Gandhi, All Human Beings Are Equal

As a first generation Indian-American, I am no stranger to being a part of a distinct community while observing two unique cultures. Traveling to India exposed me to a dynamic population with rich diversity comprising of numerous languages and differing religions. Though these individuals may have had differing customs from their neighbors, there were similar ambitions to conquer grinding poverty. This poverty can be clearly noticed by seeing citizens sleeping on floors of a railway station, or the lack of air conditioning in searing hot weather. The frailty and mortality of the human condition was starkly visible in India. As a fellow human, I was humbled not only by the lack of privilege and opportunity of many citizens, but also by their

Mahatma Gandhi, a highly influential man, was one of the world’s most well-known fighters for equal rights. Gandhi saw and experienced discrimination, for instance, “At the time Gandhi was there, South Africa was not a friendly place for non-whites. . . . Gandhi believed that this was wrong” (Satyagraha: Gandhi’s Legacy). Gandhi’s interest in human rights was born when he moved to South America and saw the way non-whites were treated. “Satyagraha: Gandhi’s Legacy” states, “Practices of Satyagraha included boycotts, protest marches, and fasts.” Gandhi stood up proud for what he believed in, and because of this he was able to fight for his beliefs. Gandhi did many generous, righteous actions in his lifetime, but the real impact happened after he died, including stimulating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela (“Satyagraha: Gandhi's Legacy”). Gandhi inspired others to speak up and change the world forever.

Many of the themes explored by Gandhi in Hind Swaraj are directly or indirectly influenced by these texts. ‘I lay no claim to originality. They have been formed after reading several books.’ For instance, Gandhi’s explanation of colonialism is built upon Tolstoy’s Letter to a Hindoo where he argues that ‘it is not the English who have enslaved the Indians, but the Indians who have enslaved themselves.’ Similarly, an uncompromising critique of industrial culture, the hallmark of Gandhian thought, is derived from Ruskin, Tolstoy and many other writers. Further, Maine’s contention, that Indians were inheritors of a civilization that had representative institutions but destroyed by the new utilitarian state, was used by Gandhi to point out the superiority of

Mahatma Gandhi, or “the great-souled one” as called by many of his followers was a leading figure in the fight for India’s independence, but he also was an advocate for world peace, showing his devotion with many “hunger strikes” (History.com staff, 2010). One of his greatest quotes, “No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive” shows the biggest fault of cultural inequality. This displays to me that people cannot work together while refusing to accept others.

Gandhi is known for the miraculous things he has done for his people. He put himself through principles that no one else can attest to. His life was truly his message; he utilized the tools he acquired from others and created a life that will benefit his society after him. Gandhi’s quote can be interpreted in many ways, however if the lines in between were read, then the true meaning of the quote will be recognized.

Mohandas Gandhi is one of the most popular and influential figures in the world. His political work, religious beliefs, values and morals captivated millions internationally. His path to become such a respected person is shaped by his religion and experiments occurred throughout his life. His relationship to food becomes a powerful fixation that allows him to form a greater connection to God as Truth, while leading him to express controversial disagreements during certain health issues.

Looking upon Indian society for comparison, it is seen that the primary factor of the caste system is built

Gandhi’s first hand experiences in dealing with discrimination began in South Africa. In Chapter VII ‘Some Experiences,’ Gandhi recalls on his first days of his arrival the incident at the Durban court

In the story, Gandhi is presented as one dedicated to equal rights for all throughout his work in South Africa and India.

The final objection is that people are praised for being intelligent and become beloved speakers of their times. In response to this objection, there have been individuals who were assassinated for sharing their intelligence with the world. Mohandas Gandhi moved from India to study law in England. He used his knowledge to help India become independent. It is unsure if Gandhi went into debt for his education but he did spend a lot of money to move from India to London, England for his education. Gandhi was a lover of knowledge and did return to help the hoi polloi, but the people did not like the messages he shared so they killed him. Another example would be Martin Luther King Jr. he was assassinated after trying to share his knowledge during

            The internal divisions and complexes hierarchy of the Indian society served an important social function.  The system provided each individual with a clear identity and role and offered the benefits of group solidarity and support.  Certain interactions and behaviors were appropriate only between those of equal status. The system assured that the religious, political, and financial powers were all separated into four different social classes (Bulliet, et. 2011).

One of the most popular human rights activists who fought for racial equality, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi would stop at no length to achieve this. “Gandhi developed his philosophy of “Satyagraha,” or resistance through non-violent civil disobedience to defend his rights and the rights of all Indians and non-whites. Practices of Satyagraha included boycotts, protest marches, and fasts. He encouraged others to defend their rights in this manner, and to work together to end racial injustice in South Africa” (Study Synce). One for encouraging people to face their fears,Gandhi would let people get out of their comfort zones and fight for what is theirs; With this, Gandhi would also have people who did not agree with him. The author stated that Gandhi was sent to prison for 6 years, Gandhi had been thrown off a train in South America because he was Indian, and had attempts of assassination against him, the final one being successful from a Buddhist extremist Nathuram Vinayak Godse (Sivananda). Even though Gandhi had faced obstacles such as these, nevertheless, people still rallied to him and supported him during troubling times, this would help Gandhi achieve racial justice.“Gandhi’s firm and tenacious adherence to the cause of the poor, the downtrodden Harijans, and the common man of the Indian village, is indeed worthy of emulation. Through all the vicissitudes of time and power and fame, he kept before the vision of the Indian Congress the fundamental purpose for which it came into being—the amelioration of the suffering of the poor. Uncrowned king of the land, he remained a friend of the poor; he lived for them, moved among them as one of them, and served them with all his heart. He saw God in them, and in their service wore out his body”(Sivananda). As seen from what Gandhi had done and how people were inspired by him,

The researcher understood the specific theme chosen and was a bit au-fait with the topic, because she had a keen interest in Gandhi and all his work. In an age where violence is on the increase Gandhi’s message of non-violence is needed. It is the researchers hope that this IA will reach a wide cross section of people and will effect a change. Gandhi’s views on issues like untouchability are deeply dealt with. Never anywhere Gandhi’s views about untouchability were effectively heard. But, in this book they were dealt in detail with lots of arguments and convincing proofs of why untouchability is sin. Even his co-living with the untouchables and the resistance he faced for that is discussed. His views on religion, nationality, his movements like civil-disobedience, are also clearly shown. Even his opinions on many religions were discussed in deep; a striking

modernism. Anand was a socially commited novelist, through his novels he has very strongly made Indians try to understand those traditional vices which are biggest hurdles of India becoming modern. Layers of oppressions, humiliation and economic disparity burdened Indian society so much that British colonialism seemed to be lesser factor in India’s progress rather than own Indian internal colonialism. From his works he has always tried to educate Indians to forcing their consciousness to think about the social problems that disseminated because of religious beliefs. We can see the India under British raj in his novels but he emphasizes on the decayed Indian society which is more responsible for India’s deterioting societal condition. Anand

Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948), the man, the legend, is still echoing in the contemporary world. He had a vision for his birthplace, in the wake of colonization and war, to be tolerant, violent-free and neutral towards all religions. Gandhi had chosen the secular state, that is, the state that was neutral but not hostile to religions (Parel & Brown, 2011, p. 161). He rejected what was considered progressive and fashionable; to put the responsibility of state cruelty on the victims, criticizing them for fighting excesses. Subsequently, affording the perpetrators an opportunity to inflict more punishment on the people. Through discussing Gandhi’s philosophical approach and Attenborough’s film successes in depicting his ideas, this essay will demonstrate how Gandhi’s vision and life relates to that of the Sufi Sheikh and monk in Al Mureed and Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring Again films respectively.