Gandhi

Global Research Methodology Journal, V0l-II, 7th issue, Nov-Dec-Jan, 2012-13

www.grmgrlaranya.com

ISSN 2249- 300X

Gandhi’s Role in Indian Freedom Struggle: A Critical Understanding

Pankaj Borah Asst. Professor,Deptt. of Political Science Arya Vidyapeeth College, Ghy-16 Email-pborah6@gmail.co Ph. 9706970256

Abstract: Gandhi had an unflinching and unshakable faith in the theory of non-violence. He played a pivotal role in the India’s struggle for freedom which was the world’s largest democratic movement. Indian nationalism achieved its highest peak under Gandhi’s leadership. No doubt it was he, who organized the movement on mass basis and tried his best to unite both Hindus and Muslims, uplift the economic and social status of the untouchables. Gandhi evolved and developed a powerful non-violent method, giving it the name Satyagraha. Though in contemporary period there are various criticisms on him but we must observe him from that particular period of freedom struggle. Introduction: The Indian Freedom Struggle was one of the largest democratic movements against imperialism and colonialism. The Indian Freedom Struggle provides the best examples of nationalism and patriotism which may be adopted and pursued in order to root out the undemocratic institutions of colonialism. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as ‘Mahatma Gandhi’ or Bapu was a moral reformist. It is widely accepted that Gandhi was the back bone of the non-violent struggle for freedom of India. Gandhi was influenced by the political ideas of Gopal Krishna and considered him as his “Political Guru”. Gandhi learnt his faith in non-violence from Jainism. The Bible gave him the sermon not to hurt anybody’s heart. It also taught him to love and to do well to the others. Gita taught him to render selfless service. From David Thoreau, he borrowed the idea of civil disobedience and from Leo Tolstoy the idea of solving problems with love.

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