Magazine 2012
Gandhian Ideology : An Attempt to
Reconstruct Industry and Society
Dr. Shashi Mishra
R. J. College,Mumbai.
INTRODUCTION:
Mahatma Gandhi was an inspired teacher and prophet. He always emphasized his role as a citizen of the world.
He had achieved a calmness of spirit and an integration of personality which are reserved for the blessed few.
Non-violence was the basic element in Gandhian method of Satyagraha and its root was in the tradition of
Indian culture. He promoted and believed in changing the society by bringing about change in himself first. The
important principles which he followed and preached was Satya (Truth), Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Vegetarianism,
Mauna (silence & simplicity), Nai Talim (basic education).
IDEOLOGY OF GANDHIJI:
Gandhi believed in the supermacy of ethnical values and Sarvodaya (the good of all). The philosophy of
Sarvodaya is based on the concept of the unity of existence. It refuses to be satisfied with the progress and well
being of a class or a nation but advocates the emancipation or realization of the good of all living beings. It is
the symbol of supreme moral and spiritual strength. Gandhi considered truth and non violence to be absolutely
binding. The idea of non violence should not be lowered as a concession to oneb s weakness. Non violence is
the strongest force known. Satya (truth), as per Mahatma Gandhi b Truth is far more powerful than any weapon
of mass destructionb . Gandhi believed, b Civilization is that mode of conduct which points out to man the path
of duty. Performance of duty and observance of morality are convertible terms. The tendency of the Indian
Civilization is to elevate the moral being that of the Western civilization is to propagate immorality.b He emphasized
that a child through the process of socialization in society learns the norms, values, customs, traditions discipline
and respect for others culture which helps in making a healthy civilization.
Gandhi was opposed to the industrial civilization of the western countries which were based on the exploitation
of weaker people .The modern civilization, therefore, was equivalent to darkness and disease. Gandhi fought
the concepts of racialism, imperialism, communalism and untouchability. In India, as a reformer, he fought
against social injustice, tyrannies and oppressions. His noble crusade for the liberation of the suppressed lower
classes shows his deep attachment to the concept of social justice. He hence favored the cottage industry
which generated employment for a larger number of people.
Gandhi preached simplicity. In the context of modern India he appeared as a ruralist. He felt that the devastating
effect of British capitalism had threatened the very existence of rural economy. Gandhi saw that India lived in the
villages. He advocated the revolutionary doctrine that land belongs to him who tills it. He accepted the concept
of economic equality. He advocated a return to simplicity and nature. However we also find him realistic
enough, as he advocated a reconciliation of large scale and small scale industries, the nationalization of key
industries, and the organization of urban centers not as lop sided out growths but functioning as catering to the
interests of the village where the real soul of India lay. He was against capitalism since it was a negation to the
idea of Ahimsa. But he would not sanction the forcible overthrow of capitalism. He championed the revolutionary
doctrine of equal distribution. He thought that the rich should become trustees of their surplus wealth for the
good of society. Gandhi said that he wanted to bring religion into politics. He said, b For me the road to
salvation lies throught the service of my country and of humanity. In the language of the Gita, I want to live at
peace with both friends and foe. So my patriotism is for me a stage on my journey to the land of eternal
freedom and peace.b
Gandhi condemned bitterly the western democratic politics because they believed in limitless expansion of
capitalism and this resulted in exploitation of the weaker people. He criticized the policies of racialism followed
in South Africa and the southern parts of the U.S.A. Gandhi stressed that non- violence alone could lead to true
democracy. He wanted India to evolve b True Democracyb . He postulated that in the ideal state of Ramarajya or
the Kingdom of God, where upon earth there will be the sovereignty of the moral authority of the people, and
the state as a structure of violence would be extinct. But he was not for the immediate ending of the state power.
The increasing perfection of the state should be the immediate goal although the ultimate aim is philosophical
and moral anarchism.
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ATTEMPTS TO RECONSTRUCT INDUSTRY AND SOCIETY:
For the healthy growth of industry and society, he introduced the following stages:
1
) Gandhi promoted the concept of trusteeship of property to meet the economic challenge. Accumulation of
wealth in some hands is unavoidable. But wealth is also a social product. It is the contribution from many in a
set of circumstances. It has a social responsibility. The entire society has claims to it. The owners of property
most recognize this claim. Thus they must hold property as a trust held by them on behalf of the many. They
must utilize property to bring the best returns for the society and not simply to maximize profits. The best part
of an individualb s character must emerge to meet the needs that society will be facing. Trusteeship has the
weakness that no law can enforce it. That is exactly what Gandhi sees as the highest quality of Gandhism. There
is no alternative for the individualb s sense of fairness and responsibility. Compulsion will unleash evil forces. Man
must rise to his best self and manage society without the need of the state to dectate.
2
) Gandhi was against the concentration of power in the hands of a few people as it led to the exploitation
masses. Decentralization of power is an integral part of Gandhib s ideology. The state ultimately reduces man to
absolute conformity. Insignificance and implicit obedience are his characteristics. Gandhism makes man the
measure of all things as much as the philosophy of the Renaissance does and applies that standard to every
field of activity. Decentralisation must reduce the state to an organization for rendering the necessary service
with the least power at its command. Gandhib s idea of the self governing villages corresponds with the idea of
Gandhism. Similarly production and distribution also must be decentralized. Gandhi was against gigantism in
the industry.
3
) A man must realize his needs and limitation. He must not emphasize a lot on luxury. Means are as important
as ends in the ideology of Gandhism. Purity of ends as well as means is implicit in all the virtues that are
integrated into Gandhism. It is a simple non violent, decentralized society. It is opposed to capitalism as well
as statesmanship that become a practical part of socialism.
4
) For the healthy development of the society, he gave great importance to cottage and handicraft industry so
that the villagers became self employed. Gandhi called for the abolition of all distinctions between mental and
manual labour and for the dignity of work done by hands. Gandhism recommends that the people should be
made aware of their inner strength and be encouraged to solve their problems themselves, instead of seeking
governmental action. Rajniti (power) must be replaced by lokniti (politics of the people). Society should
resolve conflicts by conciliation, or rather; conflicts should not be allowed to appear at all instead of seeking
resolution through struggle, competition bargains, pressures and force.
Gandhism challenged the foundation of modern civilsation and preached a return to simplicity and the absence
of pretentiousness and luxury. He believed in the supremacy of ethical values, Sarvodaya, truth and non-
violence. His aim was to reconstruct the society through love and mutual trust.
References
Mathew James, K. b The matchless Weapon, Satyagrihab , Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1989
Sheean Vincent,b Mahatma Gandhi-A Great Life in Brief,b Publications Divisions, Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting, New Delhi, 1990
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