Satyagraha

Satyagraha is a form of nonviolent resistance or civil resistance. The term was coined and developed by Mahatma Gandhi (originally called Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi). He deployed satyagraha in the Indian independence movement and also during his earlier struggles in South Africa. The word satyagraha itself was derived from "satya" (truth) and "agraha" (polite insistence, or firmness).

Etymology

The term "satyagraha" translates to "insistence on truth" (satya: "truth"; agraha: "insistence" or "holding firmly to"). For Gandhi, satyagraha went far beyond mere "passive resistance" and became strength in practising non-violent methods. In his words, satyagraha is "a force which is born of truth and love or non-violence."

Philosophy

Gandhi conceptualized satyagraha as a way to resist and oppose tyranny and oppression through nonviolent resistance. He believed that achieving truth through love and non-violence is the most effective way as opposed to using violence. The philosophy of satyagraha asserts that through non-violence, a person can convert an opponent, creating a situation where there is no loser but rather a mutual victory.

Principles

The principles of satyagraha, as outlined by Gandhi, include:

• Nonviolence (Ahimsa)
• Truth – this includes honesty, but goes beyond it to mean living fully in accordance with and in devotion to that which is true
• Non-stealing
• Chastity (Brahmacharya)
• Non-possession (not to be confused with poverty)
• Body-labor or bread-labor
• Control of the palate
• Fearlessness
• Equal respect for all religions
• Economic strategy such as boycott of imported goods and emphasis on swadeshi products

Methods

Satyagraha advocates the use of non-violent resistance, which could include non-cooperation, civil disobedience, and other forms of peaceful resistance. The most famous examples include Gandhi's protests against the Salt Tax through the Salt March, and his calls for the British to Quit India. These methods aimed to achieve specific political objectives, such as independence from British rule in India, while adhering to the principles of non-violence.

Impact

The philosophy and tactics of satyagraha had a profound impact on the global struggle for civil rights and freedoms. It inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world, including the American civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King Jr., and the fight against apartheid in South Africa led by Nelson Mandela.

Legacy

Today, satyagraha remains a potent tool for social and political change, and its principles are practiced by many in various movements around the world seeking justice and equality. The legacy of satyagraha demonstrates the power of truth and non-violence and continues to inspire new generations in the fight against injustice.