True Democracy
Independence must begin at the bottom. Thus every village will be a republic or panchayat having full powers. It follows therefore, that every village has to be self sustained and capable of managing its affairs even to the extent of defending itself against the whole world. It will be trained and prepare to perish in the attempt to defend itself against any onslaught from without. Thus, ultimately, it is the individual who is the unit. This does not exclude dependence on and willing help from neighbours. It will free and voluntary play of mutual forces. Such a society is necessarily highly cultured in which every man and woman knows what he or she wants, what is more, knows that one should want anything that others cannot have with equal labour
Harijan 28/7/46