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250 Words15 Marks
Q.Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.
UPSC Mains 2021•History
Model Answer
View this Question In PYQ RealmIntroduction
Mahatma Gandhi's Constructive Programme was a unique dimension of the Indian national movement, focusing on social reform, self-reliance, and community building during the "passive" or inactive phases of the political struggle. It aimed at preparing the masses morally and structurally for Swaraj.
Body
1. Key Elements of the Constructive Programme
- Communal Unity: Gandhi advocated for an "unbreakable unity of hearts" between Hindus, Muslims, and other communities, viewing it as essential for national liberation.
- Removal of Untouchability: Terming untouchability a "blot on humanity," he worked tirelessly for the social integration of Dalits, whom he called Harijans, and founded the Harijan Sevak Sangh in 1932.
- Promotion of Khadi: Khadi was projected as a symbol of nationalism, economic self-reliance, and a tool to revive the rural economy, challenging British textile hegemony.
- Basic Education (Nai Talim): Gandhi proposed a holistic education system centered on manual crafts, aiming to make children self-reliant and morally upright.
- Upliftment of Women: He actively brought women into the political sphere, encouraging their participation in picketing, spinning, and leadership roles.
2. Role in Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements
- Sustaining Morale: During the lull after the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement, constructive work kept the cadre active and prevented disillusionment.
- Expanding the Social Base: By addressing social evils like untouchability and rural poverty, Gandhi successfully drew peasants, workers, and women into the mainstream nationalist struggle.
- Creating Ground Workers: The network of ashrams and Khadi centers provided a ready pool of disciplined volunteers and organizational infrastructure for the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Conclusion
Gandhi's constructive programme was not merely a social reform initiative but a strategic political tool. It successfully built a resilient, self-reliant society and expanded the social base of the freedom struggle, ensuring that Swaraj was not just a change of political power but a true social transformation.
