288. In Search of Swaraj

BIC TALKS

Gandhiji gave expression to his dreams for Swaraj or Independent India on many occasions in many ways.

“The Swaraj of my…our…dream recognizes no race or religious destinations. Nor is it to be the monopoly of the lettered persons nor yet of moneyed men. Swaraj is to be for all, including the farmer, but emphatically including the maimed, the blind, the starving toiling millions.” Young India, 26-3-1931

“It has been said that Indian Swaraj will be the rule of the majority community, i. e. the Hindus. There could not be a greater mistake than that. If it were to be true, I for one would refuse to call it Swaraj and would fight it with all the strength at my command, for to me Hind Swaraj is the rule of all people, is the rule of justice.” Young India, 16-4-1931

This talk by Prof. Mridula Mukherjee explores the multiple facts of the Mahatma’s vision for India, especially his ideas and practice on religion and secularism, democracy and dissent, violence and non-violence. It will also pose the question: to what extent have we been faithful to Gandhiji’s dreams? Where have we failed him? Does the India of his dreams remain an ideal for Indians today?

This episode of BIC Talks is an excerpt from an in-person event that took place in October 2023 as the Prof. Satish Chandra Memorial Lecture.

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