GANDHIAN NOTION OF FREEDOM
Abstract
The Gandhian philosophy is so comprehensive that it has left no aspect of human life untouched. Though he is not considers as systematic academic thinkers in the field of academic and political philosophy. He was a true democrat and lover of individual freedom. In his philosophy, there are very clear indications of his love for individual and national freedom. He believed and unhesitatingly declared that the state was not end in itself but only means to end and that the fullest development of man’s faculties was the end of the state. Freedom for him meant freedom from danger, ignorance, and fear of exploitation.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born at Porbandgar, Katihar on 2nd October 1869. His grandfather Uttamchand Karamchand Gandhi alias Ota Gandhi and Kaba Gandhi were Prime Minister of state of Porbander. His mother, who had great influence on his life, was a saintly woman with deeply religion. The Gandhi belongs to the Bania caste and seems to have been originally grocer. Gandhi emphatically pleaded for freedom of India from imperialistic bandage. He also pleaded for personal and civic freedom. He could never tolerate the subordination of one nation or individual to the others. So, he put his philosophy and technique of Satyagraha which is resistance to tyranny through truth and non-violence before the nation for its fight against British imperial domination and for freedom, reconstruction and advancement.
Gandhi drew his ideas from different sources. The Bhagwat Gita was his most important source of inspiration. One should act in right direction for setting the outcome of his effort, self-control, truth is infallible and gives everyone courage and strength are influenced by Gita. He picked-up the philosophy of non-violence form Budhism and Jainism. The notion of Swaraj(Self-Rule) as the birth right of Indians, this Mantra has inspired from Tilak which ultimately became his basis of entire freedom movement.
Gandhi believes, in a healthy society, individual should count the maximum. He could not dream of a healthy, joyous and prosperous society which had its foundation on the denial of individual freedom. Also a nation will truly enjoy freedom only when in the process of winning or defending its freedom, it has been purified and consolidate until liberty has become a part of its very soul.
