Gandhi’s Satyagraha

TANMOY MUKHERJEE INSTITUTE OF JURIDICAL SCIENCE

Dr. Tanmoy Mukherjee

Advocate

Gandhi’s Satyagraha

 

Tanmoy Mukherjee

Advocate

Satyagraha is a philosophy and method of non-violent resistance developed and practiced by Mahatma Gandhi. The term is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Satya” (truth) and “Agraha” (firm insistence).

 

Meaning and Concept of Satyagraha-

Satyagraha is not passive resistance but an active moral force based on truth and non-violence. It seeks to change the opponent’s heart through self-suffering rather than coercion or violence. Gandhi believed that injustice can be resisted effectively without hatred or physical force.

 

Philosophical Foundations of Satyagraha-

Truth (Satya)-

Truth is the core principle of Satyagraha. Gandhi considered truth as God and believed that adherence to truth ultimately leads to justice and moral victory.

Non-Violence (Ahimsa)-

Ahimsa means absence of physical and mental violence. A Satyagrahi must not harm the opponent in thought, word, or deed.

Self-Suffering-

Instead of inflicting suffering on others, a Satyagrahi willingly accepts suffering to awaken the conscience of the wrongdoer.

Moral Force-

Satyagraha relies on moral power rather than physical force. It aims at persuasion, not compulsion.

 

Essential Principles of Satyagraha-

Love and Respect for the Opponent-

The opponent is not treated as an enemy but as a partner in the search for truth.

Fearlessness-

A Satyagrahi must be free from fear of imprisonment, injury, or death.

Discipline and Self-Control-

Strict self-discipline, patience, and faith are essential qualities of a Satyagrahi.

Voluntary Obedience to Law-

A Satyagrahi disobeys unjust laws openly and willingly accepts punishment.

 

Forms of Satyagraha

Civil Disobedience-

Open and peaceful violation of unjust laws, such as the Salt Law during the Salt Satyagraha.

Non-Cooperation-

Refusal to cooperate with unjust authority, including boycott of institutions and foreign goods.

Fasting-

Used as a means of moral appeal and self-purification.

Hartal and Strike-

Peaceful suspension of work to express protest provided it remains non-violent.

 

Major Satyagraha Movements in India

 Champaran Satyagraha (1917)-

Fought against exploitation of indigo farmers in Bihar. It was Gandhi’s first successful experiment of Satyagraha in India.

Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918)-

Conducted to secure fair wages for textile workers through non-violent protest and fasting.

Kheda Satyagraha (1918)-

Led peasants to demand remission of land revenue due to crop failure.

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22)-

A nationwide movement against British rule based on Satyagraha principles.

Salt Satyagraha / Dandi March (1930)-

Mass civil disobedience against the British monopoly on salt, symbolizing resistance to colonial oppression.

Quit India Movement (1942)-

A final mass struggle demanding an end to British rule, inspired by Satyagraha though marked by intense repression.

 

Difference between Satyagraha and Passive Resistance-

 

→Satyagraha is based on moral strength and love, whereas passive resistance may arise from weakness or expediency. Satyagraha demands courage, discipline, and moral conviction.

 

Relevance and Impact of Satyagraha-

Satyagraha played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle and influenced global leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. It remains relevant for resolving social, political, and legal conflicts through peaceful means.

 

Criticism of Satyagraha-

Critics argue that Satyagraha may not work against ruthless regimes and requires high moral standards. Some consider it impractical in situations demanding immediate action.

 

Conclusion-

Gandhi’s Satyagraha is a powerful doctrine of non-violent resistance rooted in truth and moral courage. It transformed political struggle into a moral movement and remains a guiding principle for peaceful change and justice in the modern world.