And Then Gandhi Came

In this post, we will go over the Summary of And Then Gandhi Came.

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In his book “The Discovery of India,” Jawaharlal Nehru discusses Gandhiji’s timely entry into Indian politics. He underlines Gandhi’s active leadership. Gandhiji, he says, was a ray of light that dispelled the gloom. Thus, Nehru accurately assesses Gandhiji.
When the First World War ended, people anticipated calm, relief, and advancement. However, it ushered in draconian governance and martial law. The public felt humiliated. Numerous people lost their jobs. The populace was befuddled. They lacked the knowledge necessary to liberate India from poverty and despair.

Gandhiji arrived during this vital moment. It was as if a strong current of fresh air was coursing through the room. It pierced the gloom that engulfed the populace, and he taught fearlessness and nonviolence. Gandhiji was a commoner. He was a member of our group. He pleaded with the populace to put an end to their exploitation. His lessons inspired courage and truthfulness. He worked for the ordinary man’s wellbeing.

When Gandhiji became the people’s leader, fear was mostly eradicated. Fearlessness was followed by truth. It was as if a psychological shift occurred. There was also a psychological response. The populace felt embarrassed to be subjected to foreign control. There was a desire among the populace to rid themselves of foreign authority.

Gandhiji had a varying degree of influence on millions of individuals in India. Individuals responded differently to this event. Certain individuals were prepared to accept the change. Others were unwilling to undergo a complete transformation. Gandhiji arrived at this point with a two-pronged attack. One was to oppose and resist foreign domination, while the other sought to combat societal problems. At the time, the Congress’s primary purpose was to achieve political liberty.

Several people were willing to relinquish their titles as a result of Gandhiji’s influence. The populace had little regard for British titles. Under Gandhiji’s able guidance, new values and a new way of life were introduced. Numerous individuals preferred simpler ways of life and wore plain clothing.

Gandhiji had his own visions and aspirations for an independent India. He dispatched volunteers to help rehabilitate Indian communities. These messengers assisted the Indians in breaking free from their shells. He desired an India devoid of class divisions and inflexible caste structures. According to him, a perfect India would be free of untouchability, intoxicating beverages, and illegal substances.
According to Nehru, Gandhiji was genuinely proud of his Hindu ancestry. He attempted to imbue Hinduism with a sort of universal garb that encompassed all religions. According to Gandhiji, Indian culture is a synthesis of everyone. Gandhiji drew the common people of India to him like a magnet. He served as an intermediary between the past and the future. Even among his adversaries, he caused a psychological revolution.

Analysis of And Then Gandhi Came

The lesson is based on Jawaharlal Nehru’s book “Discovery of India.” Nehru writes on Gandhiji’s timely arrival in Indian politics. The country was in desperate need of such a leader at the time. The lesson describes the impact of Gandhiji’s arrival on India’s freedom struggle.

The Effects of World War I on India (1914-1918):

Britain’s largest colony was India. During World War I, the country was a vital supply of manpower and materials for Britain. Wheat, rice, sugar, tea, coffee, and other commodities were shipped in large numbers to Europe. Poverty resulted from such large-scale exploitation. Prices increased dramatically. During the conflict, about 10 lakh Indians fought. ‘If we backed Britain, they would offer us self-government after the war,’ he said. This was the Indians’ only hope. However, it became evident after the war that this would not be the case. When the battle ended, Indian soldiers were out of work. This sparked rioting in Punjab and other parts of India. The British administration declared martial law in Punjab. Poverty, unemployment, pessimism, sentiments of humiliation and resentment in the thoughts of the people—this was India’s post-World War I situation. The war’s end resulted in more suffering than relief. People were at a loss as to where to turn for assistance. They were terrified of the British army, police, laws, the secret service, unemployment, famine, and landlords. India had become a forgotten nation. For generations, the country had suffered. As a result, many people had lost faith.

Arrival and Teaching of Gandhiji:

Then Gandhi arrived. He was the right guy at the right moment with the right beliefs to preserve India. He was one of us, and he spoke our language. He was a tremendous current of fresh air, a beam of light, and a whirlwind all rolled into one. He jolted us awake. He removed the darkness from our brains and changed our perspectives. He requested that the underprivileged no longer be exploited. He gave political freedom a new direction and meaning. He advocated for honesty and bravery. ‘Do not be afraid,’ he added. Truth and boldness should lead all of our activities. The ordinary people’s wellbeing () should be the goal of our actions. This was the crux of his message. Gandhiji carefully followed what he preached.

The Effect – A Psychological Revolution:

As a result, the Indians’ attitudes shifted. Falsehood has been reduced. Fear of the British Empire was removed from the Indian consciousness. The thirst for liberty arose. New standards and values were established. Life’s simplicity and self-respect were crucial. Respect for the British people and titles has declined. Gandhiji challenged us to oppose both foreign domination and our own societal ills. He aimed for self-sufficiency, national unity, and social fairness. Gandhiji dispatched messengers to villages. He desired to liberate and educate the impoverished Indian villagers. He was aware that India’s people lived in villages. As a result, the poor village farmers became aware of the exploitation. They made the decision to make a difference in their lives. We were aware of the plight of Indian villagers. These village visits taught us about Indian economics.

The India of Gandhiji’s Dreams:

In Gandhiji’s dreams, the poorest people will feel as though they are in their own country. They will have a good time in a free India. They will play a role in the formation of the nation. There shall be no class distinctions in society. All communities must coexist in peace and brotherhood. Equal rights shall be granted to both men and women. Untouchability, alcohol, and drugs have no place in Gandhiji’s vision of India.

Gandhiji and Indian Culture:

Gandhiji was delighted to be a Hindu. He attempted to make Hinduism more appealing to people all around the world. According to him, Indian culture is a synthesis of all cultures. For him, the term “truth” encompassed all religions. Gandhiji was open to all civilizations. He was influenced by contemporary ideas. He never forgot his origins in his own culture, however.

Gandhiji’s Characteristics:

Gandhiji exuded self-assurance. He possessed an extraordinary kind of power. His personality drew people to him like a magnet. He connected the past with the future. Because of Gandhiji, Indians saw their tribulations as stepping stones to a better future. Gandhiji had an impact on both his opponents and neutrals.

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