Q. Write a short notes on: ‘Gandhiji’s views on Satyagraha.’ [66th BPSC-2021]
Ans:
The concept of Satyagraha was introduced in the early 20th century by Mahatma Gandhi. It was in the centre of his ideological framework.
Satyagraha means urge for Satya, or truth. Satyagraha is not merely the insistence on truth; it is, in fact, holding on to truth through ways which are moral and non-violent; it is not the imposition of one’s will over others, but it is appealing to the reasoning of the opponent; it is not coercion but is persuasion.
Gandhiji’s views on Satyagraha:
- Gandhiji highlights several attributes of satyagraha. It is a moral weapon and does not entertain ill-feeling towards the adversary; it is’a non-violent device and calls upon its user to love his enemy; it does not weaken the opponent but strengthens him morally; it is a weapon of the brave and is constructive in its approach.
- Satyagraha involved weakening resolution of oppressor by insinuating a sense of guilt for the suffering they have part in causing.
- For Gandhiji, a Satyagrahi is always truthful, morally imbued, non-violent and a person without any malice; he is one who is devoted to the service of all.
- Gandhi made a distinction between the Satyagraha and passive resistance:
- The passive resistance has been conceived as a weapon of the weak and does not exclude the use of physical force or violence for the purpose of gaining one’s end.
- Satyagraha has been conceived as a weapon of the strongest, and excludes the use of violence in any shape.
- In practice, Satyagraha could assume various forms-fasting, non-violent picketing, different types of non-cooperation and ultimately in politics, civil disobedience in willing anticipation of the legal penalty.
- Gandhi firmly believed that all these forms of Satyagraha were pure means to achieve pure ends.
- Satyagraha can never fail. It is bound to succeed although in the short run the results may seem to be to the contrary.
This concept was evolved by Gandhiji in South Africa but after it had been fully developed it became a dominant element in India’s struggle for freedom from 1919 onwards. Gradually, it became a potent tool for the oppressed people all around the world to fight against the oppressor in non-violent way. ©crackingcivilservices.com
