Introduction
Mahatma Gandhi’s constructive programmes were an integral part of his freedom struggle strategy. He believed that Swaraj could not be achieved merely through political agitation but through moral, social, and economic transformation of the people. During the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements, Gandhi combined political resistance with constructive nation-building activities to create self-reliant and awakened citizens.
Body
Constructive Programme during the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22)
- Promotion of Khadi and Swadeshi
- Gandhi emphasized the spinning of khadi as both an economic and moral symbol of self-reliance. The boycott of foreign cloth aimed to end economic dependence on British goods and revive rural industries.
- National Education
- Gandhi urged people to boycott government schools and establish national educational institutions based on Indian values and self-respect. Institutions like the National College in Calcutta and Kashi Vidyapeeth were founded.
- Prohibition and Social Reform
- Gandhi linked national regeneration with social ethics. The movement called for prohibition of alcohol, removal of untouchability, and upliftment of women to cleanse Indian society of internal evils.
- Promotion of Hindu-Muslim Unity
- The Khilafat and Non-Cooperation movements merged to foster inter-communal harmony. Gandhi believed communal unity was the moral foundation of national freedom.
- Panchayat and Village Reconstruction
- The programme encouraged revival of village panchayats as self-governing units, promoting local justice, education, and sanitation.
Constructive Programme during the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–34)
- Salt Satyagraha and Self-Sufficiency
- The Dandi March symbolized defiance against colonial monopoly on salt while also promoting indigenous production, linking civil resistance with local economic activity.
- Revival of Cottage and Village Industries
- Promotion of handicrafts, hand-spinning, and small industries aimed to alleviate poverty and strengthen rural self-reliance.
- Campaign against Untouchability
- Through the Harijan Movement, Gandhi worked for temple entry, education, and equal access to public resources for the depressed classes. The Harijan Sevak Sangh (1932) was founded for this cause.
- Basic Education (Nai Talim)
- Gandhi developed a model of education combining learning with productive work to foster dignity of labour and self-reliant citizenship.
- Prohibition and Health Campaigns
- He stressed temperance, hygiene, and sanitation as essential elements of personal and national discipline.
- Women’s Empowerment
- Women were encouraged to join satyagrahas, spin khadi, and participate in constructive work, linking political freedom with gender equality.
- Promotion of Communal Harmony
- Despite rising communal tensions in the 1930s, Gandhi continued his efforts to uphold unity, tolerance, and non-violence as the moral essence of Indian nationalism.
Conclusion
Gandhi’s constructive programmes during both movements reflected his belief that true Swaraj required inner reform and social reconstruction. By empowering villages, promoting equality, and reviving indigenous industries, these programmes not only sustained the nationalist struggle but also shaped the moral and developmental vision of independent India.
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