It’s no secret that Gandhi’s approach to fighting against oppression was unique and unconventional. Even today, it’s challenging to fully comprehend it. After all, the struggle for freedom in popular history is often romanticized, portraying a weak fighting against a powerful force, relying heavily on inner strength and sometimes employing clever tactics to overcome the brute and sometime inhuman force of oppressors. For instance, take the example of the David and Goliath folklore: when everyone was afraid to fight a giant Goliath, here was the young David armed with faith, courage, and smart fighting for his people. Of course, the struggle between oppressor and oppressed was/is an extraordinary event, which is why it’s often romanticized. History is filled with such stories from around the world.
In this context, the Indian freedom struggle under Gandhi stands out as an unusual case: it was based on nonviolence. Imagine David, with all his courage, standing before Goliath and proclaiming, “I will not harm the Philistines.” In what universe would that have led to victory for the Israelites?
Continue reading “Leadership That Matter: Gandhi and India’s Journey to Freedom”
Prafull Kasture 