Gandhis Teachers Rajchandra Ravjibhai Mehta

SR No.: 006754
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Satish Sharma
Publisher: Gujarat Vidyapith Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 2005
Total Pages: 260
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Rajchandra
File Size: 11 MB

Page 235

Gandhi : A Biographical Sketch
217
of civil disobedience, non-cooperation, and general strikes all over India.
Gandhi noticed the dependence of Indians on foreign goods, which created their poverty, instilled in them sense of helplessness and lack of self-sufficiency, and weakened their will power to fight injustices. He, therefore, introduced the concept of Swadeshi - dependence on own talents, means, and resources as far as possible. The spinning wheel and Khadi were symbolic representations of Swadeshi. Gandhi also emphasized elimination of untouchability, Hindu-Muslim unity, and removal of other social and political evils. The Satyagraha struggle, accordingly, was not just a weapon for gaining the freedom of India but also a means for selfempowerment and self-purification of the people and bringing in them self-discipline, self-sacrifice, and compassion for others. Satyagrahis were expected to take all the blows of the perpetrator and never strike back - something only the strong, truthful, determined, and compassionate people could do and not the weak ones.
Quit India Movement
The struggle for home rule changed into "Quit India" movement and its painful history is illustrated by such events as the Salt March and Jalianwala Bagh Massacre. India finally won her freedom on August 15, 1947, but the country was divided into India and Pakistan. The mass migration of Hindus and Muslims which followed was unique in the history of the subcontinent and the loss of life and suffering is still fresh on the minds of many. Gandhi spent his final days trying to bring Hindu-Muslim unity and was assassinated on January 30, 1948 by a Hindu fanatic for that reason. Thus, a great man died and a remarkably innovative era came to an end. Two days before his death, Gandhi had remarked: "...don't worry about me. If I am to die by the bullet of a mad man, I must die smiling. There must be no anger with me. God must reside in my heart. Promise me that should such a thing