Examine the ethical and social ideas of Gandhi.
( UPPSC, UP PCS Mains General Studies-4 2019, 8 Marks)
Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi was a great philosopher, political leader, spiritual leader, and social reformer who led the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule. He gave many practical ethical and social ideas to the world which he had practiced throughout his life.
The following are the ethical and social ideas of Gandhi.- Nonviolence (Ahimsa)
- Truthfulness or truth force ( Satyagraha)
- Means and ends
- The welfare of all (Sarvodaya)
- Self-Rule ( Swaraj)
- Ashram Life
Non-violence (Ahimsa):
Gandhi believed in the principle of non-violence, which meant avoiding violence in thought, word, and action.
As per Gandhi, the physical notion of good is Non-violence and it is also good means. It is the weapon of a strong person, not of a weak person. Non-violence is the strongest weapon ( means) against the powerful government.
Truthfulness or truth force ( Satyagraha):
The spiritual notion of good is truthfulness. Truth is the first and highest value among moral values. All moral principles are governed by Truth. Truthfulness is not only needed in speech but also in thought and actions.
The spiritual notion of good is truthfulness. Truth is the first and highest value among moral values. All moral principles are governed by Truth. Truthfulness is not only needed in speech but also in thought and actions.
Gandhi believed that people who followed the path of truth would ultimately triumph over their oppressors.
Satyagraha means holding the truth firmly. Truth is the ultimate reality. The appeal should be from the heart. Satyagraha should not be used for personal benefits, it should be used for social benefit.
Means and ends:
The purity of mean and ends both are important and needed for sustainability. For example,
If independence is the end then the struggle would be the means, to achieve independence (the end result) means (struggle in the form of non-violence ) should also be pure for the long-run sustainability of freedom.
The purity of mean and ends both are important and needed for sustainability. For example,
If independence is the end then the struggle would be the means, to achieve independence (the end result) means (struggle in the form of non-violence ) should also be pure for the long-run sustainability of freedom.
Even if we get freedom from violence, it will be immoral and will give a wrong influence on society which will not be good for society.
The welfare of all (Sarvodaya):
Gandhi believed in the principle of all. Everyone should get basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare, regardless of their social status or background. Everyone should work to promote the rights of the weaker sections of society and reduce inequality in society.
Self-Rule ( Swaraj):
Gandhi believed in the self-rule principle of governance. He believed people should take responsibility for their own governance and become self-reliant. Gandhi's vision of self-rule was based on decentralized governance and a strong sense of community.
Ashram life;
Gandhi believed in living a simple life that involved living in a community and working together for the common good.
In conclusion, we can say, Gandhi's ethical and social ideas were based on non-violence, truthfulness, means-ends, the welfare of all, self-rule, and Ashram life. His ideas continue to inspire people all over the world, and his ideas have important roles in India's cultural and political history.
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