In recent news, the US House of Representatives has proposed a resolution to posthumously grant the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal to Mahatma Gandhi. His extraordinary contributions through non-violent means have earned him this recognition. If awarded, Mahatma Gandhi will be the first Indian recipient of the highest civilian honor in the United States.
Overview of the Congressional Gold Medal
Revered as the highest national expression of appreciation for distinguished achievers and contributors, the Congressional Gold Medal is commissioned by the US Congress. Its history dates back to honoraries of the American Revolution (1775-83), the War of 1812 and the Mexican War (1846-48). The medal’s scope was widened over time to include not just war heroes, but also pioneers from diverse domains such as entertainment, athletics, humanitarian work, and more. Eminent personalities like Robert F. Kennedy, Nelson Mandela, and George Washington are among its previous awardees. Recently, the medal was presented to the US Capitol Police and protectors of the US Capitol during the siege on January 6th, 2021.
Understanding Non-Violence
Non-violence, also known as non-violent resistance, is a principle that rejects physical violence to achieve social or political change. It’s a technique designed for those who refuse to be passive or submissive and who see struggle as a necessity. This principle is characterized by forms of protest and persuasion like marches, vigils, non-cooperation, and non-violent interventions like blockades and occupations. The International Day of Non-Violence is celebrated every year on October 2nd, coinciding with the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, its most famous proponent.
Gandhi’s Unique Approach to Non-Violence
Gandhi revolutionized the ancient religious principle of ‘ahimsa’, or doing no harm, common to religions like Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. He transformed it into a powerful tool for mass action, termed ‘satyagraha’, translating to ‘truth force’. This doctrine emphasizes the conversion of the opponent’s mind and heart as an integral part of any non-violent conflict. It was employed by Gandhi to challenge not just British colonial rule in India, but also to combat social evils such as racial discrimination and untouchability.
Gandhi’s Remarkable Implementation of Satyagraha
In South Africa (1893-1915), Gandhi successfully confronted the racist regime using his innovative strategy of satyagraha. In India, Gandhi’s first civil disobedience movement took place in 1917 in support of indigo cultivators in Champaran, Bihar. Following this, he launched a nationwide satyagraha against the proposed Rowlatt Act in 1919. The Non-cooperation movement (1920-22) saw a surge of popular support for Gandhi and his methods, with people from all political backgrounds and religions coming together.
Legacy of Gandhi’s Non-Violent Approach
Mahatma Gandhi’s potent strategy of non-violence has inspired many luminaries such as Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandella, Dalai Lama, Aung San Suu Kyi, and others. These individuals have espoused Gandhi’s path of peaceful resistance, bringing prosperity and progress to their societies and to the world at large. It is the enduring impact of Gandhi’s approach to social and political change through peaceful means that underscores his nomination for the Congressional Gold Medal.