Satyagraha in Views of M.K. Gandhi and it’s Application in Society

Vol-1 | Issue-8 | August 2016 | Published Online: 28 August 2016 PDF
Author(s)
Gouranga Biswas 1

1(W.B.E.S), Assistant Professor, (OIC) Government General Degree College, Kushmandi

Abstract

In this research paper, we explore the enduring impact of Satyagraha, a philosophy of nonviolent resistance developed by Mahatma Gandhi, on contemporary social and political movements. The first part of the study looks at the intellectual underpinnings of the three main tenets of Satyagraha: truth (Satya), nonviolence (Ahimsa), and self-suffering (Tapasya). This study offers an in-depth analysis of Gandhi’s early experiences and his strategic application of Satyagraha in India’s freedom movement, providing insight into how these ideas were used to oppose and eventually overthrow colonial control. The study also explores the historical background of significant Satyagraha movements, including the Quit India Movement (1942), the Champaran Satyagraha (1917), and the Salt March (1930). These campaigns show how satyagraha may be used in real-world situations and how successful it can be in garnering public support and advancing political goals. The study expands on the topic of Satyagraha’s worldwide significance by emphasizing its contribution to significant movements like Nelson Mandela’s anti-apartheid campaign in South Africa and the American Civil Rights Movement, spearheaded by Martin Luther King Jr. This essay also looks at how Satyagraha is used in modern settings, including as social justice and environmental campaigns. The research looks at how contemporary groups, such as Black Lives Matter and Extinction Rebellion, use the nonviolent and moral involvement tenets of Satyagraha to confront problems like racial injustice and climate change. The study also discusses the difficulties of implementing Satyagraha in the intricate sociopolitical context of today, highlighting the need of strong leadership and community engagement. Overall, this study highlights how effective and morally sound Satyagraha remains as a framework for peaceful opposition. It reinforces the concept that nonviolence is still a powerful strategy for attaining justice and fairness in the modern world by showing how Gandhi’s ideas may be used to address current concerns and promote significant social change.

Keywords
Satyagraha, Nonviolent resistance, Truth (Satya), Nonviolence (Ahimsa), Civil disobedience.
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