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| Asserting Self through ‘Ahimsa’: Intrinsic Thought of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Its Influence on Nelson Mandela (Ideology That Transcends Time and Boundaries) |
File Information
| Document Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Asserting Self through ‘Ahimsa’: Intrinsic Thought of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Its Influence on Nelson Mandela (Ideology That Transcends Time and Boundaries) |
| Author | Dr. Rafida Nawaz (Assistant Professor, International Relations, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan) Syed Hussain Murtaza (Ph.D. Research Scholar and Faculty Member, Department of International Relations, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan) Ms. Muna Khayal Khatak (Faculty Member, Department of International Relations, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan) |
| Subject | This paper analyzes the ideological influence of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence) on Nelson Mandela's political struggle against apartheid in South Africa, drawing parallels between their lives and ideologies. |
| Category | Academic Article |
| Institution | Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan |
| Country of Publication | India |
| Main Topics | Gandhi's philosophy of Ahimsa, Nelson Mandela's anti-apartheid struggle, Influence of Gandhian ideology on Mandela, Colonialism and its impact on India and South Africa, Non-violent resistance and civil disobedience, Apartheid and racial discrimination in South Africa, Comparative study of Gandhi and Mandela |
| Number of Pages | 10 |
| Language | English |
| File Type | |
| File Size | 143.3 KB |
Summary Note of this Document
This academic paper examines the ideological connection between Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, focusing on how Gandhi's principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) influenced Mandela's political struggle against apartheid in South Africa. The authors, Dr. Rafida Nawaz, Syed Hussain Murtaza, and Ms. Muna Khayal Khatak, argue that Gandhism transcends time and boundaries, manifesting in Mandela's approach to resistance. The paper traces Gandhi's development of Ahimsa during his early life in India and his experiences with racial discrimination in South Africa, where he formulated his philosophy of passive resistance. It then explores Mandela's political evolution, from his initial adoption of militant nationalism to his eventual embrace of non-violent tactics inspired by Gandhi, including the Defiance Campaign and civil disobedience. Despite Mandela's later turn to armed struggle, the paper contends that his commitment to reconciliation and forgiveness after his release from prison reflects the enduring influence of Gandhian principles. The study highlights the shared experiences of colonialism and the importance of cultural identity in both leaders' ideologies. Ultimately, the paper posits that Gandhi's philosophy provided a powerful alternative to socialist and violent resistance strategies, shaping Mandela's vision of a democratic and inclusive South Africa.
Core Themes
- Ahimsa and non-violence
- Colonialism and resistance
- Influence and legacy of Gandhi
- Apartheid and racial equality
- Reconciliation and forgiveness
Keywords
About Mahatma Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi lived from 1869 to 1948. Born in India, he trained as a lawyer and became a political thinker. Colonial rule repelled him. He opposed it fiercely and eventually led India’s independence movement.
Gandhi pioneered Satyagraha, the power of truth and nonviolent resistance. He put these ideals into practice during political and social upheavals. Over twenty years in South Africa shaped his thinking. That’s where he developed his tactics of nonviolent defiance. He returned to India in 1915 and launched major movements against British rule. Non-Cooperation Movement. Salt March. Quit India Movement. Each one challenged colonial domination.
In 1883 he married Kasturba Gandhi. Marriage and family life remained central to who he was. He spoke powerfully about his beliefs. His writing included Hind Swaraj, Satyagraha in South Africa, and The Story of My Experiments with Truth, his autobiography.
His vision stretched beyond political independence. Religious harmony mattered to him. Social equality. Self-reliance. Women’s rights. Ending untouchability. All of these were part of what he fought for.
Nonviolence and Satyagraha shaped movements worldwide. Civil rights activists drew from his example. Freedom struggles across the globe felt his influence. His approach changed how people thought about resistance and change.
Complete Gandhi Research Collection
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