Truth and love have always won in the end

“WHEN I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it – always.” Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869 – 1948).

The above quotation by Gandhi epitomises the deep, underlying philosophy of this man of God.

October 2, 2009 marks the 140th birth anniversary of The Mahatma (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi). In India, Gandhi was also fondly called Bapu and “Father of the Nation”. Hundreds of books have been written on the Mahatma and his struggles in India’s independence movement.

Gandhi studied law at the University of London (1888-1891) before moving to South Africa. During his initial years in South Africa, Gandhi was immensely perturbed by the treatment meted out to Indians by white South Africans. As a result, in 1906, Gandhi started the Satragraha movement to protest a law that stated that all Indians should be finger printed and carry an identification card. This law was clearly discriminatory based on race. Gandhi’s initial strong convictions in what he believed in was evident when he declared that he will either go to jail or die rather than follow an anti-Asian law. He was subsequently joined by thousands of Indians residing in South Africa in a civil disobedience movement. Gandhi’s thoughts on truth and justice were evolving. Organized strikes on the sugar plantations and coalfields, with help from Gandhi’s supporters, led the South African authorities to arrest him. Severe Indian immigrant opposition to the South African government’s race-based laws resulted and, in 1914, the South African government gave important concessions to Gandhi’s demands that included recognizing Indian marriages.

In 1915, Gandhi returned to India. He started the first Satyagraha movement at the request of poor farmers who were compelled by British planters to grow indigo on 15% of their land and the entire crop was taken by the British planters in lieu of rent. The Satyagraha movement pressured the British government to evaluate the conditions of the farmers and was subsequently successful in allowing the farmers to have full benefits from their land. The success of the Satyagraha movement was instrumental in increasing Gandhi’s popularity in India.

Gandhi’s next mission was to rid India of British colonial rule. He formed a non-cooperation movement consisting of thousands of Indians, including professionals and women that will be in the forefront of the freedom struggle for the first time. Gandhi was adamant that all his supporters must practice non-violence in order to achieve their objective, that is, the dream of an independent India. However, due to mob hysteria and violence that subsequently ensued, Gandhi was arrested and sentenced to six years in prison by the British rulers but released in 1924 due to medical reasons.

During the ensuing period, Gandhi focused on many humanitarian issues, including Hindu-Muslim unity, women equality, and untouchable concept rejection. These humanitarian issues will remain Gandhi’s core principles.

One of the most abhorrent and suppressive acts of British-ruled India was the imposition of a salt tax. The British law at the time dictated that the sale or production of salt by anyone but the British government was a criminal offense punishable by law. This salt tax law was one of many economic improprieties used to generate revenue to support British rule. On March 12, 1930, Gandhi started the historic Dandi Salt March that challenged a law restricting Indians from salt manufacture and this was used as a spring-board for non-violent political protest. Many Indians were arrested and thrown in jail. The Viceroy of India, Viceroy Lord Irwin was forced to hold talks with Gandhi and on March 5, 1931, the Gandhi-Irwin pact was signed.

After World War II broke out, the British government needed India’s support. The Indian Congress Party wanted independence granted to India for India’s participation in World War II. The British government refused this request and, in 1942, Gandhi initiated the “Quit India” movement. Subsequently, due to widespread protests and demonstrations, Gandhi and leaders of the Congress Party were imprisoned. However, due to deteriorating health, Gandhi was released form prison in May 1944.

After World War II ended, the Congress Party met with the British government on the future of an independent India. However, due to differences between the Congress Party and prominent Muslim leaders, the talks were unsuccessful. Subsequently, after numerous meetings with the Congress Party and the British government, India was granted independence in 1945 on the condition that India is partitioned. Gandhi vehemently opposed this but eventually agreed in order to see an independent India. During the independence period, Gandhi worked relentlessly to promote unity of Hindus and Muslims. Some Hindus, however, thought that Gandhi conceded too much to the Muslims. As a result, a Hindu, Nathu Ram Godse, assassinated Gandhi on January 30, 1948.

Gandhi’s final words were “Hey Ram” meaning “O God”.
Gandhi’s non-violent philosophy has inspired millions. Dr. Martin Luther King in the USA and former South Africa President, Nelson Mandela were deeply inspired by Gandhi’s non –violent philosophical approach and successfully used it to achieve freedom for their people.

Finally, I will end this article with a quote by Nobel Laureate Albert Einstein:

“I believe that Gandhi’s views were the most enlightened of all the political men in our time. We should strive to do things in his spirit: not to use violence in fighting for our cause, but by non-participation in anything you believe is evil.”
SHIV MAHARAJ, PhD

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