UPSC CSE 2021 Main GS Paper 1
Question - Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-cooperation movement and civil disobedience movement
Answer
Mahatma Gandhi had a political strategy that included constructive programmes along with non-violent resistance. He wanted to make the Indian people's lives better and help them become independent and self-reliant. He started or supported many constructive programmes during the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement, such as:
Communal Harmony
Gandhi believed that peace and respect among different religions was essential for India. He did not want India to be divided based on religion and wanted a secular and united nation. He also joined the Muslims in their struggle to save the Ottoman Caliphate after World War I, which was called the Khilafat Movement. He tried to promote inter-faith dialogue and cooperation by meeting and talking with people of different faiths.
Removal of Untouchability
Removal of untouchability: Gandhi considered untouchability as a sin and a curse on Hindu society. He campaigned for the abolition of untouchability and the upliftment of the oppressed castes, whom he called Harijans or children of God. He founded the Harijan Sevak Sangh in 1932 to work for the welfare and education of the Harijans. He also visited various Harijan colonies and ashrams, and encouraged them to join the freedom struggle. He also opposed the separate electorates for the depressed classes, which he feared would divide the Hindu society. He went on a fast unto death in 1932 to protest against this provision, which was later replaced by the Poona Pact that granted reserved seats for the depressed classes in provincial legislatures.
Promotion of Khadi and Village Industries
Gandhi saw Khadi or hand-woven cloth as a way of expressing national pride, economic independence, and social justice. He asked the people to stop using foreign cloth and wear Khadi instead. He also wanted the people to spin their own yarn as a service and sacrifice for the country. He started the All India Spinners’ Association in 1925 to help produce and distribute Khadi. He also helped various village industries like pottery, leather, soap, paper, etc., to give jobs and income to the rural people. He set up the All India Village Industries Association in 1934 to manage and develop these industries.
Basic Education
Gandhi had a vision of education that reflected his outlook on life and learning. He wanted education to be comprehensive, useful, fruitful, and ethical. He suggested that education should be based on a skill or a profession that would help the students to learn while they work. He also stressed that education should be connected to the students’ culture and surroundings, and should enhance their imagination and personality. He tried out his ideas of basic education at his ashrams in Sabarmati and Wardha, and then started a countrywide programme of basic education in 1937.
Women Empowerment
Women empowerment: Gandhi recognized the vital role of women in the freedom struggle and in nation-building. He encouraged women to participate in various political and social movements such as non-cooperation, civil disobedience, salt satyagraha, quit India, etc. He also advocated for women’s education, health, rights, and dignity. He opposed child marriage, dowry, purdah, sati, etc., which he considered as oppressive practices against women. He also supported women’s organizations such as All India Women’s Conference, which worked for women’s welfare and emancipation
These constructive programmes not only contributed to the social reform and economic development of India, but also prepared the ground for mass mobilization and civil resistance against British colonialism. They also reflected Gandhi’s vision of Swaraj or self-rule, which was not merely political independence, but also moral awakening and social transformation.