Gandhi’s Technique of Satyagraha

Gandhi evolved the technique of Satyagraha during his stay in South Africa. It was based on truth and non-violence. He combined some elements from Indian tradition with the Christian requirement of turning the other cheek and the philosophy of Tolstoy, who said that evil could best be countered by non-violent resistance. Its basic tenets were as follows:

● A satyagrahi was not to submit to what he considered as wrong, but was to always remain truthful, non-violent and fearless.

● A satyagrahi works on the principles of withdrawal of cooperation and boycott.

● Methods of satyagraha include non-payment of taxes, and declining honours and positions of authority.

● A satyagrahi should be ready to accept suffering in his struggle against the wrong-doer. This suffering was to be a part of his love for truth.

● Even while carrying out his struggle against the wrong-doer, a true satyagrahi would have no ill feeling for the wrong-doer; hatred would be alien to his nature.

● A true satyagrahi would never bow before the evil, whatever the consequence.

● Only the brave and strong could practise satyagraha; it was not for the weak and cowardly. Even violence was preferred to cowardice. Thought was never to be separated from practice. In other words, ends could not justify the means.