Licchavi Lyceum

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Licchavi Lyceum

What were the major changes that Mahatma Gandhi brought in public life in India?

Q. What were the major changes that Mahatma Gandhi brought in public life in India?

Ans: Mahatma Gandhi’s entry into Indian public life marked a transformational shift in the nature of political engagement, social reform, and ethical leadership. He redefined the freedom struggle by making it mass-based, morally anchored, and inclusive of marginalized voices.

Major Changes Introduced by Gandhi

  • Mass Mobilization of Politics
    • Shifted the nationalist movement from elite-led petitions to grassroots participation.
    • Involved peasants, workers, women, and tribal communities through movements like Champaran Satyagraha, Kheda, and Salt March.
  • Ethical and Non-Violent Resistance
    • Introduced Satyagraha and Ahimsa as tools of protest, emphasizing moral persuasion over coercion.
    • Rejected violent methods, making civil disobedience a moral duty against unjust laws.
  • Constructive Programme and Social Reform
    • Advocated for eradication of untouchability, promotion of khadi, and village self-reliance.
    • Championed women’s participation, sanitation, and education reforms.
  • Fusion of Religion and Politics
    • Brought spiritual values into public life, promoting truth, simplicity, and self-restraint.
    • Encouraged interfaith harmony, especially Hindu-Muslim unity through Khilafat and communal peace efforts.
  • Decentralization and Swaraj
    • Emphasized local governance, empowering Panchayats and rural institutions.
    • Rejected Western models of industrialization in favor of sustainable village economies.

In conclusion, Gandhi’s legacy lies in transforming public life into a moral and participatory space, where truth, justice, and social equity became the cornerstones of India’s democratic journey.

Read: OPSC Notes