Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Mahatma Gandhi’s political strategy was deeply rooted in the concept of ‘Satyagraha’ – a philosophy of non-violent resistance. Integral to this approach were ‘constructive programmes’ aimed at self-reliance and social transformation, designed to empower Indians and weaken the foundations of British rule. These programmes weren’t merely adjuncts to political movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM) and the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), but were considered essential for achieving ‘Purna Swaraj’ (complete independence). While both movements saw the implementation of these programmes, their scope and emphasis evolved reflecting the changing political climate and Gandhi’s own evolving understanding of India’s needs.
Constructive Programmes during the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)
The NCM, launched in the wake of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, saw Gandhi advocating for a boycott of foreign goods, promotion of Swadeshi, and the revival of indigenous industries. Key programmes included:
- Swadeshi & Boycott: Emphasis on using locally made goods and rejecting British products, particularly textiles. This aimed to cripple the British economy and promote Indian industries.
- Khadi Promotion: Gandhi championed Khadi (hand-spun cloth) as a symbol of self-reliance and national identity. Charkha (spinning wheel) became a central symbol.
- National Education: Establishment of ‘National Schools’ and ‘National Colleges’ to provide an alternative to British-controlled education, focusing on Indian culture and values. Jamia Millia Islamia was a prominent example.
- Social Reform: Efforts to remove untouchability, promote Hindu-Muslim unity, and encourage temperance.
- Boycott of Law Courts, Government Services & Educational Institutions: This was a direct challenge to British authority.
Constructive Programmes during the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934)
The CDM, triggered by the Salt Satyagraha, witnessed a broadening of the constructive programmes. While the core elements of Swadeshi and Khadi remained, new initiatives were added:
- Salt Satyagraha: The symbolic defiance of the salt laws, highlighting the oppressive nature of British rule and mobilizing mass participation.
- Charkha Production & Village Industries: Increased focus on developing village industries beyond Khadi, including oil pressing, soap making, and leather work, to provide economic alternatives.
- Basic Education (Buniyadi Talim): Gandhi advocated for a system of education rooted in manual labour and practical skills, aiming to make education self-sufficient and relevant to rural life. Zakir Hussain played a key role in developing this concept.
- Harijan Welfare: Intensified efforts to uplift the ‘untouchables’ (Harijans) through social and economic reforms, including opening temples to them and promoting their education.
- Peace Efforts: Gandhi actively worked to quell communal tensions and promote peace between different religious communities.
Comparison and Differences
| Feature | Non-Cooperation Movement | Civil Disobedience Movement |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Boycott of British institutions & goods | Direct defiance of unjust laws & self-sufficiency |
| Scope of Swadeshi | Primarily textiles (Khadi) | Expanded to include diverse village industries |
| Education | National Schools & Colleges | Basic Education (Buniyadi Talim) – more practical & labour-oriented |
| Social Reform | Initial efforts towards untouchability & unity | Intensified focus on Harijan welfare & communal harmony |
The CDM’s programmes were more comprehensive and aimed at building a self-sufficient rural economy, while the NCM was more focused on immediate political resistance through boycotts. Gandhi’s understanding of the need for fundamental social change deepened between the two movements, leading to a greater emphasis on Harijan welfare and basic education in the CDM.
Conclusion
Gandhi’s constructive programmes were not merely symbolic gestures but a deliberate strategy to empower Indians at the grassroots level and challenge the legitimacy of British rule. While the NCM laid the foundation for self-reliance, the CDM expanded upon these initiatives, focusing on building a more just and equitable society. These programmes, though not fully successful in achieving immediate political goals, left a lasting legacy of social reform and economic self-sufficiency, influencing subsequent movements for independence and development in India.
Answer Length
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