Question

The principle of ‘Satyagraha’ was used at multiple occasions during the Indian National Movement. What is satyagraha and its basic tenets? Do we see the use of this principle in the 21st century also?

Answer 1

Approach:

• Explain in brief ‘what is satyagraha’ and highlight its basic tenets.
• Try to link it with modern times giving examples.
• Conclude by highlighting how successful the technique of satyagraha was.

Gandhi evolved the principle of Satyagraha during his stay in South Africa. It was characterised by the use of the method of passive resistance or civil disobedience. In India, it was first used in Champaran Satyagraha in 1917 by Gandhi ji. Its basic tenets were as follows:

• A satyagrahi was not to submit to what he considered as wrong, but was to always remain truthful, non-violent and fearless.
• A satyagrahi works on the principles of withdrawal of cooperation and boycott.
• Methods of satyagraha include non-payment of taxes, and declining honours and positions of authority.
• A satyagrahi should be ready to accept suffering in his struggle against the wrong-doer. This suffering was to be a part of his love for truth.
• Even while carrying out his struggle against the wrong-doer, a true satyagrahi would have no ill feeling for the wrong-doer; hatred would be alien to his nature.
• A true satyagrahi would never bow before the evil, whatever the consequence.
• Only the brave and strong could practice satyagraha; it was not for the weak and cowardly. Even violence was preferred to cowardice. Thought was never to be separated from practice. In other words, ends could not justify the means.

Satyagraha in 21st century
Gandhi’s satyagraha was based on truth and non-violence. These two values hold equal importance even in 21st century India. Our constitution promotes this principle through Article 19 which allows us to protest for the right thing but without any violence. We have seen many times that whenever India faced some problems the principle came to our rescue be it emergency of 1975 or the most recent Jan Lokpal Movement.

During 1917 and 1918, Gandhi was involved in three struggles—in Champaran, Ahmedabad and Kheda. With the success of these struggles he demonstrated to the people the efficacy of his technique of satyagraha. Since then this principle has became a source of inspiration for people. And with the development of communication technology, this principle is much more relevant in today’s world than it was earlier as the state has become more powerful today than it was earlier.