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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 struggle against apartheid, Influence of Gandhian ideology on Mandela, Colonialism and its impact on India and South Africa, Non-violent resistance and civil disobedience, Satyagraha and passive resistance, Ideological transformation of anti-colonial leaders, Reconciliation and forgiveness in Mandela's presidency |
| Number of Pages | 10 |
| Language | English |
| File Type | |
| File Size | 143.3 KB |
Summary Note of this Document
This academic article 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 argue that Gandhism, rooted in intrinsic thought and lived experience, transcended time and geographical boundaries, providing a moral and strategic framework for Mandela's resistance. The paper traces Gandhi's development of Ahimsa and Satyagraha during his years in South Africa, where he faced racial discrimination and developed his philosophy of passive resistance. It then explores Mandela's early life, his exposure to Gandhian ideas, and his adoption of non-violent tactics in the Defiance Campaign, despite his eventual turn to armed struggle. The authors highlight the shared experiences of colonialism, the influence of Western education, and the importance of cultural identity in shaping both leaders' ideologies. They conclude that Mandela's commitment to reconciliation and forgiveness, even after years of imprisonment, reflects the enduring impact of Gandhi's philosophy. The paper draws on a range of sources, including biographies and historical analyses, to support its comparative analysis.
Core Themes
- Ahimsa and non-violence
- Colonialism and anti-colonial resistance
- Ideological influence and transcendence
- Apartheid and racial discrimination
- 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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