UPSC Issue at a Glance is a new initiative of UPSC Essentials to focus your prelims and mains exam preparation on an issue that has been in the news. Every Thursday, cover a new topic in Q&A format and don’t miss MCQs, Points to Ponder and key takeaways. Also, don’t forget to check the answers to MCQs towards the end of the article. This week’s topic is Gandhi's Philosophy in Constitution and Government Policies. Let’s get started! If you missed last week’s UPSC Issue at a Glance | Antimicrobial Resistance and India: 4 Key Questions You Must Know for Prelims and Mains from the Indian Express, read it here. What is the issue? India Wednesday marked the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the revered leader of the nation’s freedom struggle. The International Day of Non-Violence was also observed on 2 October to commemorate Gandhi's birthday and his philosophy and strategy of non-violence. Even after the years of independence, Gandhi's relevance remains strong. In today's world, the importance of Gandhian philosophy in economy, environment, governance, and foreign policy is paramount. From the constitution of India to various government policies, the influence of Gandhi’s philosophy can be observed. UPSC Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: History of India and Indian National Movement Mains Examination: GS-I: The Freedom Struggle —its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country, and personalities. (Also, the UPSC Civil Services Examination often asks questions about Gandhi and Gandhian principles in the Essay, Ethics and Polity papers.) Other areas of relevance: UPSC Aspirants will find it useful in Essays, and Current affairs for their Personality tests. What will you learn from this article? What is Gandhian Philosophy? How is Gandhi's philosophy reflected in the Constitution of India? How have Gandhi’s ideas influenced some of the government policies in independent India? Question 1 What is Gandhian Philosophy? Generations to come, will scarce believe, that such a man as this one, ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth. — Albert Einstein This statement by Albert Einstein effectively captures the impact of Mahatma Gandhi and his philosophy. Einstein was deeply inspired by Gandhi's teachings to the extent that he called him the most enlightened of all the politicians of his time. In this context, let’s delve into understanding the Gandhian Philosophy. 1. Non-violence (Ahimsa): Mahatma Gandhi is known around the world as the apostle of non-violence. “Non-violence,” according to Gandhi, “is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man”. The United Nations defines the term as a rejection of the “use of physical violence to achieve social or political change.” In Gandhi's philosophy, Ahimsa means more than just refraining from physical violence. It also involves avoiding negative mental states like evil thoughts and hatred, as well as unkind behavior such as using harsh words, being dishonest, and lying - all of which Gandhi considered to be forms of violence incompatible with Ahimsa. He viewed Ahimsa as a creative energy force that encompasses all interactions and leads one to discover Satya, or "Divine Truth." Do you know? On June 15, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution to commemorate October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence, with the core objective to “disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.” 2. Satyagraha: Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha, or truth-force, has inspired millions across India and the world. Satyagraha means holding on to the truth by non-violent resistance to evil, by refusing to submit to the wrong. The idea of Satyagraha draws its organic and spiritual energy from truth and non-violence. Akanksha Jha writes— “Gandhi regarded feminine virtues such as tolerance, non-violence, morality, and sacrifice as foundational to his philosophy of Satyagraha or non-violent resistance.” K Aravindakshan writes— “In Gandhi’s satyagraha, the minimum is the maximum.” In his various experiments against colonial forces and creating an alternative to their model of governance, Gandhi put forth values of ahimsa (non-violence) and satya (truth). 3. Self-reliance (Swadeshi): Self-reliance was a key principle of Gandhian philosophy. Mahatma Gandhi wanted India to become self-reliant and prevent Indian money from being diverted to Britain. 4. Sarvodaya: The concept of Sarvodaya is another significant part of Gandhian philosophy. Sarvodaya is a Sanskrit term comprised of two words: "sarva" (all) and "udaya" (uplift), meaning 'the uplift of all', 'the welfare of all', or 'progress of all'. The term was first coined by Gandhi as the title of his 1908 translation of John Ruskin's tract on political economy, "Unto This Last". 5. Swaraj (self-rule) and Gram Swaraj: ‘To be able to live fearlessly’ is how Mahatma Gandhi defined swaraj in Hind Swaraj."Gram Swaraj" is another concept of rural reconstruction proposed by Mahatma Gandhi before India's independence. It focuses on the holistic development of society, placing individuals at the center of the economic system. 6. Trusteeship: Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of Trusteeship is related to the equitable distribution of wealth and alleviation of poverty. According to Gandhi, to accumulate things beyond our requirements is a type of ‘robbery’ as by doing this, we are depriving someone else of those things. This is also a type of violence. Nature is naturally balanced. Nature does not discriminate. His basic philosophy was that nature has provided sufficiently for everyone. There is enough for everyone’s needs, but not for everyone’s greed. There is a need to distinguish between ‘need’ and ‘want’. If everyone took only what they ‘needed’ there would be no shortage and no poverty. Points to Ponder: — How did Gandhi describe ‘women as the embodiment of sacrifice and ahimsa’? Question 2: How is Gandhi's philosophy reflected in the Constitution of India? Mahatma Gandhi played a crucial role in the establishment of the Constituent Assembly and was a significant influence on the Constitution of India. On examining the Constitution, one can see how Gandhi's philosophy is reflected in the Indian Constitution. 1. Fundamental Rights: The rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution reflect Gandhian ideas. Part III of the Constitution includes articles aimed at combating discrimination (Article 15), eradicating untouchability (Article 17), promoting secularism (Article 25), and safeguarding minority interests (Articles 29-30). Additionally, the Constitution (Eighty-sixth Amendment) Act of 2002 introduced Article 21A, which mandates the state to provide free and compulsory education to all children aged six to fourteen years, thereby promoting education. 2. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): DPSPs, provided under Part IV of the Constitution of India, incorporate some of the ideas envisioned by Gandhi for the comprehensive development of the country. Such as: Article 39 aims to secure the equal right to livelihood and resources and discourages the concentration of wealth. Article 40 envisages the implementation of village panchayats. Article 43 promotes cottage industries on an individual or cooperation basis in rural areas. Article 43B promotes voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control and professional management of cooperative societies. Article 46 intends to uphold the educational and economic interests of weaker sections. Article 47 encourages the state to make policies to prohibit the consumption of intoxicants. Article 48 says that "State shall take steps for preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter, of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle." 3. Panchayati Raj System: One of Gandhi’s strongest beliefs was in the importance of self-governance at the village level. This inspired India’s Panchayati Raj system. Gandhi’s full quote, from a 1946 issue of Harijan magazine, reads: “Independence must mean that of the people of India, not of those who are today ruling over them… Independence must begin at the bottom. Thus, every village will be a republic or Panchayat having full powers. It follows, therefore, that every village has to be self-sustained and capable of managing its affairs even to the extent of defending itself against the whole world.” He often championed the idea of a Panchayati Raj setup, where local people participate in the functioning of their villages – in improving the condition of schools, roadways, and water bodies. Gandhi’s idea of “Gram Swaraj” has been incorporated into our constitution as Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) and in Part IX under the Panchayats. The Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992, vested constitutional status on Panchayati Raj institutions. Points to Ponder: — How Gandhi's principle of non-violence and peaceful coexistence has influenced India's foreign and domestic policy? Question 3: How have Gandhi’s ideas influenced some of the government policies in independent India? The world today is experiencing paradoxical forces - the rise of knowledge economies, an increasing youth population, and globalization, alongside challenges like violent conflicts, deteriorating peace, and climate change. The need to build peaceful and inclusive societies for a sustainable future has never been greater. At this time, the values and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi are more crucial than ever before. Over the past years, both central and state governments have undertaken various projects, schemes, regulations, and acts to fulfill the vision of Mahatma Gandhi. Such as: 1. Swachh Bharat Mission: Mahatma Gandhi emphasised on swachhta as which ensures healthy life and society. For Gandhi, the drive for cleanliness in society was an integral part of the process in bringing about a casteless and free society. “Everyone is his own scavenger,” said Gandhi, reiterating the fact that the need for making cleanliness a personal responsibility was key to removing untouchability. Sanitation was also considered a necessity by Gandhi in order to remove the label attached to Indians being in need for the West’s civilising mission. Swaraj can only be had by clean, brave people,” wrote Gandhi in an article titled “Our insanitation”. Keeping this in mind, the Indian government launched the Swachh Bharat Mission on October 2, 2014. The mission covers all rural and urban areas. The urban component of the mission is implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and the rural component by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. 2. MGNREGA: Several government initiatives, such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), embody Gandhi’s belief in uplifting rural areas. This flagship programme guarantees 100 days of wage employment to rural households, focusing on unskilled manual labour. It provides economic security to rural households and enhances their purchasing power through promoting self-sufficiency in villages. 3.Make in India: Gandhi spoke about "swadeshi" during the freedom struggle. Today, in the era of globalization, the "Make In India" initiative by the government aims to boost manufacturing in India and establish the country as a global manufacturing hub. This initiative is based on Gandhi's idea of self-reliance and swadeshi. Government schemes, from cleanliness to food security, education, and universal banking, are all in the spirit of Gandhi. Post Read Questions Prelims (1) Consider the following statements with regard to the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin): 1.It was launched on 2nd October 2014. 2. It aimed to ensure cleanliness in rural areas through Solid and Liquid Waste Management activities and make India Open Defecation Free (ODF) in Five Years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (2) Consider the following statements with regard to the "Make in India": 1. “Make in India” was designed to transform India into a global hub for design and manufacturing. 2. The “Make in India” was launched on September 25, 2014. Which of the statements given above is/are not correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Mains (1) “In the 20th century, Gandhi reinvented a very original ethics-led philosophical way of life.” Comment. (2) “Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.” (UPSC CSE 2018) (3) How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2015) Prelims Answer Key 1. (c) 2. (d) (Source: Mahatma at the UN (IE), The Gandhian ideal of satyagraha (IE), unesco.org, Hind Swaraj’s healing touch, mkgandhi.org, When Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘Every village has to become a self-sufficient republic’ (IE), Swachh Bharat: How Mahatma Gandhi became torchbearer for cleanliness) PREVIOUS UPSC ISSUE AT A GLANCE UPSC Issue at a Glance | India’s Semiconductor Push: 4 Key Questions You Must Know for Prelims and Mains UPSC Issue at a Glance | Delhi Chief Minister and LG: 4 Key Questions You Must Know for Prelims and Mains UPSC Issue at a Glance | Lateral entry and civil service reforms: 4 Key Questions You Must Know for Prelims and Mains For your queries and suggestions write at roshni.yadav@indianexpress.com Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
