Gandhism is the term used to describe the principles and ideology of Mahatma Gandhi, a prominent leader in India's struggle for independence. The word is spelled using the phonetic transcription /ˈɡændiːzəm/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "g" in "Gandhism" is pronounced as a voiced velar stop, similar to the sound in "go" or "good". The "d" in "Gandhi" is also pronounced as a voiced dental stop, while the "ism" ending is pronounced with a short "i" followed by a voiced alveolar fricative sound.
Gandhism is a term that refers to the philosophy, principles, and practices of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement and is revered for his advocacy of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience as means to achieve social, political, and economic justice.
The core principles of Gandhism revolve around the idea of ahimsa, which means non-violence or non-harming. This principle emphasizes the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every human being and promotes peaceful means of conflict resolution. Gandhism also emphasizes the concept of satyagraha, which combines the Sanskrit words "satya" (truth) and "agraha" (insistence). Satyagraha involves the pursuit of truth and justice through steadfastness, adherence to principles, and passive resistance.
In addition to non-violence and satyagraha, Gandhism also emphasizes a simple and self-sufficient lifestyle, centred on the principles of swadeshi (self-reliance) and sarvodaya (welfare of all). Self-discipline, forgiveness, and empathy towards others are also key values associated with Gandhism.
Gandhism has had a profound influence on various movements for social change across the world, inspiring leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Aung San Suu Kyi. It has significantly shaped debates on human rights, democracy, and peacebuilding. Furthermore, Gandhism continues to be seen as a philosophy that offers non-violent solutions to conflicts and a path towards a just and equitable society.
The word "Gandhism" is derived from the name of the influential Indian political and spiritual leader, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi. The term "Gandhism" was coined to refer to his philosophy, principles, and practices, emphasizing nonviolence, truth, self-discipline, and social justice. The combination of Gandhi's name and the suffix "-ism" is commonly used to create nouns denoting systems, beliefs, or movements based on the principles associated with a particular individual.