Satyagraha: Evolution, Struggle, and Influence of Gandhi

Gandhi’s South Africa Struggle: Championing Rights Against Racism #

Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, and studied law in England. He resided in South Africa for nearly 20 years and began his experiments with Satyagraha. During his time in South Africa, he started the newspaper Indian Opinion. Witnessing racism and mistreatment of Asian immigrants, he decided to organize Indian labourers and fight for their rights.

Gandhi’s South African Struggle: Fighting Injustice and Racism #

• In 1898, he travelled to South Africa for a legal case and was exposed to racism and mistreatment.
• Gandhi decided to stay in South Africa, working to organize Indian labourers and fight for their rights until 1914.
• In South Africa, there were three categories of Indians: indentured labourers, merchants, and former labourers who stayed after their contracts expired.
• These Indian immigrants faced numerous difficulties, including loss of voting rights and restrictions on movement and living conditions.

Gandhi’s South Africa: Advocacy, Nonviolence, and Empowerment #

During the Moderate Phase of Struggle (1894-1906) in South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi utilized various strategies to advocate for the rights of Indians living in the country. Here are some key aspects of Gandhi’s activities during this period:

• Petitions and Memorials: Gandhi believed in the power of written appeals to the South African and British governments. He drafted and sent numerous petitions and memorials, outlining the grievances and hardships faced by the Indian community in South Africa. Gandhi hoped that by making the authorities aware of their plight, they would take appropriate actions to address the concerns of Indians.
• Appeal as British Subjects: One of Gandhi’s primary arguments was that Indians in South Africa were British subjects and, therefore, entitled to the same rights and privileges as other British citizens. He emphasized the principles of justice, equality, and fairness, asserting that the authorities should uphold these values and treat Indians on an equal footing.
• Formation of Natal Indian Congress: In 1894, Gandhi played a crucial role in establishing the Natal Indian Congress (NIC), a political organization aimed at representing the interests of Indians in South Africa. The NIC became a platform for Indians from different backgrounds to unite and collectively address their concerns. Through the NIC, Gandhi organized protests, public meetings, and discussions to raise awareness and mobilize support for the Indian cause.
• Indian Opinion newspaper: Gandhi founded the newspaper Indian Opinion in 1903. The publication served as a voice for the Indian community and provided a platform to express their grievances, share news and information, and discuss issues of importance. The newspaper played a crucial role in mobilizing public opinion and creating awareness about the struggles faced by Indians in South Africa.
• Emphasis on Nonviolence and Satyagraha: Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence and Satyagraha (truth force) started to take shape during this period. While he initially relied on petitions and appeals, Gandhi recognized the need for more active resistance and civil disobedience in the face of injustice. The seeds of his later movement in India were sown during his time in South Africa.

Gandhi’s Satyagraha: Challenging Injustice in South Africa #

During the Phase of Passive Resistance or Satyagraha (1906-1914) in South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi employed the principles of satyagraha and civil disobedience to challenge discriminatory laws and fight for the rights of Indians. Here are the key aspects of this phase:

Satyagraha against Certificates of Registration (1906): Defying Discriminatory Laws in South Africa #

• New legislation required Indians in South Africa to carry registration certificates with their fingerprints at all times.
• Gandhi initiated a campaign of passive resistance, urging Indians to refuse compliance with this oppressive law.
• He established the Passive Resistance Association to lead the movement and willingly faced the consequences of disobeying the law.
• Gandhi and other Indians publicly burnt their registration papers, symbolizing their refusal to accept the discriminatory measure.
• These acts of civil disobedience shed light on the unjust treatment of Indians by the South African government, garnering negative attention.
• Ultimately, a compromise settlement was reached, bringing some relief to the Indian community.

Campaign against Restrictions on Indian Migration: Defying Restrictions for Freedom #

• The campaign against discriminatory legislation expanded to include protests against laws that imposed restrictions on Indian migration.
• Indians defied these laws by crossing provincial borders without permits and refusing to produce required licenses.
• Through these acts of civil disobedience, they challenged the restrictions and asserted their right to freedom of movement.

Campaign against Poll Tax and Invalidation of Indian Marriages: Marriage Rights and Equality #

• A poll tax of three pounds was imposed on ex-indentured Indians, which was burdensome considering their low wages.
• The demand for the repeal of the poll tax gained support from a wider section of society, highlighting the economic injustice faced by ex-indentured Indians.
• Furthermore, a Supreme Court ruling invalidated marriages not performed according to Christian rites and not recorded by the registrar of marriages, affecting marriages among Hindus, Muslims, and Parsis.
• This verdict was seen as an insult to women’s honour, and it drew many women into the movement against the discriminatory ruling.

Satyagraha: Truth, Non-violence, and Courage in Action #

Gandhi’s technique of Satyagraha, which he developed during his time in South Africa, was founded on the principles of non-violence and truth. It incorporated elements of Indian traditions as well as influences from Christian teachings and Tolstoy’s theories of non-violent resistance to evil. Here are the main tenets of Satyagraha:

• Upholding Truth, Non-violence, and Fearlessness: A satyagraha, someone who practices Satyagraha, is expected to uphold what they believe to be right, always remaining truthful, nonviolent, and fearless in their actions.
• Refusal of Cooperation and Boycott: Satyagraha tactics involve refusing to cooperate with unjust laws or systems and boycotting institutions or practices that perpetuate injustice.
• Tactics of Satyagraha: Satyagrahis may refuse to pay taxes or renounce positions of power and honours as a means of expressing their resistance to unjust actions or policies.
• Willingness to Endure Suffering: A satyagraha must be prepared to endure suffering and sacrifices in order to effectively combat wrongdoings. The willingness to bear suffering is seen as an integral part of their commitment to truth.
• Absence of Animosity: A true satyagraha should harbour no animosity or hatred toward the wrongdoer. While engaging in their battle against injustice, they should maintain a spirit of love and compassion.
• Never Submitting to Evil: Regardless of the cost, a satyagraha should never submit to or accept evil. They maintain their resistance to injustice, even in the face of great adversity.
• Courage and Strength: Satyagraha is meant to be practised by the brave and strong. Cowardice and weakness are not considered compatible with Satyagraha. It emphasizes the alignment of practice with thought and rejects the justification of means by the ends.

Gandhi’s Influences: Faith, Activism, and Social Justice Vision #

Mahatma Gandhi’s personality and ideologies were shaped by various influencing factors. Here are the major factors that influenced his personality:

• Religious Aspects: Gandhi drew inspiration from different religious traditions. He incorporated concepts such as Ram Rajya from Hinduism, the Karma Theory from Buddhism, non-violence from Jainism, and the idea of Hijra from the Quran.
• Influence of Personalities: Gandhi was deeply influenced by the writings of authors like Leo Tolstoy and Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau’s concept of civil disobedience had a significant impact on Gandhi’s philosophy and approach to activism.
• Trusteeship: Gandhi embraced the concept of trusteeship, which proposed that wealthy and successful individuals are trustees of their wealth and should use it to benefit society and help the less fortunate.
• Sarvodaya: Gandhi believed in the principle of “Sarvodaya,” which means the welfare or upliftment of all. This idea emphasized the need for the holistic development and well-being of all individuals and communities.
• Local Self-rule and Self-Government: Gandhi advocated for local self-rule and self-government. He promoted the concept of panchayat raj (village self-government) and emphasized the importance of cottage industries and economic self-reliance.
• Distinct Approach: Gandhi’s ability to relate to the masses, especially the peasantry, set him apart from earlier leaders. He connected with their concerns, which enabled him to mobilize and represent the marginalized sections of society.
• The Dignity of Human Labour and Self-reliance: Gandhi symbolized the dignity of human labour and self-reliance through his daily practice of spinning the charkha (spinning wheel). It was a way to promote self-sufficiency and highlight the importance of manual labour.

Conclusion #

In conclusion, Mahatma Gandhi’s early experiences in South Africa and his subsequent phase in India greatly influenced his personality and shaped his ideologies. His time in South Africa allowed him to develop and refine the technique of Satyagraha, rooted in non-violence and truth. Influences from various religions and the teachings of influential personalities like Tolstoy and Thoreau further shaped his approach to activism and civil disobedience. Gandhi’s belief in trusteeship, Sarvodaya, and local self-rule demonstrated his commitment to social welfare, self-reliance, and empowering marginalized communities. His distinct ability to connect with the masses, represented by his spinning of the charkha, further set him apart as a leader.