Answer:

Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi were two pivotal figures in India’s struggle for independence, yet they represented contrasting ideological perspectives. While Gandhiji advocated non-violence (ahimsa) and passive resistance, Bhagat Singh believed in revolutionary methods, including the use of force when necessary. Their differing approaches reflect a broader spectrum of strategies employed in the fight against British colonialism, each contributing uniquely to the freedom movement.

Ideological Perspectives in the Context of Independence:

Approaches Towards Non-Violence:

Gandhi:

• Gandhi’s Absolute Non-Violence: Gandhi believed non-violence was not just a strategy but a way of life, advocating for peaceful resistance even in the face of brutality.
  For example: Gandhi called off the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922 after the Chauri Chaura incident, where violent clashes resulted in the deaths of British policemen.
• Gandhi’s Faith in Moral Courage: Gandhi believed that moral courage and truth were more potent than physical violence in bringing about lasting change.
  For example: His emphasis on truth and non-violence was evident in his guidance of movements like the Quit India Movement (1942).
• Gandhi’s Emphasis on Satyagraha: Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha (truth force) was based on the idea of moral victory over physical force, where non-violence was the highest form of courage.
  For example: The Salt March (1930) exemplified Satyagraha, inspiring mass civil disobedience without any use of violence.

Bhagat Singh:

• Bhagat Singh’s Conditional Use of Force: Bhagat Singh viewed violence as a necessary tool in certain situations to awaken the masses and challenge British rule.
  For example: The Central Assembly Bombing of 1929 was a symbolic act by Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt, meant to “make the deaf hear” without causing mass harm.
• Bhagat Singh’s Revolutionary Symbolism: Bhagat Singh used violent acts symbolically to inspire political consciousness, arguing that violence should be directed at oppressive systems rather than people.
  For example: His role in the assassination of John Saunders was aimed at striking a blow against oppressive British officials.
• Bhagat Singh’s Justification of Revolutionary Violence: Bhagat Singh argued that violence was justified when used to destroy oppressive systems rather than to harm individuals.

Approaches Towards Political Activism:

Gandhi:

• Gandhi’s Civil Disobedience: Gandhi led movements like civil disobedience and non-cooperation, encouraging masses to boycott British goods, institutions, and laws.
  For example: The Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934) targeted unjust laws like the salt tax, uniting a wide base of Indians in non-violent protests.
• Gandhi’s Mass Political Engagement: Gandhi’s political activism centered on mass movements involving people from different walks of life, from peasants to the elite.
  For example: His leadership during the Champaran Satyagraha (1917) brought attention to the plight of indigo farmers, directly involving them in the movement.
• Gandhi’s Emphasis on Self-Reliance: Gandhi’s activism promoted self-reliance through the Swadeshi Movement, urging Indians to reject British goods in favor of Indian-made products.
  For example: Gandhi’s advocacy of the charkha (spinning wheel) symbolized economic independence from British rule.

Bhagat Singh:

• Bhagat Singh’s Revolutionary Direct Action: Bhagat Singh’s political activism focused on direct action, including the use of force, to immediately confront colonial oppression.
  For example: The Lahore Conspiracy (1928) highlighted his belief in revolutionary activism to strike at the core of colonial power.
• Bhagat Singh’s Targeted Activism: Bhagat Singh aimed at inspiring a core group of revolutionaries, focusing on younger activists who believed in revolutionary socialism.
  For example: His leadership in the HSRA involved youth in armed struggle.
• Bhagat Singh’s Intellectual Activism: Bhagat Singh’s activism was also intellectual, focusing on revolutionary literature and philosophical debates to inspire the youth.
  For example: His writings like “Why I am an Atheist” were aimed at challenging orthodoxy and mobilizing intellectual resistance.

Visions for a Free India:

Gandhi:

• Gandhi’s Vision of Ram Rajya: Gandhi’s ideal for a free India was Ram Rajya, a state based on non-violence, equality, and rural self-sufficiency.
  For instance : He envisioned an India where every village would be self-sufficient, promoting the ideals of simple living and community welfare.
• Gandhi’s Vision of Swaraj: Gandhi envisioned Swaraj (self-rule) based on moral upliftment, where individuals would govern themselves, both politically and ethically.
  For example: His concept of Swaraj emphasized moral responsibility, individual freedom, and economic independence through initiatives like the Khadi Movement.
• Gandhi’s Emphasis on Rural Development: Gandhi believed in village-based development, focusing on agriculture, small-scale industries, and minimal reliance on Western technology.
  For example: Gandhi’s opposition to large-scale industrialization is evident in his promotion of small-scale khadi industries.
• Gandhi’s Focus on Religious Harmony: Gandhi advocated for religious harmony and unity among Hindus and Muslims as the foundation for a free India.
  For instance: He opposed the partition of India, believing that a free India should be based on religious unity.

Bhagat Singh:

• Bhagat Singh’s Vision of a Socialist Republic: Bhagat Singh envisioned a secular, socialist republic, focusing on economic equality, the end of feudalism, and dismantling colonial capitalism.
  For instance: Bhagat Singh’s involvement in the HSRA was a step towards creating a socialist republic after independence.
• Bhagat Singh’s Industrial Vision: Bhagat Singh, influenced by Marxist ideologies, saw the necessity of industrial development and economic modernization for post-colonial India.
  For instance: His writings and speeches advocated for the industrialization of India to alleviate poverty and address inequalities.
• Bhagat Singh’s Focus on Secularism: Bhagat Singh envisioned an India free from religious and caste divisions, advocating secularism and social equality.
  For isntyance: His call for a secular and united India is reflected in his association with the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), which sought to bridge religious divides.

Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi, despite their contrasting ideologies, played complementary roles in India’s freedom struggle. Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and mass mobilisation drew global attention to the cause, while Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary spirit inspired a generation to fight against colonial oppression. Both leaders, in their unique ways, shaped the vision of a free India, leaving behind legacies that continue to influence the nation’s political and social fabric.

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