Que. Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.
असहयोग आन्दोलन एवं सविनय अवज्ञा आन्दोलन के दौरान महात्मा गाँधी के रचनात्मक कार्यक्रमों को स्पष्ट कीजिए।
Structure of the Answer
(i) Introduction: Mention the importance of Mahatma Gandhi’s “constructive programmes” in shaping the broader socio-political fabric during the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements.
(ii) Main Body: Explain Gandhi’s “constructive programmes” during the two movements, dividing them into socio-economic, political, and social reforms that contributed to the broader struggle for “swaraj.”
(iii) Conclusion: Conclude by emphasizing the lasting impact of these constructive efforts on India’s journey toward “self-reliance” and “social reform”.
Introduction
Mahatma Gandhi’s “constructive programmes” during the Non-Cooperation (1920-22) and Civil Disobedience (1930-34) Movements were crucial in empowering society, promoting “self-reliance,” and laying the foundation for “socio-economic” and “political” reforms aimed at achieving “swaraj.”
Constructive Programmes during Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)
(i) Promotion of Khadi and Swadeshi: Gandhi encouraged the production and use of “khadi” as a symbol of self-reliance and resistance against “British goods,” urging Indians to boycott foreign products and revive village industries.
(ii) National Education and Boycott of Colonial Institutions: The Non-Cooperation Movement advocated for the boycott of British-run “schools” and universities, leading to the establishment of “indigenous” educational institutions like “Jamia Millia Islamia” and “Kashi Vidyapeeth.”
(iii) Hindu-Muslim Unity through Khilafat: Gandhi allied with the “Khilafat Movement” to promote Hindu-Muslim unity, seeing this alliance as critical to building a united front against British colonial rule and fostering “communal harmony.”
(iv) Campaign for Untouchability Abolition: Though early in its stages, Gandhi emphasized “social reform” by addressing the evil of “untouchability” during the Non-Cooperation Movement, highlighting the need for equality in the fight for freedom.
(v) Promotion of Nonviolence (Ahimsa) and Truth (Satyagraha): Gandhi’s insistence on “nonviolence” and “truth” as foundational principles of the movement aimed to morally uplift individuals while creating a peaceful yet powerful resistance to colonial oppression.
Constructive Programmes during Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934)
(i) Salt Satyagraha and Economic Decentralization: The Salt March symbolized Gandhi’s belief in economic “self-reliance” and defiance against oppressive British taxation, encouraging local production of “salt” and rejecting unjust colonial laws.
(ii) Harijan Upliftment and Social Equality: Gandhi intensified efforts to eradicate “untouchability,” launching the “Harijan” movement, opening temples, and working to integrate the marginalized “Dalits” into mainstream society, focusing on “social justice.”
(iii) Village Industries and Rural Upliftment: Gandhi’s focus on reviving “village industries” like weaving, handicrafts, and small-scale agriculture aimed at promoting economic “self-sufficiency” and curbing urban migration, making villages the hub of “economic activity.”
(iv) Women’s Participation and Empowerment: Women were mobilized in large numbers during the Civil Disobedience Movement, engaging in “picketing,” making “salt,” and promoting “khadi,” highlighting Gandhi’s vision of “gender equality” in the independence struggle.
(v) Establishment of Panchayati Raj and Local Self-Governance: Gandhi advocated for decentralized governance through “Panchayati Raj,” aiming to empower villages to manage their own affairs, a key step towards achieving “swaraj” at the grassroots level.
Broader Constructive Programmes Beyond Movements
(i) Sanitation and Public Health Initiatives: Gandhi stressed the importance of “cleanliness” and “sanitation” as a critical aspect of self-discipline and community welfare, linking personal hygiene to social well-being and nation-building.
(ii) Literacy and Adult Education Campaigns: Gandhi believed that “education” was key to empowerment, promoting adult literacy drives, especially in rural areas, to develop a self-aware and responsible citizenry essential for “self-rule.”
(iii) Hindu-Muslim Reconciliation: To counteract British policies of “divide and rule,” Gandhi persistently worked towards communal harmony, advocating for Hindu-Muslim reconciliation as essential for a united “nationalist movement.”
(iv) Boycott of British Goods and Institutions: Both movements saw a strong focus on the boycott of “British goods,” “institutions,” and titles, signaling economic and political non-cooperation as tools of “constructive resistance” against colonial power.
(v) Building a Nonviolent Resistance: Gandhi’s promotion of “ahimsa” became the bedrock of India’s freedom struggle, shaping a moral and ethical framework for resistance that emphasized peaceful defiance and constructive nation-building.
Conclusion
Mahatma Gandhi’s “constructive programmes” during the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements were vital in fostering “self-reliance,” “social reform,” and a collective sense of purpose, laying the foundation for India’s successful fight for “swaraj.” Through these initiatives, Gandhi not only weakened British control but also instilled long-term “social consciousness” among the masses, preparing them for both political independence and societal “transformation.”
