Mahatma Gandhi, a great leader in India’s history, had two important principles that guided his life and his struggle for freedom. These principles were truth and struggle for truth (Satya/ Satyagrah) and nonviolence (Ahimsa). Here I would like to deliberate on these twin principles very briefly.
Satyagraha (Truth): Gandhi Ji believed in speaking the truth, always; no matter what the situation is. He felt that truthfulness was a fundamental virtue that everyone should follow. When we tell the truth, we build trust with others, and this trust is the foundation of a just and peaceful society. In simple words, think of truth as being honest and not telling lies. Gandhi said, “Truth is God” which means that truth is like a divine or very important thing in our lives.
Ahimsa (Non-violence): Non-violence means not using force or violence to solve problems or to fight against something. Gandhi ji believed that violence only creates more problems and suffering. Instead, he thought we should use peaceful ways to bring about change.
In simple words, nonviolence is about solving problems without hurting anyone physically or emotionally. It’s like saying, “I won’t fight you, but I will try to understand you and find a peaceful solution.”
Gandhi ji combined these two principles, truth and nonviolence, to lead India’s fight for freedom from the British rule. He believed that by speaking the truth and using nonviolent methods, even in the face of violence, change could be achieved.
So, to put it briefly and simply, Gandhi’s philosophy was about always telling the truth and solving problems without hurting anyone. He showed that these principles could bring about significant social and political change, inspiring people around the world to follow the path of truth and nonviolence in their own struggles for justice and freedom.
Syed Ifath Iqbal is BA 5th semester student at GDC Sogam (Lolab).