MDC

UNIT I
KEY POINTS OF GANDHIAN PHYLOSPHY

Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948) was a prominent leader of India's independence movement and
a global icon of nonviolent resistance. His philosophy of Satyagraha (truth and nonviolence)
influenced civil rights movements worldwide.
• Born as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat,
India.
• Early Life and Education (1869–1893)
• Studied law in London, England (1888–1891).
• Moved to South Africa in 1893 to work as a lawyer, where he faced racial
discrimination, shaping his views on justice and nonviolent resistance.
Activism in South Africa (1893–1915)
Fought against discriminatory laws against Indians in South Africa.
Developed the concept of Satyagraha, advocating nonviolent resistance.
Established the Tolstoy Farm, a self-sufficient community based on cooperative living
• Return to India and Freedom Struggle (1915–1947)
• Returned to India in 1915, joined the Indian National Congress.
• Led the Champaran (1917) and Kheda (1918) movements to support farmers.
• Advocated for Swaraj (self-rule) and launched non-cooperation movement (1920–
1922).
• Led the Dandi Salt March (1930) to protest British salt laws.
• Played a key role in the Quit India Movement (1942) against British rule.
• Independence and Partition (1947–1948)
• India gained independence on August 15, 1947.
• Opposed communal violence between Hindus and Muslims.
• Advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity and peace.
• Assassinated on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist.
Legacy
• Inspired global leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.
• Recognized as the "Father of the Nation" in India.
• His principles of nonviolence and civil disobedience continue to influence social
movements worldwide.
 ➢ Gandhian view on truth
Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy was deeply rooted in Truth (Satya) and Non-Violence (Ahimsa).
These principles guided his personal life and political struggles, shaping India’s freedom
movement and inspiring global movements for justice and peace.
Mahatma Gandhi placed Truth (Satya) at the core of his philosophy and believed that truth is
the ultimate reality. He often said, "Truth is God, and God is Truth."
Key Aspects of Truth in Gandhian Philosophy
1. Truth in Thought, Speech, and Action
Gandhi believed that truth should be followed not just in words but also in thoughts and actions.
2. Truth as a Path to God
He equated truth with God and considered truth-seeking a form of self-purification.
3. Experiments with Truth
He continuously tested truth in his personal and public life, as described in his autobiography
My Experiments with Truth.
4. Truth and Non-Violence are Inseparable
According to Gandhi, truth and non-violence (Ahimsa) go hand in hand, as one cannot exist
without the other.
5. Satyagraha – The Power of Truth
He developed the concept of Satyagraha (holding onto truth), a method of non-violent
resistance based on truth and moral force.
➢ Non-Violence in Gandhian Philosophy
Mahatma Gandhi believed that non-violence (Ahimsa) was the greatest force for social and
political change. He considered it not just the absence of physical violence but also avoiding
hatred, anger, and harm in thoughts and actions.
Key aspects of non- violence
1. Ahimsa as the Highest Virtue
Gandhi believed that non-violence is the greatest strength and not a sign of weakness.
He said, “Non-violence is the weapon of the strong.”
2. Non-Violence in Thought, Speech, and Action
Ahimsa means avoiding harm not just physically but also through words and intentions.
3. Link Between Non-Violence and Truth
Gandhi believed that truth (Satya) and non-violence must always go together, as truth cannot
be upheld through violent means.
4. Satyagraha – Non-Violent Resistance
He developed Satyagraha, a method of peaceful protest against injustice, based on non-
violence.
5. Forgiveness and Love
Gandhi emphasized forgiving even enemies and winning them over through love and
understanding.
Examples of Gandhi’s Non-Violent Movements
• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22): Encouraged Indians to boycott British
institutions peacefully.
• Civil Disobedience Movement (1930): The Dandi March against salt laws was a non-
violent protest.
• Quit India Movement (1942): Called for British withdrawal through peaceful means.
Relevance of Non-Violence Today
Used in global movements for civil rights and justice (e.g., Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson
Mandela).
Promotes peace, harmony, and conflict resolution in modern society.
Gandhi’s principle of non-violence teaches us that real strength lies in patience, love, and moral
courage rather than aggression and hatred.

➢ Gandhi’s Philosophy of Satyagraha

Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of Satyagraha is a powerful method of nonviolent resistance that he
used to fight against injustice. The word Satyagraha comes from two Sanskrit words:
Satya (Truth)
Agraha (Firmness or insistence)
So, Satyagraha means "holding onto truth" or "the power of truth." It is a way of protesting
against injustice without using violence, believing that truth and moral strength can defeat
oppression.
Main Principles of Satyagraha
1. Nonviolence (Ahimsa) – A Satyagrahi (person practicing Satyagraha) must never use
violence, even when facing cruelty. Gandhi believed that violence creates more problems,
while nonviolence brings lasting change.
2. Truth (Satya) – Truth is the most important value in Satyagraha. Gandhi believed that people
must always be honest and stand by what is right, no matter how difficult it is.
3. Self-Suffering (Tapasya) – Instead of hurting others, a Satyagrahi willingly accepts suffering
to show the injustice of their opponent’s actions. This helps to touch the conscience of the
oppressor and society.
4. Fearlessness (Abhaya) – A true Satyagrahi must not be afraid of punishment, threats, or
difficulties. They must stand firm for justice without fear.
5. Love and Respect for Opponents – Even while fighting against injustice, a Satyagrahi should
not hate their opponents. Instead, they should try to change them through love, patience, and
moral strength.
How Gandhi Used Satyagraha
Gandhi used Satyagraha in several important movements:
South Africa (1893-1914): He first used Satyagraha to protest against racial discrimination
against Indians in South Africa.
Champaran and Kheda (1917-1918): He helped poor farmers in India fight against unfair
British policies.
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922): He encouraged Indians to boycott British goods,
schools, and courts.
Salt March (1930): He led a march to protest the British tax on salt, showing that even simple
acts can challenge unjust laws.
Quit India Movement (1942): A mass movement demanding that the British leave India, based
on nonviolent resistance.
Why Satyagraha is Important
Gandhi’s idea of Satyagraha is not just about politics; it is also about creating a better society.
Instead of using force, Satyagraha encourages people to fight injustice with truth, patience, and
nonviolence. This philosophy inspired many leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. in the U.S.
civil rights movement and Nelson Mandela in South Africa’s fight against apartheid. Even
today, people use Satyagraha in protests for justice and human rights.
Satyagraha is a unique and powerful way of fighting injustice without violence. It is based on
truth, love, and moral strength. Gandhi showed the world that real power does not come from
weapons or fear, but from the ability to stand up for what is right with courage and peace. His
philosophy remains an inspiration for movements seeking justice and equality worldwide.

➢ Gandhi’s Philosophy of Hind Swaraj

Mahatma Gandhi’s Hind Swaraj (1909) is a foundational text that outlines his vision for self-
rule (Swaraj) and critiques modern civilization. Written in the form of a dialogue between a
reader and an editor (representing Gandhi himself), the text provides a radical critique of British
rule, Western industrialization, and the moral decay caused by materialism. More than a
political treatise, Hind Swaraj is a blueprint for an alternative model of governance and society
based on ethical, spiritual, and self-sufficient principles.
Concept of Swaraj (Self-Rule)
Gandhi’s concept of Swaraj in Hind Swaraj goes beyond mere political independence. It is a
holistic idea that includes:
1. Self-Governance at an Individual Level – True Swaraj begins with self-discipline, moral
integrity, and self-reliance. People must free themselves from desires and greed to achieve true
freedom.
2. Decentralized Political System – Gandhi rejected the idea of a highly centralized state.
Instead, he advocated for village-based self-governance (Gram Swaraj) where power is
distributed among small, self-sufficient communities.
3. Economic Independence (Swadeshi) – He strongly opposed the Western industrial model
and promoted Swadeshi (local production and consumption) to empower rural economies.
4. Moral and Ethical Leadership – Political freedom without moral integrity would be
meaningless. Gandhi argued that true Swaraj requires leaders who serve the people selflessly,
unlike the exploitative colonial rulers.
Gandhi’s Critique of Modern Civilization
Mahatma Gandhi’s critique of modern civilization, as presented in Hind Swaraj (1909), is one
of the most radical aspects of his philosophy. He saw modern civilization—particularly the
Western model of industrialization, materialism, and centralized governance—as morally and
spiritually destructive. Instead, he advocated for a simpler, self-sufficient way of life rooted in
ethical values, nonviolence, and self-governance.
Key Aspects of Gandhi’s Critique of Modern Civilization
1. Materialism and Moral Decay
Gandhi believed that modern civilization was obsessed with material progress at the cost of
ethical and spiritual well-being. He argued that:
The pursuit of wealth and comfort leads to moral decline and selfishness.
People become slaves to their desires, losing their inner strength and self-discipline.
True happiness comes from self-control and simple living, not material luxuries.
2. Industrialization and Economic Exploitation
Gandhi saw industrialization as a major source of exploitation and inequality:
Large industries destroy traditional livelihoods by replacing small artisans and farmers.
Industrial production leads to exploitation of workers and concentration of wealth among a
few.
The dependence on machines weakens human creativity and promotes mass unemployment.
He advocated Swadeshi (self-reliance)—local production and village-based economies instead
of large factories.
3. Centralized Government and Bureaucracy
Gandhi was highly critical of the modern state and its bureaucratic institutions:
He believed that parliamentary democracy (as seen in Britain) was corrupt and disconnected
from the real needs of the people.
Governments control people through laws, taxation, and militarization, reducing their freedom.
Instead, he proposed Gram Swaraj (village self-rule), where small, self-sufficient communities
govern themselves.
4. Western Medicine and Legal System
Gandhi criticized the modern medical and legal systems for making people dependent rather
than self-reliant:
Modern medicine, he argued, treats symptoms but ignores natural health and self-care.
British-style courts and lawyers create conflicts rather than resolving disputes peacefully.
He believed in self-healing through natural remedies and resolving disputes within
communities.
Alternative Vision: A Civilization Based on Ethical Living
Instead of modern civilization, Gandhi proposed a way of life based on:
Truth and Nonviolence (Satya and Ahimsa) – Society should be built on love, respect, and
justice rather than competition and greed.
Simple Living – Rejecting unnecessary luxury and living in harmony with nature.
Decentralized Governance – Strengthening villages as the foundation of political and economic
life.
Self-Sufficiency (Swadeshi) – Producing and consuming locally to reduce dependence on
industrial economies.
Criticism of Gandhi’s View
While Gandhi’s critique of modern civilization is thought-provoking, it has also faced criticism:
Idealistic and Impractical – Some argue that his vision of village self-rule cannot support large
populations in today’s world.
Rejection of Technology – Critics say that modern science and industry have improved health,
education, and quality of life, which Gandhi underestimated.
Economic Growth vs. Simplicity – Some believe that economic development and
industrialization are necessary for reducing poverty, rather than relying only on self-sufficient
villages.
Conclusion
Gandhi’s critique of modern civilization remains relevant in debates on sustainability,
consumerism, and ethical governance. While his ideas may not be fully applicable in today’s
technological world, his emphasis on moral responsibility, self-sufficiency, and nonviolence
continues to inspire alternative development models that seek a balance between progress and
human well-being.

➢ Gandhi and the Philosophy of Swadeshi

Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of Swadeshi (self-reliance) was central to his vision of India’s
independence and economic self-sufficiency. Swadeshi, which means "of one’s own country,"
emphasized local production, self-reliance, and economic independence as a means to resist
colonial rule and promote social justice.
Meaning and Definition of Swadeshi
Swadeshi, according to Gandhi, was not just about using Indian-made goods but a way of life
that promoted self-sufficiency in all aspects—economic, social, and spiritual. He defined
Swadeshi as:
"That spirit in us which restricts us to the use and service of our immediate surroundings to the
exclusion of the more remote."
This meant prioritizing local industries, self-employment, and rural development over
dependence on foreign goods and Western industrialization.
2. Swadeshi and Economic Self-Reliance
Gandhi saw economic dependence on British goods as a major reason for India’s poverty.
He encouraged people to boycott foreign goods, especially British textiles, and promote
handwoven khadi as a symbol of Swadeshi.
The Charkha (spinning wheel) became a symbol of India’s self-reliance, and he urged every
Indian to spin their own cloth.
He opposed large-scale industrialization, arguing that it led to exploitation, unemployment, and
social inequality. Instead, he advocated for village-based industries.
3. Swadeshi and Political Resistance
Swadeshi was a tool for nonviolent resistance (Satyagraha) against British rule.
It was part of the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922), where people were urged to burn
foreign clothes and adopt khadi.
Gandhi saw Swadeshi as a means to weaken British economic control over India, making
political independence possible.
4. Swadeshi and Social Upliftment
Gandhi’s Swadeshi was not just about rejecting foreign goods but also about uplifting rural
India.
He encouraged self-employment and cottage industries to provide jobs to the poor.
Swadeshi promoted equality, as everyone—rich or poor—could participate in spinning and
self-reliance.
He linked Swadeshi to Sarvodaya (welfare of all), believing that economic self-sufficiency
would reduce social inequalities.
Swadeshi in Today’s Context
Gandhi’s philosophy of Swadeshi remains relevant today in:
Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat – Modern policies promoting local industries and self-
reliance.
Sustainable Living – Emphasis on local and eco-friendly products.
Rural Development – Encouraging self-employment and village industries.
Conclusion
Gandhi’s Swadeshi was not just an economic policy but a moral and social philosophy aimed
at self-reliance, social justice, and national dignity. It played a crucial role in India’s freedom
struggle and continues to inspire movements for local economies, sustainability, and self-
sufficiency today.