Abstract MahatmaGandhi was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, a charismatic
leader who brought the cause of India's independence from the British colonial rule to the attention of the world. This paper examines how he was a pacifist, a human rights activist and mental leader of the Indian movement of independence, which, in 1947, introduced the concept of a non-violent resistance to end the British colonial rule of India. It also discusses how Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence, which he termed satyagraha, influenced nationalist and international movements for peaceful change.
From the Paper "Gandhi's concept or advocacy of nonviolent resistance to authority has proved effective in certain governments, especially in dictatorial governments in Southeast Asia. In 1986 in the Philippines, people in the streets gathered around the military headquarters to protect the rebelling soldiers from the attack of the established government. This was a celebrated event called EDSA People Power 1 known and watched the world over. It led to the eventual surrender of the dictator President Ferdinand Marcos and the installation of Corazon Aquino into the presidency. Henry David Thoreau's civil disobedience method was used in the successful and nearly bloodless popular revolution."
Abstract This paper looks at the life of one of the most influential Hindu figures of the 19th and 20th centuries, MahatmaGandhi. It examines how Gandhi's life was guided by a search for truth and how he believed that truth could be known only through tolerance and concern for others. It shows how he dedicated himself to truth, to nonviolence, to poverty, and to honesty, and how he believed in "Ahimsa" or nonviolence, and taught that to be truly nonviolent required great courage.
From the Paper "The most influential factor in Gandhi's philosophical development was religion. Gandhi did believe in God, and his religion is Hinduism. "My religion is Hinduism, which for me is the religion of humanity and includes the best of all the religions known to me" (Gandhi, Para1). Gandhi inherited Hinduism from his parents, but he was more influnced by the religion through reading many books. ?It was thanks to his theosophist friends that Gandhi started learning about his own religion, by reading the Bhagavad-Gita Gita, which he was ashamed of never having read, in the original, either in the original Sanskrit or in a Gujarati translation, and which he now tackled eagerly in Sir Edwin Arnold's popular English translation."
Abstract This paper analyzes the leadership style of MahatmaGandhi, and how his life experiences helped him develop into an effective leader. The paper also describes his reliance on the principles of nonviolence and civil disobedience in his fight for the independence of India.
From the Paper "One of the most remarkable and inspirational figures of the twentieth century, Mahatma Gandhi, became an influential political and spiritual leader not only in his native India but across the globe. His reliance on the principles of nonviolence and civil disobedience inspired millions as he helped to promote the cause of Indian independence and served as an advocate for all who suffered without a voice. Certainly, the events of Gandhi's early life were crucial in the development of his leadership skills and enabled him to become a charismatic figure..."
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the life of MahatmaGandhi. Specifically, it focuses on Gandhi's perception of his religion and civilization and how these perceptions, in turn, led to his triumph over the British Empire and later to the independence of India. It also takes into account significant figures, such as Nehru and Jinnah, when analyzing certain aspects of Gandhi's decisions.
From the Paper "Mahatma (Mohandas Karamchand) Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869. His parents were well to do by Indian standards, and he was the last of four children. At the time, India was split between her Hindu past, and a distinctly English future. English was the official language of the country, and English innovations such as railroads were beginning to criss-cross the country. The Gandhi family was non-conformist, and spoke out against English oppression, so Gandhi's desire for peaceful revolution may have begun when he was very young. The family was also very religious, and worshipped Vishnu through the religion Vaishnava. Gandhi began all his major activities with a Hindu hymn to Vaishnava (Muzumdar 6-7). In the Indian tradition, Gandhi was married at the age of thirteen to Kasturbi, another thirteen-year-old. They had four children in twelve years, before Gandhi took a vow of sexual abstinence."
Abstract This paper discusses the book "Gandhi: His Life and Message for the World" by Louis Fisher. The paper analyzes MahatmaGandhi's life and contributions to the concept of passive resistance and peace activism. It describes how the choices that Gandhi made throughout his life may have affected his family, particularly his wife. Finally, the paper reviews and grades the book by Fisher.
From the Paper "Some aspects of Gandhi's personal life, such as his celibacy, are also addressed, and it is not clear how they may have affected the life of his wife. The impact of Gandhi's life upon those who loved him, although this is addressed, is given short shrift at times. Gandhi was married at age thirteen. (Fisher, p.10) He lived with the same woman all of his life, although he made a vow to become celibate at age thirty-seven, and to refuse to employ an untouchable to conduct such household chores as emptying a chamber pot. How these decisions may have affected his wife goes largely unmentioned. Gandhi saw himself as belonging to the public, not to his family, although the author engages in some psychological speculation, wondering if Gandhi felt some guilt about his sexuality. (Fisher, p.32)"
A comparative analysis of the concept of civil disobedience in MahatmaGandhi's "The Salt March" with Plato's "Crito" and King's "Letter from the Birmingham Jail".
2,150 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 5 sources, 2002, $ 80.95
Abstract This paper will use the "Salt March" of MahatmaGandhi in 1930 as an example of civil disobedience to be analyzed with respect to the theoretical models outlined in Plato's Crito and King's "Letter from the Birmingham Jail". It will be argued that, while there exist strong arguments against civil disobedience - most notably that it often leads to violence and civil unrest - often such acts are justified, as was Gandhi's, as a means of last resort.
Abstract This paper discusses the views of MahatmaGandhi and how he would see the situation in Africa, and especially Darfur, today. The paper looks at affirmative action programs in Africa and their shortcomings as well as the problem of leadership in Darfur, the economic problems there, and the ongoing ethnic conflict. The paper concludes that, were Gandhi alive today, he would be very sad to see what the world has become, not just in South Africa but almost everywhere as people even in so-called 'civilized' countries fight their battles with fists and knives and guns instead of with words.
From the Paper "Most of these deaths seem to have taken place not from fighting but simply from starvation. People over there make little money of any kind in most cases and they have little to eat. There is often no electricity or clean, running water, and their life expectancies are nowhere near what ours in the United States are. These are the people who Gandhi tried to help the most - the peasant class who essentially had nothing but their spirituality and their beliefs. To stand up to a government takes a lot of bravery, but Gandhi did not believe in fighting."
An essay looking at whether MahatmaGandhi's methods for liberating India from British colonization were truly the best methods that could have been employed.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 3 sources, 2006, $ 62.95
Abstract Almost everyone has heard of M. K. Gandhi. His name is still spoken with respect in most parts of the world, and with this respect goes the understanding that he liberated India from the yoke of British colonization. In addition most people are aware that Gandhi utilized peaceful means to achieve this liberation, which of course adds to the mystique of Gandhi as one of the great men of history. This paper questions whether Gandhi's methods were the best that could have been used and whether the outcome was in fact in the best interests of India.
This paper discusses the life and work of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, known as Mahatma "Great Soul" Gandhi because of his many successful campaigns to gain India's independence from the British Empire.
Abstract This paper explains that Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, known as MahatmaGandhi, utilized non-violence as the great "weapon of the strong", which he used to unite the Hindus and Muslim within India to gain independence from the British Empire. The author points out that, in his fight towards separation from the empire, he also fought for the rights of landless farmers and poor farm owners who were forced to grow Indigo or other cash crops, which were exported to the Empire, instead of food, causing mass hunger within these small communities. The paper states that Gandhi's influence within the Indian National Congress was almost indisputable because he was considered the father of India and the leader of the Hindu society.
From the Paper "In 1893, he was offered a one year contract to practice as an attorney in Natal, South Africa, this experience launched his humanitarian campaign. Mohandas K. Gandhi life changed drastically when he went through many hardships and oppressive experiences through the courts and see the Indian population in South Africa. When he worked on one of his cases in Durban, South Africa, he suffered a great humiliation in court when he was ordered to remove his turban he decided from that day that he would become a catalyst towards the injustice being done to the Indian population."
Abstract This paper looks at how Gandhi used non-violence and peaceful protest as a weapon against British Imperial Rule throughout the early twentieth century. The paper looks at key events such as the Quit India protest, the two World Wars and the involvement of Irish nationalists. Gandhi's actions are considered within the global events that shaped Britian's ability to take action against Gandhi: Gandhi was not the only reason the British eventually left India!
From the Paper "Throughout the ages mankind often instinctively turns to the use of violence to defeat an enemy. Violence is part and parcel of the culture of human beings. And yet one of the greatest freedom struggles in modern history was apparently won through the specific rejection of violence, and the active use of a policy of non-violence. That struggle was between the Indian independence movement and the British colonial administration. At the head of that independence movement was Mahatma Gandhi, a simple Indian who held no office or great wealth, and yet was able to unite a whole subcontinent against the British Empire. Not only that, but he did it in such a peaceful, virtuous way that he made the British question their own morals and eventually forced them out of India. This is the general version that is recorded in history. However, this version of events generally ignores the other forces that influenced the British to withdraw from the Empire in India. Here we will critically examine the view that the use of non-violence was the main reason for the ending of British rule in India, by examining the true organizational nature of non-violent civil disobedience and other events, British and global."
Tags: independence, Mohandas, Mahatma, Hindu, passive, resistance, campaigns, defense, Raja, Viceroy, Lord, Irwin, World, War, II
Abstract The paper explores Gandhi's youth and background. The paper documents the influence of his mother, his educational achievements and his growth in self-awareness. The paper describes his development in South Africa and his use of non-violent political strategies in achieving India's independence from foreign domination. The paper discusses how Gandhi changed the social structure in India and proved to the whole world what great things a life of love and sacrifice could accomplish. The paper portrays how his life was the embodiment of commitment and moral courage and contends that his conviction that passive resistance could be powerful, was proven. The paper concludes that there will never be another Gandhi, but there will always be people who will change the world and make it a better place.
Outline:
Introduction
Gandhi's Youth: His Growth in Self-Awareness
Gandhi's Development in South Africa
India's Independence
Conclusion
From the Paper "In 1944 Albert Einstein said, "Generations to come, it may be, will scarcely believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon earth." He was talking about Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi's real name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. His followers called him Mahatma (or Great Soul) as though it were his first name. In India he is also Father of the Nation (Wikipedia, 2006). Because Gandhi was such a complex person, it is difficult to try to capture who he really was."
An examination of how Gandhi became a world leader, in light of the criteria in John Maxwell's book, "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You."
Abstract This paper provides a short biography of MahatmaGandhi and discusses some of the major influences on his life and the events, such as his firsthand experience of social injustice, that contributed to his development into a world leader. The writer explains how his beliefs about how society should exist and how such a society could be created developed over many years. By pointing out Gandhi's adherence to each of the laws in John Maxwell's "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You," the paper shows how exemplary his leadership was.
Outline:
Introduction
Background Info
How Gandhi became a World leader
Gandhi and the Irrefutable Laws
Conclusion
From the Paper "Although the case he worked was completed in a matter of months, Gandhi observed and experienced the treatment of Indian people in South Africa and ended up living in South Africa for many years. Gandhi formed an organization in South Africa that was charged with the purpose of assisting Indian people living in South Africa. It was at this time that Gandhi really began to emerge as a leader. He organized the Indian community in South Africa as it pertained to fighting for their rights. It was also at this time that Gandhi began to develop the philosophy of non-violent civil disobedience."
Tags: respect, Civil Rights, freedom government plague Tibet caste laborer lawmaker
Abstract Civil Disobedience is an essay that traces how Indian leader MahatmasGandhi applied David Henry Thoreau's essay, "Civil Disobedience" to his own philsophies and modes of resistance.
Explores issues of morality, happiness, and duty through the writings of MahatmaGandhi, Gotthold Ephraim Lessing and Svetlana Palmer, and Sarah Wallis.
Abstract This paper examines and compares MahatmaGandhi's work, "Hind Swaraj", Gotthold Ephraim Lessing's play, "Nathan the Wise", and Svetlana Palmer and Sara Wallis' book, "Intimate Voices from the First World War", in an effort to explore how these philosophers viewed issues of morality, happiness, and duty. After examining each of the works, the paper poses the question, "is there happiness in fulfilling ones duty?". The paper then answers that each man has to determine that for himself.
From the Paper "Gandhi was a true believer in the laws of karma. Causation and retribution he believed linked all people together. He believed that through an action there is personal growth and moral awareness. Gandhi firmly believed that man reaps what he sows. One of his most famous quotes reflecting how man should behave is as follows: "An eye for an eye is a terrible way to blind the world." How does this relate to happiness, duty and morality? Morality is easy to see in Gandhi's ideology."
Tags: non-violence country friendship sacrifice, free will
Abstract This paper explores different facets of Gandhi's leadership which include his strong religious beliefs and spirituality, his accomplishments in social theory, as well as his achievement in gaining India's independence from Britain during the Twentieth Century. In addition, Gandhi strived for peace and nonviolent means to end conflict, and many movements of the past century, including the Civil Rights Movement and the anti-apartheid campaign of South Africa, were inspired by Gandhi.
From the Paper "Mahatma Gandhi was born into a respected Hindu family on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, India (Frost 33). His parents Karamehand and Putlibai were convinced that their son was a gifted child and would become a heroic figure within the course of his lifetime (Frost 33). Although he was small and timid, he was confident and determined, but it would take some time for Gandhi to come out of his shell in order to develop into the leader he later became. As a result of Indian tradition, Gandhi married at age thirteen, and he considered sex to be a dirty act; therefore, he engaged in a life of chastity, although he and his wife did bear several children (Frost 33). During his teenage years, Gandhi was determined to make a name for himself in the world. His parents shipped him to London to study law at age eighteen, and at first, he desired to become an elite member of the Victorian empire (Frost 33). However, as time passed, Gandhi became discouraged by Victorian rule and began to focus his efforts on God, becoming acquainted with three key players in his quest for truth: author John Ruskin, novelist Leo Tolstoy, and Raychandbhai, a religious instructor of the Jain religion (Frost 33). Eventually, Gandhi developed a new form of religion named Gandhism, which renounced Westernization, industrialization, and materialism (Frost 33)."
