Q. “Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind.” – Gandhi Ji (10 M, 150 Words)

Answer:

How to approach the question

  • Introduction
    • Write the essence of the quote briefly 
  • Body 
    • Write how Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind
    • Write various limitations faced by non-violent resistance 
  • Conclusion 
    • Give appropriate conclusion in this regard  

 

Introduction             

Mahatma Gandhi’s quote encapsulates the profound strength inherent in the practice of non-violence. It suggests that non-violence, far from being a sign of weakness, is a potent tool for change, capable of overcoming the most formidable challenges in a manner that violence cannot. For example, Gandhi’s non-violent leadership in South Africa against the poll tax, effectively brought the favourable change.

Body 

Ways in which Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind 

  • Moral Authority: Non-violence establishes a superior moral stand, as exemplified during various movements led by Mahatma Gandhi, such as the Champaran, Ahmedabad Mill Strike, and Kheda movements. This approach, by rejecting harm and upholding dignity, commands global respect and support, making it a powerful tool for change.
  • Inclusivity: It allows everyone, regardless of physical ability or social status, to participate. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Civil Rights Movement in the USA was a potent example, involving a diverse range of participants in peaceful protests, making it a movement of the people, by the people.
  • Sustainability of Change: Non-violent movements lead to more lasting change. The Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia, which led to a peaceful power transition, showcased how non-violent resistance can affect sustainable societal transformation without the destruction that often accompanies violent uprisings. 
  • Reducing Backlash: Non-violent resistance minimizes the violent response from oppressors. Gandhi’s Salt March, a non-violent protest against the salt tax, resulted in minimal violent retaliation, exemplifying how peaceful protest can reduce the likelihood of a violent backlash.
  • Empowerment of the Oppressed: It empowers the oppressed to assert their rights without perpetuating violence. The anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, largely non-violent, led to the dismantling of apartheid, showing how the oppressed can effectively challenge injustice without resorting to violence.
  • Psychological Impact: Non-violent struggles can undermine the moral authority of oppressors and sway public opinion. The Tibetan non-violent struggle for autonomy has garnered significant global support, highlighting how peaceful resistance can shift perceptions and garner sympathy.
  • Global Appeal: The universal appeal of non-violence transcends cultural and national boundaries. Gandhi’s philosophy influenced global figures like Nelson Mandela and Cesar Chavez, demonstrating its widespread applicability and influence across different contexts.

Various limitations faced by non-violent resistance 

  • Prolonged Timeframe: Non-violent movements often require a longer time to achieve their goals compared to violent uprisings. The Civil Rights Movement in the USA, for instance, spanned over decades before achieving significant legislative changes.
  • Misinterpretation as Weakness: Non-violence can be misconstrued as passivity or weakness, potentially reducing its immediate impact. This was a criticism faced by Gandhi’s methods during the Indian independence movement by those advocating for more direct action.
  • Dependence on Oppressor’s Conscience: Non-violent resistance often relies on appealing to the oppressor’s conscience, which may not always yield results, especially with authoritarian regimes that are indifferent to moral appeals, as seen in the Tiananmen Square protests.
  • Need for Widespread Participation: Effective non-violent resistance requires mass participation, which can be challenging to achieve and sustain over long durations. The Arab Spring’s limited success in certain regions illustrates this difficulty.
  • Vulnerability to Suppression: Peaceful protestors are often vulnerable to state-sponsored violence and suppression. The brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters during the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 is a stark example of this vulnerability.
  • Media Bias or Ignorance: Non-violent protests may receive less media attention compared to violent ones, reducing their visibility and impact. This was evident in the early stages of the Occupy Wall Street movement.
  • Limited Impact in Certain Contexts: In situations where the state apparatus is unresponsive or there is extreme oppression, non-violent resistance may have limited effectiveness, as seen in the struggles of the Rohingya community in Myanmar.

Conclusion 

Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence, embracing moral authority, inclusivity, and sustainable change, remains profoundly relevant today. In an era where conflicts and social injustices persist, non-violence emerges not only as an ethical imperative but as a pragmatic strategy, empowering individuals and communities to effect meaningful, enduring change in a peaceful and dignified manner.

ExtraEdge:

Non-violence can be leveraged as a powerful tool for social change in the 21st century in the following ways 

  • Global Connectivity through Social Media: Non-violent movements can utilize social media platforms to garner global attention and support. Eg: The #MeToo movement effectively used social media to spread awareness and mobilize against sexual harassment and assault worldwide.
  • Increased International Solidarity: The interconnectedness of the world today allows for greater international solidarity. The global response to the Amazon rainforest fires is an example, where international pressure and aid were mobilized through peaceful advocacy.
  • Leveraging Information Technology: The use of information technology in organizing and disseminating information can amplify non-violent movements. The use of smartphone apps and online platforms by Hong Kong protesters in 2019 is a notable instance.
  • Influence of Global Institutions: Non-violent movements can appeal to and influence international bodies like the United Nations for support and intervention, as seen in the advocacy work for climate change led by figures like Greta Thunberg.
  • Educational Initiatives: Non-violence can be integrated into educational curricula, promoting a culture of peace from a young age to prevent tendency towards wars as seen in recent Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Hamas conflict. Programs like UNESCO’s education for peace and non-violence lay the foundation for future peaceful activism.
  • Corporate Influence: Consumer-led non-violent movements can influence corporate policies. Eg: The Fair Trade movement has successfully pressured companies to adopt more ethical and sustainable business practices.
  • Youth Engagement: The 21st century has seen a surge in youth activism. Movements like Fridays for Future, initiated by young people, demonstrate the power of non-violent activism in driving significant discussions on critical issues like climate change. 

 

To get PDF version, Please click on "Print PDF" button.

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

Know about Physics Wallah

Physics Wallah is an Indian online education platform, that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students of classes 6 to 12 and those preparing for JEE and NEET exams. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample papers, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers, which makes us a one-stop solution for all resources. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.

We Stand Out because

We successfully provide students with intensive courses by India's qualified & experienced faculties. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.

Our Key Focus Areas

Physics Wallah’s main focus is to create accessible learning experiences for students all over India. With courses like Lakshya, Udaan, Arjuna & many others, we have been able to provide a ready solution for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formulae to giving e-books of eminent authors, PW aims to provide reliable solutions for student prep.

What Makes Us Different

Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others.

Aiming for UPSC?

Download Our App

# #
Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">






    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.