...Gandhi was considered one of the great sages and prophets. The Indian people called him the “Father of the Nation”. He was a political and spiritual leader of India and the Indian independence movement. He was the pioneer of Satyagraha- a philosophy and practice of nonviolent resistance. Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a small state in western India. His birth name was Mahadmas Karamchad Gandhi, but many years later the Indian people named him Mahatma Gandhi, when they discovered they had a Mahatma in their midst. The word Mahatma means great soul. There is much that can be said about such a great leader like Gandhi. He had many skills that were needed to make a difference in the world. Perhaps the most important quality that he possessed was the attributes of knowledge and common sense. These attributes made him a very levelheaded man who knew how to treat his opponent with respect while stating the issue at hand. Gandhi achieved many accomplishments throughout his life. Overall, the most significant was that one man could make a difference within his own country that received worldwide recognition. One of the reasons why Gandhi was such a great leader, was one must possess a great deal of inner peace. He was very capable of doing so, and in return, the opposing side listened to what he had to say. The philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi is very different than those of Martin Luther King Jr. or Malcolm X. Gandhi took philosophy to a further level, which allowed...
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...a dialogue between two characters, The Reader and The Editor. The Reader essentially serves as the typical Indian countryman whom Gandhi would have been addressing with Hind Swaraj. The Reader voices the common beliefs and arguments of the time concerning Indian Independence. Gandhi, The Editor, explains why those arguments are flawed and interject his own arguments. As The Editor Gandhi puts it, "it is my duty patiently to try to remove your prejudice." In the dialogue which follows, Gandhi outlines four themes which structure his arguments. 1. First, Gandhi argues that ‘Home Rule is Self Rule’. He argues that it is not enough for the British to leave only for Indians to adopt a British-styled society. As he puts it, some "want English rule without the Englishman ... that is to say, [they] would make India English. And when it becomes English, it will be called not Hindustan but Englishtan. This is not the Swaraj I want.” 2. Gandhi also argues that Indian independence is only possible through passive resistance. In fact, more than denouncing violence, Gandhi argues that it is counter-productive; instead, he believes, “The force of love and pity is infinitely greater than the force of arms. There is harm in the exercise of brute force, never in that of pity.” This is essential throughout Hind Swaraj. 3. In order to exert passive resistance, Gandhi reasons that Swadeshi (self-reliance) be exercised by Indians, meaning the refusal of all trade and dealings with the British. He addresses...
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...Salt March, also known as the Salt Satyagraha, began with the Dandi March on March 12, 1930, and was an important part of the Indian independence movement. It was a direct actioncampaign of tax resistance and nonviolent protest against the British salt monopoly in colonial India, and triggered the wider Civil Disobedience Movement. This was the most significant organized challenge to British authority since the Non-cooperation movement of 1920–22, and directly followed the Purna Swaraj declaration of independence by the Indian National Congresson January 26, 1930. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (commonly called Mahatma Gandhi) led the Dandi march from his base, Sabarmati Ashram near Ahmedabad, to the sea coast near the village of Dandi. As he continued on this 23 day, 240 mile (390 km) march to produce salt without paying the tax, growing numbers of Indians joined him along the way. When Gandhi broke the salt laws at 6:30 am on April 6, 1930, it sparked large scale acts of civil disobedienceagainst the British Raj salt laws by millions of Indians. The campaign had a significant effect on changing world and British attitudes toward Indian independence and caused large numbers of Indians to join the fight for the first time. After making salt at Dandi, Gandhi continued southward along the coast, producing salt and addressing meetings on the way. His group planned to stage a satyagraha at the Dharasana Salt Works, 25 miles south of Dandi. However, Gandhi was arrested on the midnight of...
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...Satyagraha How Gandhi led India to Independence by the Path of Non-Violent Civil Resistance Gandhiji, as he was known affectionately by his followers, most of India, and indeed, a great deal of the world, inspired such extraordinary group dynamics and cohesiveness that he was able to change, not only the lives of millions; but, with his compassion for all life, he literally changed the world. The millions of Indians who treated and acted upon his word as if it were supreme command did so because he “was a man who did what he said and lived an exemplary and transparent life.” (Kamat, 2007). Satyagraha literally means to cling to truth. “Truth can be obtained only by loving service of all, i.e. by non-violence. The values that Gandhi adhered to, lived by, and taught as a Satygrahi included; remaining disciplined in self-control, simplicity of life, recognition of the unity of all life, suffering without fear or hatred, and wholehearted and disinterested service of one’s neighbors. The vows that he elaborated for members of his Satyagraha Ashram at Sabermati are, of interest from this point of view. They were truth, non-violence, brachmachayrya (celibacy), fearlessness, control of the palate, non-possession, non-stealing, bread-labor, equality of religions, anti-untouchability (meaning that no one’s work was above any other, i.e. no untouchables), and swadeshi ( literally translated as self-sufficient; in this context meaning only to use home-spun cloth rather than purchase...
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...org/articles/ramanand.htm ARTICLES: ON & BY GANDHI The Gandhian philosophy of satyagraha is a natural outcome of the supreme concept of truth. If truth is the ultimate reality, then it is imperative to safeguard the criteria and foundations of truth. A votary of “God, which is the highest Truth and the highest Reality” must be utterly selfless and gentle. He should have an unconquerable determination to fight for the supremacy of spiritual and moral values. Thus alone can he vindicate his sense of ethical devotion? Satyagraha means the exercise of the purest soul-force against all injustice, oppression and exploitation. Suffering and trust are attributes of soul force. The active nonviolent resistance of the ‘heroic meek’ makes an immediate appeal to the heart. It wants not to endanger the opponent but to overwhelm him by the over flooding power of innocence. Satyagraha or stupendous effort at conversion can be applied against the Government, the social Czars and leaders of ‘orthodoxy’. Satyagraha is an inherent birthright of a person. It is not merely a sacred right but it can also be a sacred duty. If the Government does not represent the will of the people, and if it begins to support dishonesty and terrorism, then it should be disobeyed. But one who wants to vindicate his rights should be prepared to bear all kinds of suffering. Gandhi referred to the teaching of Thoreau in this connection. However, Gandhi stated that Thoreau was not a complete champion...
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...Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi also known as “Mahatma (Great soul) Gandhi” or “Bapu (Father of the nation)” was the leader of Freedom fight and Indian Nationalism on the British rule in India. Mahatma Gandhi was the primary leader of India's independence movement and also the architect of a form of civil disobedience that would influence the world. Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 in India. He was the youngest child for his parents Mohandas Gandhi and Putlibai Gandhi. He spent his childhood and his schooling in the city of Porbandar. Gandhi in his own biography describes his father as lover of his clan, truthful, brave and generous, but short-tempered, incorruptible and his mother being a very religious person. He also describes her as having very strong commonsense and highly intelligent. His father died before Gandhi could finish his schooling, and at thirteen he was married to Kasturbai, who was of the same age as Mohandas himself . She was illiterate. By nature she was simple, independent, persevering. They had 4 children together. At age 18, Gandhi left India, in order to study to become a barrister (lawyer) in London. His three-year stay in London he was a serious student and living a very simple lifestyle and stayed as a vegetarian. Gandhi successfully passed the bar on June 10, 1891 and sailed back to India. For the next two years, Gandhi attempted to practice law in India. Unfortunately, Gandhi found that he lacked both knowledge of Indian law and self-confidence at...
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...Mahatma Gandhi. He shaped his political theory in a time of slavery and prejudice. He came up with his theory of Non Violence and Satyagraha when the people most needed a theory or more like a concept to believe in to try and get rid of the British rule in India without any kind fo armed struggle and bloodshed. In 1930 when Gandhi led a big group of people protesting against the British to Dandi and made some salt himself, hereby breaking the Salt Law since the British had maintained monopoly on the production of salt. Since salt was such a fundamental ingredient in anyone’s food the British made sure they collected the revenue this way. Gandhi on the other hand something else on his mind. He was ready to launch the Civil Disobedience movement. It was one of the first organized movements at against the British. The only 2 things Gandhi requested the people to follow were to remain peaceful, follow Non-Violence and become a Satyagrahi. Satyagraha was Gandhi’s way proving to the people that the only way they were going to independent was if they were ready to insist on the fact that this is their land and nobody else can tell them what to do on it. The truth that the British were just guests in India and that they had stayed here longer than they should have. The only request from Gandhi was that no matter what happens the Satyagrahis will not involve Violence in the process ever. Gandhi brought the country together on the principles of Ahimsa (Non-Violence) and Satyagraha; he...
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...political changes. b. Thesis statement: History shows how leaders impact the outcomes and development of cultures and society due to social and political changes and influences. c. Preview of Main Points: i. World leader Gandhi led to Satyagraha and the equal rights for all. ii. Martin Luther King Jr. contributed to the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act. II. Gandhi’s contribution to social changes. a. One of the worlds most pronounced leaders of the twentieth century. b. Concept of Satyagraha, truth and firmness (Mohandas Gandhi). c. Indian Independence from Britain in 1947. III. Martin Luther King Jr.’s contribution to the social changes made in the United States. a. King traveled the Country and the world to lecture other leaders, activists, and protestors on the importance, how to, and benefits on non-violent protesting. b. Civil Rights Act prohibiting racial discrimination (History.com) c. Voting Rights Act guaranteeing the right to vote to all African Americans (History.com). IV. Conclusion a. Restatement of thesis: History shows how leaders impact the outcomes and development of cultures and society due to social and political changes and influences. b. Summary of main points: i. Gandhi led to the concept of Satyagraha and the equal rights for all due to his contribution towards India’s...
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...people rising up against their colonial power and acquiring political independence. Frantz Fanon and Mahatma Gandhi were each thinkers who have influenced national freedom movements (decolonization) with their views on the ethics of violence and non-violence. As a psychiatrist, philosopher and ambassador in the Caribbean, Fanon became concerned with the cultural consequences of decolonization. In many ways Fanon’s thoughts followed a Marxist mentality in contrast, however; Fanon argued that struggle does not occur between...
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...Gandhi, one of the most influential individuals of all time, he used civil disobedience as a tool for social reform. Much of the struggles and suffering that Gandhi purposely produced at his own desire, were to initiate a social change to create harmony, to achieve equality and to deter discrimination. He would recommend and actively demonstrate civil disobedience as a moral method to achieve these goals, and would welcome and embrace suffering in the process. Gandhi exhibited a vow of fearlessness. He strived to eliminate discrimination and inequity in South Africa and India and welcomed personal suffering to do so. According to Gandhi civil disobedience would not be effective without the moral power of, and commitment to, Satyagraha. In my essay I will be discussing the beliefs and principles that Gandhi lived by. Gandhi, was also known as Mahatma Gandhi, was born in Porbandar, in the modern state of Gujarat, on October 2, 1869, into a Hindu family. His parents belonged to the Vaisya caste of Hindu's. Gandhi was a shy and serious boy and grew up in an atmosphere of religious tolerance and acceptance of teachings of various Hindu sects. Gandhi was married at 13 years old, he married a girl named Kasturibhai. The wedding was arranged according to custom by his parents. The Gandhi's had four children. At the age of 19, Gandhi traveled to England to study law. During that time he began to develop his philosophy of life. He also studied the great Indian religious classic the...
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...Gandhi – oder die große Seele Indiens Einleitung: ->Folie ; - Entscheidendes Erlebnis -> Überlegung tue ich was gegen Diskriminierung oder nicht? Fakten: -wurde am 2. Oktober 1869 in Probandar im indischen Staat Gujarat geboren (-> Blatt) - Richtiger / Eigentlicher Name : Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi - Wohlhabende Eltern -> Kaufleute -> fromme Hindus - 13 Jahre: Heirat mit Kasturbai Nakanji -19 Jahre : Jura Studium in London, +Studium der einzelnen Religion, insbesondere der Bergpredigt aber Ausschluss aus der Kaste (Art System das in Indien herrscht; bestimmt z.B. wenn man heiratet, Rassenzugehörigkeit, Religion usw.) - Nach 3 Jahren: Rückkehr nach Indien, nimmt erste Diskriminierungen wahr (in London mehr wie Brite behandelt, jetzt Inder) - Kein Job; Jobangebot in Südafrika (ohne Familie) -> Bezug auf Text Südafrika: erste Diskriminierungen, von Weißen gegen Inder Südafrika: - Für Weiße alle Inder (Farbige) Samies oder Kullies -> nicht ebenbürtig - Beispiele Diskriminierung: Kein Friseur, Kein Turban im Gerichtssaal, 21:00 kein Verlassen des Hauses.. - Einsetzen in Indischen Gemeinde (Versuch äußeres Erscheinungsbild der Inder zu verändern…) - > Rückkehr nach Indien: Schriften über Lage Südafrika ( Dreipfundsteuer -> nur Arbeitsvertrag wenn Aufenthaltsgenehmigung, keine Rechte, kündigen nur mit 3 Pfund;) - U.a. Bekannt geworden dadurch -> Rückreise Südafrika mit Familie: ...
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...FALSAFAH POLITIK GANDHI Ghandi mempunyai falsafah politik yang agak unik berbanding tokoh-tokoh falsafah terkemuka yang lain. Secara umumnya, falsafah politik beliau banyak berkisar kepada konsep Satyagraha yang digunakan untuk menentang penjajah British. Perjuangannya memberi keutamaan kepada bantahan awam ( civil disobedience), tindakan langsung (direct action), bantahan tanpa keganasan (non-violent resistance) dan bantahan secara pasif ( passive resistance). Bantahan awam bermaksud sebarang tindakan rakyat yang sengaja melanggar sesuatu undang-undang negara untuk memprotes kerasionalan undang-undang tersebut tanpa melibatkan sebarang bentuk keganasan dan pertumpahan darah. Pelaksanaan bantahan awam ini memerlukan pengorbanan dan keberanian yang tinggi untuk merelakan diri ditangkap atau dihukum sebagai akibat melanggar undang-undang negara. Konsep tindakan langsung pula merujuk kepada sebarang tindakan untuk mencapai objektif politik yang dilakukan di luar perlembagaan dan tanpa mengira undang-undang (Saliha Hassan 1999). Tindakan secara langsung ini telah dilaksanakan oleh pejuang-pejuang kemerdekaan India untuk membebaskan tanah air mereka daripada penjajahan British. Namun demikian, Ghandi mengambil pendekatan tindakan langsung untuk dilaksanakan secara aman sebagai satu bentuk bantahan awam. Bantahan secara pasif ialah tindakan awam yang lebih luas melibatkan setiap individu dan tidak hanya bergerak secara berkumpulan. Setiap individu dapat memainkan peranan...
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...period, but unlike Hitler, Lenin, and Zedong, his goal was the spreading of democracy using nonviolent tactics throughout his nation as well as across the world; this leader was Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi was a rebel, who successfully gained a large following and much support without formulating any violent war plans, or issuing violent attacks on the opposition. According to many of his writings, nonviolence and morality are the keys to achieving unity. Various peoples, such as Muslims and Jews, have encountered various situations throughout history where Gandhi felt as if using tactics other than war would be considerably effective and beneficial to the overall goal of unity and liberty as long as a strong following aided in the process. Mahatma Gandhi: Selected Political Writing focuses on the different values that Gandhi practiced, as well as preached. Much of these values were critical during a time period when many nations were experiencing turmoil, and many people were not sure how and who to trust. The writings cast Gandhi as more than a spiritual leader, but also a political leader. Through his writings, it is evident that Gandhi had a negative view in regards to the way in which communism was being spread. This communism focused on economic inequality among the varying classes, and Gandhi sought to have this eliminated. Gandhi’s teachings were very important to his period and generation, due to the...
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...Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, more commonly known as ‘Mahatma’ (meaning ‘Great Soul’) was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, in North West India, on 2nd October 1869, into a Hindu Modh family. His father was the Chief Minister of Porbandar, and his mother’s religious devotion meant that his upbringing was infused with the Jain pacifist teachings of mutual tolerance, non-injury to living beings and vegetarianism. He began his activism as an Indian immigrant in South Africa in the early 1900s, and in the years following World War I became the leading figure in India’s struggle to gain independence from Great Britain. Known for his ascetic lifestyle–he often dressed only in a loincloth and shawl–and devout Hindu faith, Gandhi was imprisoned several times during his pursuit of non-cooperation, and undertook a number of hunger strikes to protest the oppression of India’s poorest classes, among other injustices. In 1883, all of 13 and still in high school, Gandhi was married to Kasturbai as per the prevailing Hindu customs. For a person of such extraordinary visionary zeal and resilience, Mahatma Gandhi was by and large an average student in school and was of a shy disposition. After completing his college education, at his family's insistence Gandhi left for England on September 4, 1888 to study law at University College, London. During his tenure in London, Mohandas Gandhi strictly observed abstinence from meat and alcohol as per his mother's wishes. 2) Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi The evolution...
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...Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s philosophy and teaching were based on a theory called Satyagraha. Satyagraha (soul-force) is a way of living one’s life through combining truth, love, and resistance to any physical violence. Gandhi personally embodied this satyagraha way of life and spent most of his life dedicated to bringing his home land, India to the same. However, his political views and satyagraha teachings brought about much turmoil during this time in India. During the early 1900’s, India longed for religious and political freedom from the British Empire. With strong influences from western societies, western political views, and a predominately secular society, could the practice of daily living a satyaghra survive and be successful today? Satyagraha “soul-force” or “love-force” has a beautiful concept to daily living such as reframing from violence, harboring no anger, and to be truthful. Together with the force of truth and love of nonviolence, the phase “passive resistance” became coined with Gandhi’s satyagraha living. Convincing the Indian government and people of India to live satyagraha religiously was pain-staking for Gandhi and he continued this quest until his assignation by a religious fanatic at the age of 79. Gandhi stated, “nonviolence in its dynamic condition means conscious suffering. It does mean meek submission to the will of the evil-doer, but it means the pitting of one’s whole soul against the will the tyrant.” (455) I believe the people...
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