The philosophy of Gandhi is based on truth, non-violence, and moral discipline that Gandhi was prompted by his experiences in life and also his spiritual leadership. The key ideas are Satyagraha, trusteeship, self-reliance, and dignity of labour and its influence is the creation of an ethical, just and non-exploitory society. Gandhi said that noble ends should be justified through pure means and this opposes violence, injustice and greediness. The central theme of his economic vision was decentralization, Swadeshi and welfare of all (Sarvodaya). Gandhi did not find answers to the problem of inequality and conflict in the world which we live in today, but his concepts of peace, tolerance and living in a sustainable way have never lost their meaning.

Key Points for RAS Mains

What is Gandhian Philosophy?

• Gandhianism has its basis on the principle of simple living and high thinking. It is a complete ideology that is influenced by spiritual beliefs of Gandhi, his experiences in South Africa, and the movement to freedom in India. 
• His unspoken message consists of truth (satya) and non-violence (ahimsa). His ethical vision was augmented by influences of thinkers such as Tolstoy, Thoreau, etc., and religious writings. 
• Being what may appear to be a simple task, Gandhian practices are highly self-disciplinary and morally demanding.

Gandhian Philosophy Principal

1. Truth (Satya)

• To Gandhi truth was the highest reality and the ultimate source of morality.
• It entails the following in theory, speech and deeds.
• Gandhi identified the God with truth and this was the centre of Satyagraha.
• Truth is a view relative to one's own perception, and it has to be sought truthfully.
• Truth may never hurt an unjust cause;- “Truth may not wrong An unjust cause.”

2. Non-Violence (Ahimsa)

• Truth and non-violence go together and are a formidable force instead of an ordinary force.
• There is social unrest triggered by passive and physical violence.
• Ahimsa was an active approach formulated by Gandhi to political resistance.
• Genuine non-violence consists in taking in suffering and not striking back.
• Non-violence is a strong weapon of strength.

3. Moral Action

• A morally correct action becomes intentional, non-egotistical, universal and unafraid.
• Aspects of moral life: tranquility, selflessness, purity, or rather inner tranquility.
• Things are based on morality and all morality is based on the truth.

4. Gandhian Economics

• Proponents of simplicity, self sufficiency and trusteeship.
• Insists on decentralization, Swadeshi, and cooperative living, and equality.
• Seeks to address labor-related, capital, and fair sharing problems.

5. Sarvodaya (Welfare of All)

• Refers to universal elevation society founded on liberty, fraternity and equality.
• Makes no demand for exploitation, competition and class struggle.

6. Means And Ends

• Means have to be pure like the goals; there cannot be justifications of morally corrupt means towards the most noble goals.
• Result oriented choices pale compared to ethical choices.
• The instrument, says a proverb, is the measure of the work also.

7. Dignity of labour

• Manual work is regarded as sacred and necessary in the independence.
• All have to honor and take part in physical work without any humiliation.

8. Satyagraha

• The abbreviation means the truth-force or moral opposition to wrongdoing.
• It is a non-violence means of protest founded on heroism and truth.
• Was successfully used in the Indian struggle of freedom.

9. Tolerance

• The real tolerance not only tolerates but respects different beliefs.
• Promoted inter-religious peace and tolerance.

10. Doctrine of Trusteeship

• Wealth should be handled by the rich so that it can serve the interests of the society.
• Encourages ethical capitalism and good leadership.
• Industrialists such as J.R.D. Tata has practiced it.

Gandhi’s Seven Deadly Sins (With Examples)

Quotes of Mahatma Gandhi

• “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.”
• “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
• “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
• “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

Modern applicability of Gandhi thought

• In a world gone mad in violence (e.g.: Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Palestine), a non-violent world is becoming an urgent requirement.
• His vision of decentralized democracy can be seen in the forms of Panchayati Raj and local India.
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan shows his interest in cleanliness and civic nationhood.
• His sustainable development philosophy, i.e.: The earth provides enough to satisfy the need of man but not greed, fits into the climate targets.
• The polarizing world dominated by religious and cultural issues is where tolerance and inclusivity stay critical.

Conclusion for RPSC

The philosophy of Gandhi goes beyond the tradition and is a guide to a confused world. His message of truth, non-violence and ethical living can help to model the modern societies to peace, sustainability and social justice. The route taken by Gandhi would perhaps be tough but the most human and humane path ahead