Satyagraha is a philosophy and a method to bring in political and social change. This method was developed and practiced by Mahatma Gandhi and is based on the principles of truth, non-violence, and self-sacrifice. Satyagraha in Sanskrit means “holding onto truth”.
Satyagraha aims to overcome injustice and oppression. It does not ask you to harm or destroy the enemy or the oppressor but to persuade them to accept the Truth.
Satyagraha involves various forms of nonviolent resistance, such as civil disobedience, non-cooperation, fasting, boycotts, strikes, marches, etc. The Satyagrahis have to follow certain rules of conduct, such as honesty, courage, humility, patience, forgiveness, etc.
In India, the present generation ignores the basic code of conduct, which is very important in addressing various social issues in India, such as untouchability, communal violence, poverty, etc.
After the Modi-led BJP party came to power in India, all the social issues and atrocities increased. The youth of this country have not tasted the fruits of Satyagraha as the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi are being mocked by the RSS-backed BJP government. On the contrary, world leaders have adopted the same nonviolent movements to achieve their goals.
Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement in the United States, Nelson Mandela and the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, and Aung San Suu Kyi and the democracy movement in Myanmar etc., have followed Satyagraha proposed by Mahatma Gandhi to achieve their success.
Satyagraha by Mahatma Gandhi
Satyagraha was developed by Mahatma Gandhi, inspired by various sources of wisdom and spirituality. It has become universal and a concept with a time-bound. It was applied to fight against the British to gain independence.
Satyagraha will challenge the present youth to be truthful to themselves and others. It would teach the youth of this country to resist evil with love and compassion. Moreover, helps them understand to work for the common good, sacrificing personal interests.
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