Gandhiji’s ideas on non-violence and Satyagraha (determination to reach the truth):
- Scope of non-violence: He opined that violence is the creed of no religion, whereas non-violence in most cases is obligatory in all, violence is merely permissible in some cases.
- He opined that truth can never be propagated by doing violence.
- In his article ‘The Doctrine of the Sword’ written in Young India, he wrote:
- “I do believe that where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence I would advise violence. I would rather have India resort to arms in order to defend her honor than that she should in a cowardly manner become or remain a helpless witness to her own dishonor.”
Current relevance in context of cross-border terrorism
- Operation Sindoor: India’s response to the terror attack in Pahalagam was based on its right to respond, pre-empt, non-escalatory and deter cross-border terrorism.
- Three Key Pillars of India’s Security Doctrine: Includes decisive retaliation on India’s terms, zero tolerance for nuclear blackmail and no distinction between terrorists and their sponsors.
- All Party Delegation: Outreach to the international community to put forth the truth of state-sponsored terrorism and promote a global response against violence.
Conclusion
India has always followed the path of Gandhiji’s principles through doctrines like Vasudaiva Kutumbakam, no first use and promotion of global peace.
