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To understand this, one may look at his simple lifestyle as well as his public actions, especially during India's National Liberation Movement between 1917 and 1942. For Gandhi, non-violence was a duty to be embodied in all activities, no matter how long it took to achieve the goal. His doctrine of non-violent resistance was his main weapon in pressing for political reforms. Beyond mere preaching, he practiced his philosophy in both his personal and public life with utmost courage and love. His courage, humility and non-discriminatory approach were the basis of his movement, while his pursuit of truth became a model for political action.
His value of love complimented his philosophy of non-violence. This innate quality is an ornament of the brave, in which everything is good, positive and beneficial provided it is not momentary. Gandhi perceived the ultimate truth in love. "To see the universal and pervading spirit of truth face to face one must be able to love the meanest of creation as oneself," he said.
Applying this principle meant Gandhi was prepared to suck the poison from the body of an Englishman who was bitten by a snake. Gandhi did not hate the British. Rather, he opposed their exploitative rule. He was free from fear. His fearlessness too was extraordinary and of a very high order. When he heard that a British indigo planter wanted to kill him, he went to the residence of the planter and offered to be killed. As it turned out, the Englishman had no heart to kill this great and brave soul.
Similarly, in March 1930, when Gandhi and a few colleagues were on their way to Dandi, a coastal village in the Indian state of Gujarat, to protest the provisions in the Salt Law imposed by the British government and launch the historical Civil Disobedience Movement, a man who opposed his views threatened to kill him. When news of the alleged plot reached Gandhi, he found the name and address of the would-be assassin and went to meet him. Upon reaching his house, Gandhi told him, "Brother! I am Gandhi; you want my life. Take it soon, none will know." So powerful was his resolve that the man could not face him. He later became his follower. This is the way of fearlessness and love.
The Gandhian approach requires both courage and freedom from ill will. Before launching a political action, Gandhi was always ready to negotiate and discuss. He resolved many matters, big and small, at local and national levels through discussion, negotiation, dialogue, reconciliation, arbitration and adjudication. One example was the exploitation of textile workers in the city of Ahmedabad by mill owners. He applied the same methods and models in pushing for the country's independence. He inspired confidence and faith through his words; he was always dependable. Even in today's changed circumstances, these practices are worth emulating.
Many countries today face various kinds of internal and external crises. Due to unprecedented changes in the social, political, economic and cultural spheres, various groups create problems and social disorder such as those in the states of Punjab, Assam and Gujarat. In such times when violent acts render the state machinery helpless, can the Gandhian philosophy offer a solution?
Yes, it is possible. However, it is necessary to consider its application in the current situation. Those in authority, dealing with serious issues, must have the humility to understand and accommodate the opposite point of view. They should love those who cry for justice and rights, including those who clamor for separation. This can create room for discussion, negotiation and settlement. Non-violence and the pursuit of truth presuppose humility and readiness to understand even the most unpleasant stand of the opponent. This is applicable to those in power if they wish to deal with the problem in a non-violent manner.
For those fighting for justice and clamoring for separation in many countries, the non-violent pursuit of truth also means determined non-cooperation without ill will, dogged determination to fight for rights and readiness to compromise if demands are substantially met. Separation anywhere in the world is not a permanent solution to a problem.
It is a fact that the non-violent approach in seeking justice sometimes takes a long time to come to fruition. Nevertheless, it causes less damage to people and property and does not leave traces of hatred and ill will. Ultimately, this course is the pursuit of truth, and truth always prevails.
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(Dr. Ravindra Kumar is a renowned Gandhian scholar, India expert and writer. He is the former vice chancellor of CCS University in Meerut, India. He holds a doctorate in political science. ©Copyright Ravindra Kumar.)
