Gandhian thought and practice encompass several fundamental concepts that were central to Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy and approach to life.

Get the full solved assignment PDF of MGPE-008 of 2023-24 session now.

Here are some of the core concepts:

Ahimsa (Non-violence): Ahimsa stands as the cornerstone of Gandhian philosophy. It advocates for the rejection of violence in all its forms, including physical, mental, and emotional violence. Gandhi believed that non-violence was not just a strategy but a way of life, a powerful force for social and political change.
Satyagraha (Truth Force): Satyagraha embodies the idea of non-violent resistance. It involves the pursuit of truth and justice through non-violent means. Satyagraha seeks to appeal to the conscience of the oppressor and aims to transform both the oppressor and the oppressed.
Sarvodaya (Welfare of All): Sarvodaya emphasizes the well-being and upliftment of all individuals in society, especially the marginalized and the poorest. Gandhi believed that true progress could only be achieved when the last person in society benefited from any change or development.
Swadeshi (Self-Reliance): Swadeshi encourages the promotion and use of locally produced goods and services. It fosters economic independence and self-reliance at the community level, reducing dependence on external resources.
Satya (Truth): Gandhi placed immense value on truthfulness in thought, speech, and action. He considered truth as the ultimate moral and spiritual principle that guided his life and activism.
Ahimsa in Thought, Word, and Deed: Gandhi emphasized the alignment of thoughts, words, and actions with the principle of non-violence. This holistic approach aimed to ensure that intentions and actions were in harmony with non-violent ideals.
Constructive Programmes: Gandhi advocated for the implementation of constructive programs alongside political activism. These programs aimed to address societal issues through constructive action, such as education, sanitation, and communal unity.
Simple Living and High Thinking: Gandhi lived a simple life and advocated for minimalism. He believed in reducing one’s material needs to the minimum while encouraging intellectual and spiritual growth.
Fasting and Self-purification: Gandhi often employed fasting as a means of protest and self-purification. He saw fasting not just as a tool for political action but also as a way to discipline oneself and seek inner strength.

These concepts formed the ethical and practical framework of Gandhi’s approach to social, political, and personal life. They continue to influence movements for social justice, non-violence, and human rights globally, inspiring individuals and communities in their pursuit of a more just and compassionate world.