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| MAHATMA GANDHI’S PHILOSOPHY ON NON-VIOLENCE |
File Information
| Document Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | MAHATMA GANDHI’S PHILOSOPHY ON NON-VIOLENCE |
| Article Credit | International Journal of Advanced Research, ISSN: 2320-5407, Vol.: 4, Issue: 12, Year: 2016, (Pubd in: Academia.edu) |
| Author | IJAR Indexing (Research Scholar (Political Science), Sri Satya Sai University of Technology and Medical Science, Sehore, Madhya Pradesh) |
| Subject | An academic analysis of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence, exploring the concepts of truth (satya), non-violence (ahimsa), and Satyagraha as a method of political and social action. |
| Category | Political Philosophy |
| Institution | Sri Satya Sai University of Technology and Medical Science, Sehore, Madhya Pradesh |
| Country of Publication | India |
| Main Topics | Gandhi's concept of truth and non-violence, Meaning and nature of ahimsa, Satyagraha as a method of nonviolent resistance, Gandhi's view on violence and nonviolence, Qualities of a Satyagrahi, Relevance of Gandhi's philosophy in the modern world |
| Number of Pages | 5 |
| Language | English |
| File Type | |
| File Size | 164.9 KB |
Summary Note of this Document
This research article by Nirmal Kumar Srivastava examines Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence, focusing on the integral relationship between truth (satya) and non-violence (ahimsa). The paper argues that Gandhi's political theory offers a novel approach to understanding and arbitrating conflicts among moral projects in a multicultural world. It explores the meaning and nature of ahimsa, emphasizing that it is not merely the absence of physical violence but a positive force of love and selflessness. Gandhi's distinction between passive and physical violence is discussed, along with his preference for violent resistance over cowardice. The article delves into Satyagraha as the quintessence of Gandhian philosophy, defining it as 'truth force' or 'soul force' and outlining the qualities expected of a Satyagrahi. It also evaluates the relevance of Gandhi's principles in contemporary times, noting the shortage of true believers in non-violence and the global crises stemming from power struggles and weapons of mass destruction. The paper concludes by asserting the enduring significance of Gandhi's nonviolent approach, despite Marxist critiques labeling it utopian.
Core Themes
- Truth and non-violence as intertwined principles
- Ahimsa as active love and self-suffering
- Satyagraha as a method of nonviolent resistance
- Critique of violence and cowardice
- Relevance of Gandhian philosophy in modern pluralistic societies
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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