Mahatma Gandhi: Notes

Mahatma Gandhi: Useful Notes

Satyagraha

The word ‘Satyagraha’ was coined by Gandhiji which means ‘Insistence on truth’ but in reality it means practice of “Law of Love”.

The concept of Satyagraha is an extension of the rule of domestic life i.e., family disputes and differences which are generally settled according to the law of love. The action of an individual is towards the welfare of the family. The law of love begins with the family and its use can be extended to every other circle.

Satyagraha is a relentless search for truth and a determination to reach the truth.

Gandhiji’s Constructive Programme

Here are some points from Gandhiji’s 19-point Constructive Programme

Communal Unity

Unity does not mean political unity. Every Hindu and non-Hindu has to fee; his identity with every one of the millions of the inhabitants of Hinduism. It is important that every Indian will cultivate personal friendship with the people of faiths other than his own. Every individual must have the same regard for the other faiths as he has for his own. Thus, communal unity is very important.

Removal of Untouchability

Removal of untouchability means love for, and service of, the whole world and thus, merges into ahimsa. If Hindus take up the cause for is own sake, they will influence the so-called Sanatanis. Removal of untouchability spells the breaking down of barriers between man and man and between the various orders of Being. We find such barriers erected everywhere in the world, but here we have been mainly concerned with the untouchability which has received religious sanction in India and reduced lakhs and crores of human beings to a state bordering on slavery.

Khadi

Gandhiji said that Khadi must be taken with all its implications which will mean wholesale Swadeshi mentality, a determination to find all the necessities of life through the labour and intellect of the villagers. This will help the villages to be largely self-contained and will serve the cities of India voluntarily. To adopt this, a revolutionary change in the mentality and the taste of many is required. Gandhiji said “Khadi is a symbol of unity in Indian humanity, of its economic freedom and equality and is the livery of the India’s freedom”. Gandhiji believed that Khadi mentality means decentralization of the production and distribution of the necessities of life.

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