Gandhi: Non-violence and Pragmatism

Abstract

This paper seeks to explore Gandhi's concept of nonviolence which had been originally given shape in Hind Swaraj and from which Gandhi can be said to have not deviated till the last day of his life, barring perhaps one exception, (and to a lesser extent another) which however could be read in accordance with what he had theorized in Hind Swaraj. The statement of his ideas occasionally invited critical comment perhaps none more so than when he advised Jews living in Germany to offer nonviolent resistance in the face of Nazi persecution. This paper will focus on the significant aspects that can be culled overrrom this episode