Question

what is the idea behind Gandhi's ideal of satyagraha

Answer 1

This is the doctrine of satyagraha in a nutshell." For Gandhi, satyagraha went far beyond mere "passive resistance" and became strength in practising non-violent methods. In his words: Truth (satya) implies love, and firmness (agraha) engenders and therefore serves as a synonym for force.

Gandhi’s Concept of Satyagraha is an exceptional and novel way to resist evil. This is the heart and soul of the entire Gandhian theory and philosophy, and his exclu­sive contribution to the modern Indian political thought. Through this mechanism, Gandhi aimed at resisting any kind of unjust, impure or untruthful acts.

This concept also aims at furtherance of love and self-purification. Satyagraha can be regarded as a vindication of truth by taking self-suffering in the form of love. It is the weapon of the bravest and the strongest. It is an antidote for coercion. It was believed that Satyagraha enables elevation of spiritual and moral qualities of an individual.

Answer 2

After arriving in India in 1915, Gandhiji successfully organised Satyagraha (which he had applied in South Africa), in various parts of India.

The idea of Satyagraha consists of

(i) The idea of Satyagraha emphasised the power of truth and the need to search for truth.

(ii) This idea suggested that if the cause was true, if the struggle was against injustice, then physical force was not necessary to fight the oppressor. Without being aggressive, the Satyagrahi could win the battle.

(iii) This could be achieved by appealing to the conscience of the oppressor.

(iv) By this struggle, truth was bound to triumph ultimately. Gandhiji believed that this dharma of non-violence could unite all Indians.

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