GANDHISM

 Gandhism is the name given to the study of the philosophy of Gandhi. It refers to the study of the ideals and principles that Gandhiji practiced and preached as the leader of the Indian National Movement. In other words, Gandhism means a way of life based on Gandhi’s thoughts and teachings.

Gandhi’s message of peace and nonviolence has a universal appeal that continues to have a profound influence on humanity in general. Devotion to duty and dedication to service were the twin guiding stars in Gandhi’s way through life. The spirit of selfless service is the Mahatma’s richest legacy to India and the world.

Doctrine of Satyagraha

Satyagraha = truth force

The search for truth automatically involves a fight against injustice. Fighting injustice implies respect / love for other beings. Love demands non-violence = ahimsa.

Satyagraha and ahimsa

Satyagraha and ahimsa = absolute adherence to non-violence. The idea that a person fails to respond to violence has led Satyagraha to be called as ‘Passive Resistance’ – but the fact remains that refusal to be taunted or instigated requires tremendous self-control and discipline.

‘Passive Resistance’ was a term that Gandhi disliked. To him any satyagraha involved a fight for justice and therefore active work was required to bring it about. Therefore, ‘constructive work’ or social service was necessary.

As a fight for justice, satyagraha implies opposition to a philosophy or a policy, not a person. Thus, no assault on a person is acceptable.

The main reason for the success of Satyagraha is that it can eb performed by anyone anywhere. It can be individual or group, active (defying laws etc.) or passive (refusal to use foreign goods), it has place for all.  

Judith Brown describes Gandhi as a master of symbolism.

In 1930 – Civil Disobedience – he broke the Salt Act. We see powerful imagery. The long march culminated in him lifting a handful of salt – an issue that affected every Indian.

Chakra – Ashokan symbol as well as symbol of the spinning wheel (spinning of Khadi) – symbol of economic independence.

In the present scenario Gandhism is very effective and can be used to solve various problems – a fact which has been increasingly realized even in countries outside India. Some of the most important social and political movements during the second half of the twentieth century in the US, South Africa and other countries were based on Gandhian principles of nonviolence and passive resistance. Martin Luther King, the leader of the Civil Rights Movement in USA and Nelson Mandela have been the most prominent followers of Gandhism in recent times.