Here there may be some practical difficulty. The Satyagrahas that Gandhi organized in South Africa and India were broad social movements involving thousands of people. But to expect all those people to possess these moral qualities for participation in satyagraha will be impossible and impracticable. With the help of the common people he organized mass based satyagraha movements for India’s independence. Was it the case that the mass of people had the requisite moral commitment? In this context there is difference between an absolute ideal and a workable ideal. The leader of a satyagraha movement must accept the requisite ideals but the masses should try to follow the leader and make possible effort to inculcate these ideals. So what is required of a leader is not strictly required of a common man joining in a satyagraha movement. But the common man must adhere to the ideals of non-violent action. There is historical evidence that Gandhi called off Satyagraha movement when it deviated from the moral path even though it was in the peak. He incurred a lot of criticism for it but he never compromised with his ideals.
Besides the absolute moral laws Gandhi lays down some practical code of conduct for the Satyagrahi. A Satyagrahi would never ill treat or disrespect the opponent but would show him utmost respect. He will only oppose the practice, policy or the law that upholds injustice in social relationships. He will appeal the opponent to touch his heart so that he will feel the injustice of his action. He will express no anger rather suffer the anger of the opponent. He will be prepared to suffer even physical assault on him, but under no circumstance will retaliate. He may be arrested but would never surrender voluntarily. He will never submit to an order for fear of punishment. He must be fearless and must have moral strength to face any adverse situation. |
