IGNOU MGPE - 007 Non-Violence Movements after Gandhi Notes In ENGLISH Medium

Q1 - Explain the leadership and structure of peaceful movement in India.

OR

Discuss the leadership and organisational pattern in post-Gandhi non-violent movements.

Answer

Introduction

In India, the tradition of peaceful movements began under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, where non-violence, satyagraha and public participation were made the core foundation of the movement. Even after independence, this tradition continued, but the leadership and structure of these movements began to change. In the non-violent movements after Gandhi, leadership was no longer limited to a single individual but was shared among local communities, social workers, and organizations. At the same time, the organizational structure of these movements became more decentralized and flexible. According to Gandhiji - "Ahimsa is the greatest religion," and true struggle is that which is without violence. He also said, "Ahimsa is the greatest strength of a human being; it is more powerful than any weapon."

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Leadership and structure of peaceful movement in India:

1. Gandhi's Leadership: Based on Ideas and Relationships - Mahatma Gandhi's leadership was not based merely on delivering speeches or displaying power, but on his ideas and the deep relationships he built with people. He understood the emotions and problems of common people. He did not treat leadership as a way to give orders, but as a means of service and dialogue. He personally shared in the pain and suffering of the people, and from there, the movement found its direction. Gandhi's leadership was such that followers were not just those who walked behind, but thoughtful and understanding companions.

2. The Structural Framework of Peaceful Movement in India - Gandhi ji established a clear and strong structural framework for the peaceful movement. It included two levels on one side were the common people who were emotionally connected to his image, and on the other side were the ashram residents who strengthened the movement through discipline and service. Gandhi maintained constant contact with the public through speeches, joumeys, and letters. The ashrams were the centers of planning, from where the strategies of the movement were prepared.

Leadership and organizational patterns in post-Gandhi nonviolent movements:

The Nature of Leadership: Continuity and Innovation in Gandhism

1. Vinoba Bhave: A Carrier of Gandhian Ideology-Vinoba was considered the moral representative of Gandhi. Through the Bhoodan Movement, he initiated the tradition of voluntary land donation, in which land was voluntarily taken from wealthy landlords and distributed among poor farmers. His leadership was marked by silence, inner discipline, and moral firmness, which was an extension of Gandhi's constructive programs.
2. Jayaprakash Narayan: From Political Thought to Moral Revolution - Jayaprakash Narayan began his political career with Marxist ideologies, but later he was drawn towards Gandhian philosophy. In 1954, he joined the Sarvodaya movement and gave the call for "Total Revolution," which demanded deep transformation in the social, political, and economic spheres.
3. Other Prominent Leaders Integration of Diverse Ideas : After Gandhi ji, many thoughtful leaders and activists carried forward his principles in various fields. People like K.G. Mashruwala, Dada Dharmadhikari, Shankarrao Dev, and Dhirendra Majumdar made active contributions in the fields of education, village industries, environment, and social justice. They did not confine Gandhism only to politics but applied it to every sphere of society.

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Organisational Pattern: Decentralisation, Ashrams and Global Connectivity

1. Gandhian Ashrams: Pillars of the Movement

Ashrams based on Gandhiji's ideals, such as Wardha and Madurai, served as centers for education, service, and experimentation for activists. Movements like Bhoodan, Peace Mission, and Shanti Sena were associated with these ashrams. These ashrams became a strong foundation not only for ideology but also for social service and organization.

2. Independent Peace Initiatives:

Engagement with New Social Sectors Women, students,
journalists, and environmental activists carried out peaceful protests on various social issues. They raised their voices against militarization, human rights violations, and flawed development. Even though there was a lack of unity among them, they certainly created new awareness and consciousness in society.

3. Global networking and training-based organizations -

Organizations like 'Peace Brigades
International operated training centers in India to teach peace and non-violence. These led to interactions and joint programs with people from around the world. At the same time, anti-nuclear movements inspired people to think about and question India's energy policy and military expenditures.

Conclusion

The non-violent movements that followed Gandhi not only kept his ideas alive but also gave them a new form and direction in the changing socio-political context. This tradition is still the basis of the moral consciousness of India's civil society.

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