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| Gandhi’s Ahimsa- A Critical Review at the Critical Time of War against Terrorism |
File Information
| Document Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Gandhi’s Ahimsa- A Critical Review at the Critical Time of War against Terrorism |
| Article Credit | SSRN Electronic Journal, ISSN: 1556-5068, Vol.: 2, Issue: 12, Year: 2011, (Pubd in: Academia.edu) |
| Author | M Abdur Rahman Malik (Doctoral Candidate, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore, Pakistan) Rana Zamin Abbas (Research Associate SBE, University of management and technology) Muhammad Ashraf (Student M.Phil Business Administration, Azra Naheed Center for Research & Development, Superior University/College Lahore Pakistan) Chaudhry Abdul Rehman (Rector/CEO, Superior University Raiwind Road Lahore PAKISTAN) Dr. Zulfqar Ahmad (Assistant Professor Hailey College of commerce, University of the Punjab) |
| Subject | This paper critically evaluates Gandhi's concept of Ahimsa (non-violence) from theoretical and practical perspectives, arguing that its universal application is impossible and proposing a broader framework for its relevance. |
| Category | Academic Article |
| Institution | Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) |
| Country of Publication | USA |
| Main Topics | Gandhi's concept of Ahimsa, Practicality of non-violence, Critique of Gandhi's ideology, Violence and power, Justification of violence, Ahimsa in the context of war on terrorism |
| Number of Pages | 6 |
| Language | English |
| File Type | |
| File Size | 218.0 KB |
Summary Note of this Document
This paper critically examines Gandhi's concept of Ahimsa (non-violence) in the context of the contemporary war against terrorism. The authors argue that while Ahimsa is a noble ideal, its universal application is practically impossible. They explore the theoretical and practical dimensions of Ahimsa, highlighting the challenges in adhering to it in all situations. The paper discusses various critiques of Gandhi's ideology, including the circularity of his argument equating violence with evil and the inseparability of means and ends. It also examines different interpretations of Ahimsa, categorizing practitioners into 'literals', 'morals', and 'justifiers', and shows how the concept has been socially constructed and misused. The authors propose that for Ahimsa to be meaningful, it must be defined within a broader framework, possibly grounded in a divine or absolute authority. The paper concludes that an isolated concept of Ahimsa is insufficient and can be co-opted by the powerful to legitimize oppression.
Core Themes
- Practical impossibility of absolute Ahimsa
- Critique of Gandhi's universalism
- Interpretations and misuses of Ahimsa
- Violence as natural vs. moral choice
- Need for a broader framework for Ahimsa
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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