Gandhi and Social Justice: Philosophy, Practices, and Relevance

Abstract

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was one of the most prominent figures in the history of the Indian national movement. His philosophy not only guided the nation in freeing itself from British rule but also laid the foundation for an inclusive Indian society. The notion of social justice remained as one of the cornerstones of his principles of truth and non-violence. He was critical of the social hierarchies based on caste, class, and gender and opposed them through his principles of Satyagraha (non-violent resistance), constructive programs, and grassroots activism. These principles encouraged marginalized communities to question systems of oppression and fight for their rights. Therefore, it is essential to explore how Gandhi's approach to social justice can offer useful lessons and stimulation for addressing present-day challenges related to inequality, discrimination, and oppression. It is against this background that this paper seeks to dissect Gandhi's conceptualization of social justice and examine his methods and actions for promoting social justice. The study also assesses the relevance and significance of Gandhi's principles in addressing current issues related to social justice. The paper adopts a qualitative approach, employing content and comparative analyses. Primary sources such as Gandhi's writings, speeches, and letters analyzed to understand his idea of social justice.