gandhi In his own words during 1940-1947

South Asia Since 1500

Akanksha Sharma

3091807

Page | 7

RTP Presentation

Character – Gandhian (A)

Instructor: Dr. Emma Alexander

I, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi stand before you all to narrate my story. Today I’ll share my experience of what I have been through and felt about my actions during 40s. We all know that our journey of independence is not going easy. With my ideologies and believes in the power of truth and non-violence it makes it more difficult for me to co-op with situations. With the growing hatred and war like surroundings it is getting hard to make people adopt non-violence act. My reasons for adopting these policies is a sight of getting independence with peace, no blood shed and no partition.

I never wished or wanted to see Indians separated based on their religion. Because of my desire to see a secular India I opposed Poona pact. I thought if B.R. Ambedkar’s proposal for separate electoral system got accepted, they might adopt the same path of non-violence that Muslims embraced. (Vinkat, 2016) To oppose the pact fasting was the truthful and most non-violent way.

As the years passed it got more difficult to make people choose non-violence over violence. First four years have been very unhappy because of the war experiences. I lead many movements during the period like satyagraha, mass civil disobedience movement. During civil disobedience when situation got violent after my arrest it made me realize that even if I was free, I wouldn’t have been able to impose non-violence policy on everyone. After we got the release the viceroy came up with a proposal to which I felt congress committee and other leaders could respond to the proposal. During the Simla conference I didn’t serve as a delegate but was consulted by the Congress Working Committee and Viceroy. I believed there were more important matters that needed my attention.

At last I would just like to say that I always keep my eye on truth and non-violence while speaking, writing and doing anything else. According to me it’s the best possible way to live and gain independence. I know I won’t be able to make people adopt my ideologies, but this will not stop me from trying. Always remember that in a gentle way we can shake the world.

Thankyou for listening