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| Gandhian Concept of Truth and Non-Violence |
File Information
| Document Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Gandhian Concept of Truth and Non-Violence |
| Article Credit | IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science, ISSN: 2279-0845 / 2279-0837, Vol.: 22, Issue: 06, Year: 2017, (Pubd in: Academia.edu) |
| Author | Arpana Ramchiary |
| Subject | This paper examines Mahatma Gandhi's philosophical concepts of Truth (Satya) and Non-Violence (Ahimsa), their interrelation, and their application in Satyagraha. |
| Category | Philosophy |
| Institution | Barpeta Girls’ College, Barpeta |
| Country of Publication | Not clearly identified in the document. |
| Main Topics | Gandhi's concept of Truth (Satya), Gandhi's concept of Non-Violence (Ahimsa), Satyagraha as a method of resistance, Identification of Truth with God, Characteristics and qualities of a Satyagrahi, Positive and negative meanings of Ahimsa, Relation between Truth and Non-Violence |
| Number of Pages | 3 |
| Language | English |
| File Type | |
| File Size | 217.5 KB |
Summary Note of this Document
This paper, authored by Arpana Ramchiary, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Barpeta Girls' College, India, provides a detailed exposition of Mahatma Gandhi's concepts of Truth (Satya) and Non-Violence (Ahimsa). The paper argues that these two concepts form the foundation of Gandhi's philosophy and are intrinsically linked, with Ahimsa as the means and Truth as the end. It explores Gandhi's identification of Truth with God, explaining that while God can be denied by atheists, Truth cannot, thus establishing Truth as the ultimate reality. The paper delves into the nature of Satyagraha, distinguishing it from passive resistance and outlining the qualities required of a Satyagrahi, such as honesty, fearlessness, and self-restraint. It also examines the positive and negative dimensions of Ahimsa, emphasizing that it is not merely non-killing but active love and goodwill towards all living beings. The paper discusses characteristics of Gandhian non-violence as outlined by J. Bandyopadhyaya, including its universality and its role as a higher value than life. Finally, it offers a critical perspective, noting that Gandhi overlooked the aggressive instinct in humans, a point raised by contemporary psychologists. Overall, the paper presents a comprehensive analysis of Gandhi's moral and philosophical framework, highlighting the practical and spiritual dimensions of Truth and Non-Violence.
Core Themes
- Truth as ultimate reality and its identification with God
- Ahimsa as active love and its positive meaning
- Satyagraha as a moral and spiritual force
- Qualities and discipline of a Satyagrahi
- Critical evaluation of Gandhian non-violence
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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