said on PROUT –

Our intellectual revolution is of democratic nature. Proutists are to make people conscious of their rights and demands.'

The following are key points:

  • Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar, a spiritual teacher and philosopher, formulated PROUT in 1959.

  • The theory was first introduced in the Bengali language in the book titled "Ánanda Sútram" (later translated).

  • The initial five principles of PROUT were articulated during this time, providing the foundation for a new socio-economic model.

1961 - 1967

  • The first English treatise on PROUT, “An Outline of PROUT”, was published. This helped the theory reach a wider global audience, particularly intellectuals, economists, and social reformers.

  • Progressive Federation of India (PFI) and Progressive Bloc of India (PBI) were formed.

  • The name Progressive Federation of India (PFI) was replaced by Proutist Forum of India.

  • On September 14, 1959, Universal Proutist Students Federation (UPSF) was founded.

  • In January 1965, Universal Proutist Intellectual Federation (UPIF) was founded.

  • In May 1965, Universal Proutist Youth Federation (UPYF), Universal Proutist Farmers Federation (UPFF) and Universal Proutist Labour Federation (UPLF) were founded.

1968–70 – Expansion of Socio-Economic Philosophy

  • Sarkar gave discourses on the deeper aspects of PROUT, including cooperative economics, decentralized planning, moral leadership, and the dynamic nature of society.

  • He emphasized economic democracy and self-reliant socio-economic zones.

1978 – Establishment of PROUT Research Institutes

  • The first PROUT Research Institute was established in Copenhagen, Denmark.

  • Later, similar institutes emerged in India, Australia, the USA, and other countries to promote study, policy formulation, and activism based on PROUT.

  • On August 4, 1978, Girls Proutists (GP) was founded.

1980s – Socio-political Activism and Globalization of PROUT

  • PROUT gained momentum in various parts of the world, especially in Latin America and Southeast Asia.

  • The theory was increasingly applied to address poverty, inequality, and ecological destruction.

1990 – Passing of Shrii P. R. Sarkar

  • Sarkar passed away in 1990, but his legacy through PROUT continued via institutions like Ananda Marga and PROUT-based organizations.

  • Followers compiled his lectures, speeches, and writings into volumes to preserve his vision.

2000s–Present – Application & Policy Advocacy

  • Think tanks and organizations continue to promote PROUT in fields like ecological economics, cooperative development, and grassroots empowerment.

  • PROUTists are actively participating in global forums to present the model as an alternative to capitalism and communism.