Non-Violence as Political Power: Gandhi’s Ideological Framework of Ahimsa and Satyagraha

Abstract

Mahatma Gandhi was the founder of a unique form of political thought that was developed to support the Indian independence movement and introduced the concept of non-violence to the global arena. Gandhi's political philosophy was based upon the moral basis of truth and non-violence; therefore, it emphasised the importance of both Satyagraha (the Movement for Truth) and the use of moral means. His political strategy was that nonviolent resistance would be the primary method for achieving his goals, and he believed that, through self-restraint and disciplined mass action, both oppressor and oppressed would have their minds changed. As a result, the intellectual foundation of his Satyagraha was the conviction that all people were to be treated equally and humanely, thereby laying the groundwork for non-violence. Gandhi's concept of Swaraj (Self-rule) included personal discipline, community autonomy, and participatory local self-government as additional components to political independence. Further, to construct a true democracy in India, Gandhi believed that decentralised village republics would be a necessary foundation for India's future, self-sufficient citizens. The principles of Sarvodaya (welfare for all) and Trusteeship emerged from Gandhi as models of economic and social justice grounded in the welfare of all, equality, simplicity, and responsible stewardship of resources. Gandhi viewed social reform as a requirement of the National Liberation Movement, i.e., the abolition of untouchability, the uplifting of women, and the building of communal harmony. Gandhi rejected heavy industry, capitalism, and violent revolution, and proposed a sustainable, human-centred economy.