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You
might have been asked to follow the teachings of Gandhi but do you know
what these were? Here is our list of the 10 KEY IDEAS OF GANDHIAN
THOUGHT
Ahimsa or non-violence. This is the principle Gandhi is
remembered most for. Gandhi felt that ahimsa could not be
practiced by cowards for it required a brave spirit to be non-violent
even under the threat of violence. Gandhi believed that all
Satyagraha should be practiced through nonviolent means.
Satyagraha or the fight for truth or what you believe is
right.
Sarvodaya or the the birth of a new society based on ethical
values where nonviolence and truth would be the supreme laws and
everyone would follow their Dharma (right conduct). Producers
would not think of profit but of service and property would not be owned
but held as a trust by the landlords. Everyone would get an opportunity
for self-development in this society.
Swadeshi Gandhi believed in promoting the spirit of
swadeshi (meaning of ones' own country). But he did not want to
restrict all things foreign. He felt that "any article is Swadeshi
if it is in the interest of the millions, even though the capital and
talent are foreign but under effective Indian control."
Charkha and Khadi Gandhiji wanted the Charkha
(spinning wheel) to be the basis of the ideal village life. He wanted
people to spin Khadi instead of stay idle as many of them were
due to poverty and lack of opportunities. The use of Khadi also
represented the move towards the use of Swadeshi 'of ones' own
country' which Gandhi encouraged.
Upliftment of harijans Gandhi was dead against 'untouchability'
which was widely practiced against members of the lower castes in his
times. He felt that untouchability divides a society and stops it's
growth. He gave the name harijan or 'God's own children' to the
Scheduled Castes and Tribes and worked to stop the widespread
discrimination against them.
Upliftment of women Gandhi felt that women were co-equal of men
and should be respected as such. He campaigned for women's education,
widow remarriage etc.
Education Gandhi felt that basic education should be
compulsory and available for all but it should be rooted more in
practical affairs than theory. Students should be taught crafts and
given knowledge which would help them later in life.
Communal harmony Gandhi believe that there were many faiths but
only one God. He believed in the brotherhood of man and hated communal
disharmony as he thought it was a form of violence.
Village republics Gandhi's ideal state was made of small village
republics. These republics were to be self sufficient and free to decide
about their own affairs through an elected council called the
Panchayat. |
