Gandhian Ideology, Principals, Thoughts and Philosophy

Gandhian Ideology: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the greatest leader also called the ‘Father of the Nation’ for leading the freedom movement for India’s independence from the British in 1947.

A remarkable leader of the Independence movement for our nation was a famous Indian thinker, writer, activist, lawyer, political ethicist, and philosopher who led the campaign reflecting his simplicity and principles of non-violence.

Gandhian Ideology Overview

• Gandhi’s teachings about non-violent resistance and self-discipline have given valuable guidance for generations creating justice and peace in the world.
• His chosen path of non-violence inspired many civil rights movements across the world leading to independence.
• He was a nationalist who chose non-violence as a weapon to attain independence of the country against the British rule setting an example for the world to drop the weapons and choose the non-violent/peaceful way.
• The anti-colonial activist led a non-violent mass movement advocating many peaceful protests and demonstrations during the freedom struggle.
• He made people fearless and taught them to be vocal against injustice. He is remembered for his struggle for freedom and his great movements in getting Independence with his non-violent ways.
• He made people fearless and taught them to be vocal against injustice. He is remembered for his struggle for freedom and his great movements in getting Independence with his non-violent ways.

What is Gandhian Ideology and Philosophy?

Mahatma Gandhi adopted a few principles, and religious and social ideas as his philosophy. His philosophy was multi-faceted and layered in different aspects of life namely, spiritual or religious, moral, political, economic, social, individual, and collective. He believed in practical idealism.

Gandhi Ji adopted a set of religious and social ideas during his phase in South Africa (1893-1914) also called Gandhian Ideology/Gandhism. The Gandhian ideology was later used in India and in fact was deeply rooted and based in Indian culture embracing universal values, morals, and religious principles.

His policies were based on political, moral, and religious aspects. His philosophies were individual and collective, traditional and simple, modern and complex at the same time.

Gandhiji was deeply influenced by the teachings of Mahatma Budha, Gopal Krishan Gokhle, Tolstoy, and also epics like Bhagwad Geeta. He loved reading books and ‘The Kingdom of God is Within You’ had a deep impact on his beliefs.

His ideologies of justice, truth, peace, ahimsa, swadeshi, and swaraj helped India in the independence movement against British rule.

His policies of non-violence and truth worked as reforms to transform individuals and societies. Gandhi Ji used his ideologies as peaceful weapons that helped India to fight against colonial rule.

Basic Principles of Gandhism and Thoughts

The two most prominent of Gandhian thoughts are Non-violence and truth. He suggested truth translated into words and deeds. He strongly believed that the ultimate truth was God and morality. For him, values, morals, non-violence, and justice mattered the most.

His strongest and most powerful non-violent ideology was the movements led by Satyagraha. The peaceful protests were strong message givers to fight against injustices and discrimination. He chose Satyagraha as a weapon to fight for rights and put across the message through self-suffering instead of violence. He used this technique of peaceful protests in South Africa against racism and discriminatory treatment of low castes and women. He preached self-suffering and communal harmony.

Mahatma Gandhi organized satyagraha movements amongst cotton mill workers and peasants in different parts of the nation. Gandhiji also performed a satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act that the British had passed as the act affected fundamental rights.

Gandhi Ji considered a reading from Gita as the golden rule that said ‘All acts that are incapable of being performed without attachment are taboo.’ He was a flagbearer of truth, satyagraha, and peace throughout India’s struggle for independence.

He made people fearless and taught them to be vocal against injustice. He is remembered for his struggle for freedom and his great movements in getting Independence with his non-violent ways.

Mahatma Gandhi coined the term Sarvodaya which means ‘Universal Uplift’ or ‘Progress of All’. Gandhi Ji also harnessed the concept of swaraj of people which meant the sum total of the self-rule, self-restraint of individuals, and freedom for the meanest of his countrymen attained with moksha or salvation.

Mahatma Gandhi was a firm believer in God and humanity. He considered all people equal and that they are capable of moral and social development.

The ultimate agenda of Gandhism was the betterment of society and to change it for good. The true and loyal followers who followed Gandhi Ji’s path purely called themselves “Gandhians”.

Gandhi ji expressed spiritual development by using the term Trusteeship. A socio-economic philosophy that was propounded by Gandhi Ji where the wealthy people would be the trustees who looked after the welfare of the people.

Another ideology, swadeshi derived from Sanskrit which means country (one’s own country). Swadeshi is living politically and economically within and from one’s own community. Gandhi ji believed this which led to Swaraj from British rule. Swadeshi was represented by the charkha or the spinning wheel which was deeply associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophies.

Present Relevancy of Gandhian Ideologies

Gandhi Ji’s teachings and learnings have left an impression on generations. He has always been looked up as a prominent leader who fought for India’s independence. His values and approach of non-violence promoted love, truth, and simplicity.

However, times and generations have changed and evolved. Even today, while some people follow the path of spirituality and peace, hatred and crime co-exist in the same environment. The 21^st century has witnessed the fading of Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and ahimsa.

To survive in a complex society like today, it is imperative to follow the principles of non-violence and resistance instead of hatred, jealousy, and distrust. In the absence of his learnings, the country will face only poverty, violence, and war.

Youth and all the citizens of the nation in honor of Mahatma Gandhi must preach his teachings and prominent ideologies mainly, non-violence and truth.

There are examples where Gandhi Ji’s principles and teachings are witnessed. ‘Make in India’ is one such illustration of Gandhi’s ideals showing self-sufficiency. He believed in inclusive growth for rural India.

Gandhi ji alarmed the nation of unrestricted industrialism, mass production, and exploitation of nature would hamper and impact environmental damage and non-sustainable development.

Globally also his principles can be of utility for peaceful coexistence among other nations and to develop better international relations.

However, with difficult times and situations, Gandhi’s philosophies seem like a challenge but if followed hold huge relevance. The teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, if used optimally hold huge relevance even in today’s world.

The prominent philosophy of Gandhi Ji is relevant to all humankind at all times and is considered universal by the Gandhians. In today’s world, facing crises of violence and inequality, Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings are more essential than ever before. His emphasis on non-violence, truth, and simplicity offers timeless solutions to modern challenges.

Famous Quotes by Gandhi Ji

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”

“A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes.”

“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.”

Gandhian Talisman

Gandhian Talisman is a test suggested by Mahatma Gandhi in which he asks the people that “Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much, recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man/woman whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him/her. Will it lead to swaraj for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then your self will melt away.”

We have also published the following articles, Do read them too.

• Biography of Mahatma Gandhi
• Swadeshi Movement History, Leaders, and Timeline
• Quit India Movement (8 August 1942), Impact, Causes & Outcomes
• When, Where, And Why Did The Khalistan Movement Start?
• Dandi March | National Salt Satyagraha
• Freedom Fighters of India List 1857-1947, Names and Contribution
• Scope of Freedom of Speech and Expression
• Champaran Satyagraha
• Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti Celebration 

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