Gandhi’s Harijan Campaign and Thoughts on Caste

Introduction

The Dalit community, formerly referred to as “Harijans” by Gandhi, which translates to “Children of God” in his words. Through his campaign, Gandhi sought to uplift the status of Dalits and eradicate the caste-based prejudices deeply entrenched in Indian society. 

He advocated for the abolition of untouchability and promoted the idea of everyone being equal in the eyes of God, irrespective of their caste or background. Gandhi’s Harijan Campaign and his views on caste played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse on social reform and equality in India.

Harijan Campaign (1933-1934)

• Anti-Untouchability Campaign: Gandhi launched a nationwide campaign against untouchability, establishing the All India Anti-Untouchability League in September 1932, and weekly publication, Harijan, in January 1933, while he was in Jail.
•  Satyagraha Ashram: Upon his release, he adhered to a pledge made in 1930 and moved to the Satyagraha Ashram in Wardha, declaring his resolve not to return to Sabarmati Ashram until the attainment of swaraj (self-rule).
• Nationwide Tour for Harijans: Commencing from Wardha, he undertook a nationwide tour for Harijans from November 1933 to July 1934, covering a distance of 20,000 km. 
• Fundraising and Advocacy: During this journey, he raised funds for the recently established Harijan Sevak Sangh (originally Depressed Classes League), while advocating for the elimination of untouchability..
• Fasts to Emphasize the Gravity of the Issue: Conducted two fasts on May 8 and August 16 1934 to emphasize the seriousness of the issue.
• Faced Opposition: from orthodox Hindu elements who disrupted meetings, accused him of attacking Hinduism, and opposed his efforts.
• He said, “Hinduism dies if untouchability lives, untouchability has to die if Hinduism is to live”. He said that the Shastras do not sanction untouchability, and if they did, they should be ignored as it was against human dignity.

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Gandhi’s Views on Caste

• Untouchability vs.Caste System Annihilation: Gandhi differentiated between abolishing untouchability and abolishing the caste system itself, unlike Ambedkar, who advocated annihilating the caste system to eradicate untouchability.
• Gandhi’s Perspective: Believed the caste system, while flawed, wasn’t inherently sinful like untouchability. 
  • Thought purging the distinctions of high and low could make the caste system complementary rather than hierarchical.
  • Hoped that supporters and critics of the caste system would unite against untouchability.
  • Opposed compelling orthodox Hindus (‘sanatanis’), aiming to persuade them through reasoning and appeal to their hearts.
  • Considered the removal of untouchability pivotal in addressing communal tensions and advocated persuasion over compulsion.

Ideological Differences and Similarities between Gandhi and Ambedkar 

• Similarities:
  • Symbolic Acts of Protest: Both engaged in symbolic acts against oppression, Gandhi burned foreign cloth, Ambedkar burned Manusmriti, both symbolizing bondage for India.
  • Shared Belief in Change: Shared a belief in social and political change through education rather than compulsion.
    • Advocated the use of religion for social transformation.
  • Limited State Sovereignty: Endorsed limited sovereign power of the State to safeguard individual freedom.
  • Opposed Violent Means: for social change and advocated peaceful methods.
    • Emphasized social harmony and transformation through democratic and peaceful means.
• Differences
  • Freedom and Democracy: Gandhi believed in people wresting freedom from authority, while Ambedkar expected freedom to be bestowed by imperial rulers.
  • Contrasting Views on the Parliamentary System: Ambedkar advocated for a parliamentary system, whereas Gandhi had little respect for it, foreseeing the potential for leader domination.
  • Approach to Social Issues: Gandhi focused on eradicating untouchability through moral acts and atonement, while Ambedkar aimed for legal and constitutional remedies.
    • Ambedkar viewed untouchability as a major societal problem, while Gandhi considered it among several challenges.
  • Views on Caste and Hinduism: Gandhi distinguished between caste and varna, viewing caste as a degeneration, Ambedkar denounced Hindu scriptures and the caste system.
    • Ambedkar opposed the idea of Hindu unity, whereas Gandhi emphasized Indian unity and attributed its division to British rule.
  • Means and Ends: Ambedkar supported justified means for just ends, while Gandhi stressed purity of means for determining the end.
    • Gandhi opposed mechanization’s dehumanizing impact, while Ambedkar believed machinery could benefit society.
  • Approach to Law and Constitution: Gandhi supported disobedience to unjust laws for justice, and Ambedkar inclined towards the observance of law and constitutionality.
  • Perception of Untouchables: Gandhi viewed untouchables as integral to the Hindu community, while Ambedkar regarded them as a separate religious and political minority.
  • Communication and Methods: Gandhi communicated in the vernacular, while Ambedkar spoke in English. Gandhi utilized non-cooperation, hartal, satyagraha, Ambedkar leaned towards observance of law and constitutional methods.

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Conclusion

• Gandhi’s Harijan Campaign and his thoughts on caste emphasized the need for social reform and the eradication of untouchability through nonviolent means. 
• He believed in the potential of purging caste distinctions to transform the caste system into a complementary rather than hierarchical structure. On the other hand, Ambedkar advocated for the complete annihilation of the caste system to eradicate untouchability. 
• Despite their differing approaches, both Gandhi and Ambedkar shared a commitment to social justice and equality.