Today, we can easily relate to the words said by Mahatma Gandhi, which is “The future depends on what we do in the present”. Mohandas Karam Chand Gandhi, who is better known as Mahatma Gandhi, is considered one of the most inspiring and influential personalities across the world, and is famous for the struggle for Indian independence. He has been seen to lead a number of movements, including the Non-Cooperation movement, Civil Disobedience movement, Quit India movement and many others as a part of the freedom struggle of India. Let’s explore five of the major decisions or activities which have a significant impact on India.
Five major initiatives of Mahatma Gandhi-
Non-Cooperation Movement
The Non-Cooperation movement has been recognised as one of the key breakthroughs in the history of modern India, as it was the first mass movement in the struggle for India’s freedom. With the intention of achieving Indian independence from British regulation, Mahatma Gandhi introduced the movement in 1920. The main philosophies which were followed in the particular movement were civil resistance and non-violence. The incident of Jallianwala Bagh carnage, the outrage of Indian people regarding the Rowlatt Act of the British government, grievances against the unfair trade policies and high taxes and a strong desire to get independent from British rule were the major causes driving the Non-Cooperation movement.
Apart from Gandhiji, Rajendra Prasad, M.N. Roy, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Debi Basanti, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Lala Lajpat Rai were some of the important leaders associated with the Non-Cooperation Movement. In order to achieve success in the movement, several meetings and rallies have been seen to be conducted by Mahatma Gandhi and Ali brothers across India while thousands of students were found to be leaving their government schools and colleges across the country. In relation to the principles of this movement with contemporary Indian society, today’s Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign introduced by Narendra Modi can be aligned.
Civil Disobedience movement
The purpose of the Civil Disobedience movement was to not obey the rules and regulations issued by the British government in India to express their grievances against those rules. The respective movement was started in March 1930 under the leadership of M.K. Gandhi with the historic Dandi March which is also referred to as Salt Satyagraha.
Some of the key factors which influenced the initiation of the civil disobedience movement include the high salt tax imposed by the British government, the presence of all British members in the Simon Commission, harsh regulatory measures implemented by the British government like the Rowlatt Act and demand for Purna Swaraj. The movement led to an extensive boycott of British goods and services, including institutions, resulting in an increase in demand for Swadeshi goods. The success of the movement generates demands for economic reforms and promotes nationalism and equal distribution of resources.
Abolition of untouchability
Among the multiple decisions taken by Gandhiji, criticising untouchability is one of his smart moves. As per him, dividing the people according to their varna or colour is the greatest scar on Hinduism. In this regard, he established a non-profit organisation named Harijan Sevak Sangh on 30th September 1932 in Pune.
The primary objective of this organization was supporting the vulnerable sections such as Dalits, children and women through various social initiatives and ensuring the entire removal of the social issue of untouchability. In 1933 and 1934, Gandhiji visited the entire country for around 20000 Km to increase awareness among the people on Dalit upliftment and collect funds for the Harijan Sevak Sangh. This promoted the concept of equality in society, which is also emphasized by modern organizations through the involvement in corporate social responsibilities (CSR).
Quit India Movement
Quit India Movement, which is also known as the Bharat Chhado Andolon or August movement, started on 8th August 1942 under the leadership of Gandhiji, is recognised as the most significant part of the freedom struggle of India. The movement, which was set in the context of World War II, was initially treated as a nonviolent movement but later involved violence because of the efforts of the British government the prevention the protest by putting the Congress leaders in jail.
The main objective of this movement was the immediate termination of British regulation over India and the formation of a provisional Indian government after British rule came to an end. “Do or Die” was the main principle behind the movement which threatened the British government to confront serious consequences if they did not leave India immediately. Though the movement was found to be a failed attempt to achieve its primary objective of getting immediate independence, it was successfully able to spread nationalistic sentiments among ordinary Indians.
Swasth Bharat
The role and influence of Gandhiji in reshaping the new India is undeniable. According to Gandhiji, “Prevention is better than cure.” The decision of Gandhiji to walk 18 km per day is reflected in the fitness trends and goals among today’s youth generation. During his involvement in various campaigns, he was found to be walking about 79000 km. The Ayushmaan Bharat Yojana of the Indian government reflects the beliefs and efforts of Gandhiji to remain healthy and fit to make a Swasth Bharat. Through this scheme, the government has made a commitment to carry out the hospitalisation cost of around 50 crore people in India which helps in the development of a healthy India.
Gandhian Movement in Brief-
1893 – Gandhiji went to South Africa. He founded Tolstoy Firm and Phoenix Firm.
1914 – The British government gave him the title Kaiser-I-Hind after the Boer War.
1915- Gandhi returned from South Africa on 9th January at the request of Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
1916- Foundation of Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. The real name of this Ashram is Satyagraha Ashram.
1917- Started first Satyagraha movement which is called Champaran Satyagraha.
1918- Kheda Satyagraha in support of cotton farmers
1918- Initiated Ahmedabad mill strike
1919- First all India Satyagraha Movement of Mahatma Gandhi- Anti Rowlatt Act Satyagraha Movement. In this movement, he first used all India strike.
1919- Gave up the title Kaiser-I-Hind
1920- Non- Cooperation Movement
1922- TheNon-Cooperation Movement was stopped after the incident of Chauri Chaura violence
Date of violence- 5th February, 1922
Date of withdrawal of movement- 12th February, 1922
1922- Gandhiji was arrested for the first time for six years
1924- Gandhiji became the president of the Indian National Congress for the first and last time
1930- Civil Disobedience Movement
First phase- 1930-1931
Second phase- 1932-1934
1930- Dandi March
12th March, 1930- Start
5th April, 1930 – End
1931- Signed Gandhi-Irwin Pact
Participated Second Round Table Conference
1932-1934- Harijan Movement
1942- Quit India Movement
FAQ
1. What was the Non-Cooperation Movement, and how did it impact India’s independence struggle?
The Non-Cooperation movement was introduced in 1920 with the intention of achieving Indian independence from British regulation. It was the first mass movement in the struggle for India’s freedom.
2. What was the significance of the Civil Disobedience Movement?
The Civil Disobedience movement was started in March 1930 with the historic Dandi March, also referred to as Salt Satyagraha. The movement led to an extensive boycott of British goods and services and promoted nationalism and the demand for Purna Swaraj.
3. How did Mahatma Gandhi work to abolish untouchability in India?
Gandhiji criticised untouchability and established the Harijan Sevak Sangh on 30th September 1932 in Pune to support vulnerable sections like Dalits, children, and women.
4. What was the Quit India Movement, and why is it considered crucial in India’s fight for independence?
The Quit India Movement, also known as the Bharat Chhado Andolon, started on 8th August 1942 under Gandhi’s leadership. It spread nationalist sentiments across India and aimed at the immediate independence of India, with the principle of “Do or Die.”
5. How did Mahatma Gandhi’s health and wellness principles influence modern India?
According to Gandhiji, “Prevention is better than cure.” The Ayushman Bharat Yojana of the Indian government reflects Gandhiji’s efforts to promote health and fitness, providing hospitalization costs for around 50 crore people in India to make a healthy India.
