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| Gandhian Concept of Freedom and Non-Violence and Its Viability in Today’s Society |
File Information
| Document Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Gandhian Concept of Freedom and Non-Violence and Its Viability in Today’s Society |
| Author | Banashree Bhardwaj (Deptt. Of Philosophy, Kokrajhar Govt.College, Kokrajhar, Assam, India) Ionee Basumatary (Deptt. Of Political Science, Kokrajhar Govt.College, Kokrajhar, Assam, India) |
| Subject | This paper analyzes Mahatma Gandhi's concepts of freedom and non-violence, examining their philosophical foundations and practical viability in addressing contemporary conflicts and violence. |
| Category | Philosophy |
| Institution | Kokrajhar Govt. College |
| Country of Publication | India |
| Main Topics | Gandhian concept of freedom, Non-violence (ahimsa), Swaraj and self-rule, Moral and spiritual freedom, Relation between freedom and non-violence, Practical relevance of Gandhian principles, Non-violent resistance in history, Contemporary global violence and peace |
| Number of Pages | 3 |
| Language | English |
| File Type | |
| File Size | 210.3 KB |
Summary Note of this Document
This paper examines Mahatma Gandhi's concepts of freedom and non-violence, arguing for their continued relevance in today's conflict-ridden world. The authors, Banashree Bhardwaj and Ionee Basumatary, analyze Gandhi's integral view of freedom, which encompasses political, moral, and spiritual dimensions, and his positive conception of non-violence as an active force for resistance. They highlight Gandhi's insistence on self-restraint and collective effort as prerequisites for true swaraj, contrasting his approach with Western separations of freedom types. The paper explores the relationship between freedom and non-violence, asserting that individual freedom flourishes only under a regime of ahimsa. It then assesses the practical relevance of Gandhian principles, citing examples of successful non-violent movements inspired by Gandhi, such as those led by Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, and the UN's recognition of October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence. The authors conclude that Gandhian ideals offer a path to harmonious coexistence and lasting peace, emphasizing the need for spirituality and compassion in an age of escalating violence and terrorism.
Core Themes
- Integral concept of freedom
- Non-violence as active resistance
- Swaraj and self-rule
- Moral and spiritual development
- Relevance of Gandhian philosophy in modern society
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.
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