 |
| Gandhi, Civilization, Non-Violence and Obama — A representative image. |
File Information
| Document Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Gandhi, Civilization, Non-Violence and Obama |
| Article Credit | Journal of Alternative Perspectives in the Social Sciences, Vol.: 2, Issue: 1, Year: 2010, (Pubd in: ResearchGate) |
| Author | Tamer Söyler (Humboldt University) |
| Subject | An analysis of Gandhi's conception of civilization in Hind Swaraj and its relation to non-violence, with a critique of Barack Obama’s use of Gandhi in speeches on war and Afghanistan. |
| Category | Journal article |
| Institution | Journal of Alternative Perspectives in the Social Sciences |
| Main Topics | Gandhi's non-violence, Hind Swaraj, civilization in Gandhi's thought, Gujarati and English translations, sudharo and kudharo, purusharthas and dharma, modern civilization and reform, Obama's references to Gandhi |
| Number of Pages | 16 |
| Language | English |
| File Type | |
| File Size | 112.2 KB |
Summary Note of this Document
Gandhi, Civilization, Non-Violence and Obama
This article examines Gandhi, Civilization, Non-Violence and Obama as an interpretation of Gandhi's concept of civilization in Hind Swaraj and its implications for non-violence. Tamer Söyler argues that Gandhi's ahimsa cannot be reduced to a tactical method of political resistance; it is tied to a broader moral and existential vision of 'true civilization'. The essay focuses on the differences between the Gujarati and English versions of Hind Swaraj, especially the paired terms sudharo and kudharo, to show that Gandhi frames civilization as a process of change rather than a static social order. The discussion brings in purusharthas, especially dharma, to explain how duty, morality, and social balance shape Gandhi's idea of a good life. The article also engages Sitanshu Yashaschandra and Anthony Parel to clarify translation choices and interpretive tensions. In its later sections, the essay turns to Barack Obama’s public references to Gandhi, especially in relation to just war, Afghanistan, and the Nobel Peace Prize, arguing that these references conflict with Gandhi's insistence on non-violence as a comprehensive principle. The piece ends by linking Gandhi's critique of modernity to alternative modernities and the rise of the Global South.
Core Themes
- non-violence as a way of life
- civilization as moral conduct
- translation and interpretation of Hind Swaraj
- critique of modernity
- tension between Gandhi and just war reasoning
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
Download the entire collection of Gandhi research PDFs available on HISTORY MARG