THE PHILOSOPHY OF NON VIOLENCE, THE GANDHIAN APPROACH AND PRESENT GORKHALAND MOVEMENT “Let the Noble thoughts come from all directions.” Rig Veda The concept of Non Violence is one of the most comprehensive, accepted and largely advocated philosophy in recent times. In this era of turmoil and violence, Non Violence is considered as the model approach to problems. Mahatma Gandhi was the one to use non violence approach for fighting against British. It is well appreciated worldwide, as this was the concept where the opposition suppresses to maximum till they themselves have realized how cruel they were to do such a brutal act. Mahatma Gandhi’s approach gave birth to a holistic Gandhian Philosophy and nowadays it is studied worldwide. Gandhian philosophy is connected to many disciplines like education, international relation, history, peace and conflict, economics etc. In his autobiography, My experiments with truth he says,” I have nothing new to teach to the world. Non violence and truth ate as old as hills.” The concept was there but it was least utilized by people. Gandhiji gave the practical ways to apply it in life as well as fighting for the rights. Personally I feel there are few special features of this approach: a. It is very long term approach but a sure one. b. People do loose faith and patience at times. c. There is suppression from opposition. d. There is non – cooperation between opposition. e. Problems are discussed in table. f. Dharna and Rallies are organized regularly. g. Most importantly, it is a spiritual approach. After Understanding the concept of Gandhiji and Non Violence in brief, we focus upon the recent Non Violence movement of Gorkhaland movement. The movement has erupted many times since 1907. There was a violent agitation in late 80s led by GNLF where more than 1500 people were killed. At last it was settled in DGHC(Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council). People accepted it with heavy heart but again these suppressed voices rose up in 2007. It was also tried to suppress by GTA (Gorkhaland Territorial Administration) agreement. But, not even a year of operation of GTA had passed, people raised their voices and it has now become a national movement amongst Gorkha community for the separate state of Gorkhaland. The movement since 2007 has completely relied upon a non violent approach. There are some incidents of violence but majority of them were provocation from the opposing forces. Example, the Sibchu incident were four people were killed in police firing. The Gorkhaland movement led by GJMM (Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha) and other allies have formulated strategies mainly based upon democratic framework. Regular Dharnas, Meetings etc are held and in extreme cases Bandhs and non cooperation movements are launched. When Congress government declared the formation of Telangana state, the Gorkhas of India felt cheated and again the voice of Gorkhaland was raised. There was self immolation by youth named Mangal Singh Rajput in Kalimpong. People this time has come out of their houses and conducted rallies in masses. After Government of West Bengal filed a PIL against Bimal Gurung and won the case, the bandhs continued which were volunteered by public. The all party meeting was called in hills and GJAC (Gorkhaland Joint Action Committee) was formed. This gave new force to the Movement and Nationwide rallies where organized by the Gorkhas. The Voices were raised in Kolkata, Jadavpur University, JNU, New Delhi, North Eastern states, Uttarakhand and Banglore. Many new groups are formed now to fight for the cause in all levels. The MP of Darjeeling, Sri Jashwant Singh also conveyed the message in Indian parliament. Focusing upon the strategies taken up by the leaders, we find all of the steps are democratic in nature. The rallies are organized and people and bandhs are just called with no picketing from any parties, yet it is successful. 18 companies of CRPF are deployed in Darjeeling hills even without a single report of violence. The old pending cases are reopened, which were agreed to be closed down by Bengal Government and more than 700 peoples are arrested in order to suppress the movement. Bengal government is also playing the tactics of Divide and Rule, by passing LDC(Lepcha Development council) in the midst of movement to create a rift between people of hills. Coming back to the Gandhian approach, we find few important features in present movement of Gorkhaland: a. The non violent approach is adopted so all the democratic strategies are adopted. b. Government is trying its best to suppress the movement using Police, CRPF and judiciary. c. The Gorkhas have responded from all corners of the country and are contributing from their side. d. People from all walks of lives are supporting the cause. e. Central Government is keeping silent keeping in view the upcoming Lok Sabha election. This shows that non violence movement is loosing importance even in the country where it was born. The Government finds it very easy to suppress these movements by using all moral and immoral instruments. But does this mean people should resort to non violent movement???????? Certainly Not. THE WAY OUT I feel, non violence is the best approach ever created in the history. It takes time, it demands sacrifice and it demands prayer. Truth stands out, even in worst conditions and shine one day. We can contribute for Gorkhaland movement in following ways: a. Do our duties well. b. Pray Daily for our movement. c. Try to convince other people about our demand and how it will benefit them. d. Update positive status and no use of vulgar words against anyone. This shows our courtesy. We are also Rough and Tough but, we know how to deal with love. e. Study My experiments with truth and get inspired. f. Make our voices reach to every political and non political groups of India and ask for their support. g. And most important make ourselves a good human being, who can stand any suppression and stand strong for the cause of gorkhaland. “Let hundreds of like me perish, but let truth prevail” - Mahatma Gandhi Love, Gorkhaland Dreams Team
Posted on: Tue, 03 Sep 2013 07:45:36 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015