essay on gandhi's dream of india

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India of My Dreams by M K Gandhi

Born in 1869 in the Porbandar district of Gujarat, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi led the Indian independence Movement from the front. He introduced his own brand of nationalism that was premised on self-rule, non-violence and satyagraha.  The book, India of My Dreams, is a compilation of passages from Gandhi’s writings and speeches, which introduces readers to the person and his vision. One can understand his love for the country when Gandhi writes, “Everything about India attracts me”. He argues that India is a ‘land of duty’ (Karmabhumi) in contrast to a ‘land of enjoyment’ (Bhogabhumi) and prides itself on the country’s ability to assimilate the ancient and the modern. The India of his dreams, he writes, will be free from untouchability, exploitation, addiction and class divisions; where its people will be governed by peace, justice, truth, and harmony; and where all of these values will be enshrined in a Constitution. The writings also explore a variety of topics such as swaraj, nationalism, democracy, socialism, trusteeship, satyagraha, non-violence, birth control, cottage industry, etc. The book, which was first published in 1947, provides a great insight into Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophies.   

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• India of My Dreams
• Gandhi Books
• Online Books
• India of My Dreams : Chapter 1: India of My Dreams

Table of Contents

• Foreword (Rajendra Prasad)
• Preface To the revised edition
• Preface to the first edition
• To The Reader
• In Defense of Nationalism
• Democracy in India
• India and Socialism
• India and Communism
• The Curse of Industrialism
• Choice Before Labour
• Rights or Duties
• The Problem of Unemployment
• Daridranarayan
• The Gospel of Bread Labour
• Theory of Trusteeship
• Non-violent Economy
• The Way to Equal Distribution
• India's Record of Non-violence
• The Sarvodaya State
• Satyagraha and Duragraha
• The Tiller of The Soil
• Back to The Village
• Every Village A Republic
• Panchayat Raj
• Village Industries
• What The Government Can Do
• Village Exhibitions
• The Music of The Spinning Wheel
• The Mill Industry
• The Gospel of Swadeshi
• Cow Protection
• Co-operative Cattle Farming
• Village Sanitation
• Village Health
• Village Diet
• The Village Worker
• All-around Village Service
• A Call to Youth
• The Nation's Health, Hygiene and Diet
• Drink and Drugs
• Urban Sanitation
• Evil Wrought by The Foreign Medium
• My Own Experience
• India's Cultural Heritage
• The New Education
• Basic Education
• Higher Education
• Ashram Ideal of Education
• National Language and Script
• Provincial Languages
• Hindi in The South
• A Code for Students
• Regeneration of Indian Women
• Women's Education
• Birth-Control
• Sex Education
• Communal Unity
• Varnashrama Dharma
• The Curse of Untouchability
• Religious Tolerance in India
• Proselytization
• Problems of Administration
• Reorganization of Provinces
• The Problem of Minorities
• An India Governor
• Peace Brigades
• Indian National Congress
• India, Pakistan and Kashmir
• Foreign Settlements in India
• India and World Peace
• The message of The East
• Obiter Dicta

About This Book

By : Krishna Kripalani Compiled by : R. K. Prabhu With a foreword by : Dr. Rajendra Prasad ISBN : 81-7229-002-0 Printed and Published by : Jitendra T. Desai, Navajivan Publishing House, Ahemadabad - 380 014, India © Navajivan Trust, 1947

• India of My Dreams. [PDF]
• Amrita Bazar Patrika : Daily English newspaper published in Calcutta
• An Autobiography or The Story of My Experiments with Truth : By M. K. Gandhi. Navjivan Publishing House, Ahmedabas-14, 1956
• Constructive Programme : By M. K. Gandhi. Navjivan Publishing House, Ahmedabad-14, 1948
• Delhi Diary : By M. K. Gandhi. Navjivan Publishing House, Ahmedabad-14, 1948
• From Yeravada Mandir : By M. K. Gandhi. Navjivan Publishing House, Ahmedabad-14, 1945
• Gandhi in Indian Villages : By Mahadev Desai. S. Ganesan, Madras, 1927
• Gram Udyog Patrika : Monthly journal of All- India Village Industries Association, Wardha
• Harijan : English weekly journal edited by Gandhiji and others and published at Ahmedabad; is discontinues since 1956
• Hind Swaraj or Indian Home Rule : By M. K. Gandhi. Navjivan Publishing House, Ahmedabad-14, 1958
• India's Case for Swaraj : By Mahatma Gandhi. Yeshanand and co., Bombay, 1932
• Key to Health : By M. K. Gandhi. Navjivan Publishing House, Ahmedabad-14, 1956
• Mahatma: Life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi : By D. G. Tendulkar, in 8 Vols. Vitthalbhai Jhaveri and D. G. Tendulkar, Bombay, 1951, onwards
• Mahatma Gandhi, The Last Phase : By Pyarelal. Navjivan Publishing House, Ahmedabad-14, Vol. I, 1956; Vol. II, 1958
• Satyagraha in South Africa : By M.K. Gandhi. navjivan Publishing House, Ahmedabad- 14, 1950
• Speeches and Writings of Mahatma Gandhi : G. A. Natesan, Madras, 1933
• The Bombay Chronicle : Daily newspaper published in Bombay
• The Modern review : Monthly journal published in Calcutta
• To the students : M. K. Gandhi. Navjivan Publishing House, Ahmedabad-14, 1958
• With Gandhiji in Ceylon : By Mahadev Desai. S. Ganeshan, Madras, 1928

Chapter 1: India of My Dreams

Everything in India attracts me. It has everything that a human being with the highest possible aspirations can want.

Young India, 21-2-'29

India is essentially karmabhumi (land of duty) in contradistinction to bhogabhumi (land of enjoyment).

Young India, 5-2-'25

India is one of the few nations on the earth which have retained some of their ancient institutions although they have been overlaid with superstition and error. But she has hitherto shown an inherent capacity for purging herself of error and superstition. My faith in her ability to solve the economic problems that face her millions has never been so it is today.

Young India, 6-8-'25

I feel that India's mission is different from that of others. India it fitted for the religious supremacy of the world. There is no parallel in the world for the process of purification that this country has voluntarily undergone. India is less in need of steel weapons, it has fought with divine weapons, it can still do so. Other nations have been votaries of brute force. The terrible war going on in Europe furnishes a forcible illustration of the truth. India can win all by soul force. History supplies numerous instances to prove that brute force is as nothing before soul force. Poets have sung about it and seers have described their experiences.

Speeches and Writings of Mahatma Gandhi, p. 405

If India takes up the doctrine of the sword, she may gain momentary victory. Then India will cease to be the pride of my heart. I am wedded to India because I owe my all to her. I believe absolutely that she has a mission for all the world. She is not to copy Europe blindly. India's acceptance of the sword will be the hour of my trial. I hope I shall not be fund wanting. My religion has no geographical limits. If I have a living faith in it, it will transcend my love for India herself. My life dedicated to service of India through the religion of non-violence.

Young India, 11-8-'20

If India makes violence her creed, and I have survived, I would not care to live in India. She will cease to evoke any pride in me. My patriotism is subservient to my religion. I cling to India like a child to its mother's breast, because I feel that she gives me the spiritual nourishment I need. She has the environment that responds to my highest aspirations. When that faith is gone, I shall feel like an orphan without hope of ever finding a guardian.

Young India, 6-4-'21

I would like to see India free and strong so that she may offer herself a willing and pure sacrifice for the betterment of the world. India's freedom must revolutionize the world's outlook upon peace and war. Her importance affects of mind.

Young India, 17-9-'25

I am humble enough to admit that there is much that we can profitably assimilate from the West. Wisdom is no monopoly of one continent or one race. My resistance to Western civilization is really a resistance to its indiscriminate and thoughtless imitation based on the assumption that Asiatics are fit only to copy every thing that comes from the West... I do believe that if India has patience enough to go through the fire of suffering and to resist any unlawful encroachment upon her own civilization which, imperfect though it undoubtedly is, has hitherto stood the ravages of time, she can make a lasting contribution to the peace and solid progress of the world.

Young India, 11-8-'27

India's destiny lies not along the bloody way of the West, of which she shows signs of tiredness, but along the bloodless way of peace that comes from a simple and godly life. India is in danger of losing her soul. She cannot lose it and live. She must not, therefore, lazily and helplessly say, "I cannot escape the onrush from the West." She must be strong enough to resist it for her own sake and that of the world.

Young India, 7-10-'26

European civilization is no doubt suited for the Europeans but it will mean ruin for India, if we endeavour to copy it. This is not to say that we may not adopt and assimilate whatever may be good and capable of assimilation by us as it does not also mean that even the Europeans will not have to part with whatever evil might have crept into it. The incessant search for material comforts and their multiplication is such an evil, and I make bold to say that the Europeans themselves will have to remodel their outlook, if they are not to perish under the weight of the comforts to which they are becoming slaves. It may be that my reading is wrong, but I know that for India to run after the Golden Fleece is to court certain death. Let us engrave in our hearts the motto of a Western philosopher, 'plain living and high thinking.' Today it is certain that the millions cannot have high living and we the few who profess to do the thinking for the masses run the risk, in a vain search after high living, of missing high thinking.

Young India, 30-4-'31

I shall strive for a constitution, which will release India from all thralldom and patronage, and give her, if need be, the right to sin, I shall work for an India, in which the poorest shall it is their country in whose making they have an effective voice; an India in which there shall be no high class and low class of people; an India in which all communities shall live in perfect harmony. There can be no room in such an India for the curse of untouchability or the curse of the intoxicating drinks and drugs. Women will enjoy the same rights as men. Since we shall not be at peace with all the rest of the world, exploiting, nor being exploited, we should have the smallest army imaginable, all interests not in conflict with the interests of the dumb millions will be scrupulously respected, whether foreign or indigenous. Personally, I hate distinction between foreign and indigenous. This is the India of my dreams... I shall be satisfied with nothing less.

Young India, 10-9-'31

Remembering Gandhi Assassination of Gandhi Tributes to Gandhi Gandhi's Human Touch Gandhi Poster Exhibition Send Gandhi Greetings Gandhi Books Read Gandhi Books Online Download PDF Books Download EPUB/MOBI Books Gandhi Literature Collected Works of M. Gandhi Selected Works of M.Gandhi Selected Letters Famous Speeches Gandhi Resources Gandhi Centres/Institutions Museums/Ashrams/Libraries Gandhi Tourist Places Resource Persons Related Websites Glossary / Sources Associates of Mahatma Gandhi -->

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How Gandhi shaped our Independence: 7 major freedom movements initiated by Mahatma Gandhi

Seven major freedom movements started by mahatma gandhi..

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Mahatma Gandhi was the leader who guided India towards Independence. India was under the British rule for over 250 years. Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in 1915 at the request of Gopal Krishna Gokhale.

Gandhi's contribution to the Indian freedom movement cannot be measured in words. He, along with other freedom fighters, compelled the British to leave India. His policies and agendas were non-violent and his words were the source of inspiration for millions.

1. World War I

2. champaran.

The Champaran agitation in Bihar was Gandhi's first active involvement into Indian freedom politics. The Champaran farmers were being forced to grow Indigo and were being tortured if they protested.

When Kheda, a village in Gujarat, was badly hit by floods, the local farmers appealed to the rulers to waive off the taxes. Here, Gandhi started a signature campaign where peasants pledged non-payment of taxes.

4. Khilafat Movement

Gandhi's influence on the Muslim population was remarkable. This was evident in his involvement in the Khilafat Movement. After the first World War, the Muslims feared for the safety of their Caliph or religious leader and a worldwide protest was being organised to fight against the collapsing status of the Caliph.

5. Non-cooperation Movement

Gandhi had realised that the British had been able to be in India only because of the co-operation they received from the Indians. Keeping this in mind, he called for a non-cooperation movement.

6. Salt March

Also known as the Dandi Movement, Gandhi's Salt March is considered to be a pivotal incident in the history of freedom struggle. At the Calcutta Congress of 1928, Gandhi declared that the British must grant India dominion status or the country will erupt into a revolution for complete independence. The British did not pay heed to this.

7. Quit India Movement

During the Second World War, Gandhi was determined to strike the British Empire with a definitive blow that would secure their exit from India. This happened when the British started recruiting Indians for the war.

Gandhi protested strongly and said that the Indians cannot be involved in a war that is in favour of democratic purposes when India itself is not a free country. This argument exposed the two-faced image of the colonisers and within half a decade, they were out of this country.

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Essay on Mahatma Gandhi – Contributions and Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi

500+ words essay on mahatma gandhi.

Essay on Mahatma Gandhi – Mahatma Gandhi was a great patriotic Indian, if not the greatest. He was a man of an unbelievably great personality. He certainly does not need anyone like me praising him. Furthermore, his efforts for Indian independence are unparalleled. Most noteworthy, there would have been a significant delay in independence without him. Consequently, the British because of his pressure left India in 1947. In this essay on Mahatma Gandhi, we will see his contribution and legacy.

Contributions of Mahatma Gandhi

First of all, Mahatma Gandhi was a notable public figure. His role in social and political reform was instrumental. Above all, he rid the society of these social evils. Hence, many oppressed people felt great relief because of his efforts. Gandhi became a famous international figure because of these efforts. Furthermore, he became the topic of discussion in many international media outlets.

Mahatma Gandhi made significant contributions to environmental sustainability. Most noteworthy, he said that each person should consume according to his needs. The main question that he raised was “How much should a person consume?”. Gandhi certainly put forward this question.

Furthermore, this model of sustainability by Gandhi holds huge relevance in current India. This is because currently, India has a very high population . There has been the promotion of renewable energy and small-scale irrigation systems. This was due to Gandhiji’s campaigns against excessive industrial development.

Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence is probably his most important contribution. This philosophy of non-violence is known as Ahimsa. Most noteworthy, Gandhiji’s aim was to seek independence without violence. He decided to quit the Non-cooperation movement after the Chauri-Chaura incident . This was due to the violence at the Chauri Chaura incident. Consequently, many became upset at this decision. However, Gandhi was relentless in his philosophy of Ahimsa.

Secularism is yet another contribution of Gandhi. His belief was that no religion should have a monopoly on the truth. Mahatma Gandhi certainly encouraged friendship between different religions.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi has influenced many international leaders around the world. His struggle certainly became an inspiration for leaders. Such leaders are Martin Luther King Jr., James Beve, and James Lawson. Furthermore, Gandhi influenced Nelson Mandela for his freedom struggle. Also, Lanza del Vasto came to India to live with Gandhi.

The awards given to Mahatma Gandhi are too many to discuss. Probably only a few nations remain which have not awarded Mahatma Gandhi.

In conclusion, Mahatma Gandhi was one of the greatest political icons ever. Most noteworthy, Indians revere by describing him as the “father of the nation”. His name will certainly remain immortal for all generations.

Essay Topics on Famous Leaders

• Mahatma Gandhi
• APJ Abdul Kalam
• Jawaharlal Nehru
• Swami Vivekananda
• Mother Teresa
• Rabindranath Tagore
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
• Subhash Chandra Bose
• Abraham Lincoln
• Martin Luther King

FAQs on Mahatma Gandhi

Q.1 Why Mahatma Gandhi decided to stop Non-cooperation movement?

A.1 Mahatma Gandhi decided to stop the Non-cooperation movement. This was due to the infamous Chauri-Chaura incident. There was significant violence at this incident. Furthermore, Gandhiji was strictly against any kind of violence.

Q.2 Name any two leaders influenced by Mahatma Gandhi?

A.2 Two leaders influenced by Mahatma Gandhi are Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela.

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• India of My Dreams Essay

Essay on India of My Dreams

Everyone has dreams to make his/her country big and democratically successful. A country where there is equality in all areas, and for all genders, it witnesses progress. Like others, I also have a dream for my India and the way it should be, so I can be proud to live and the coming generation too. Furthermore, a country where there is no discrimination of caste, color, gender, and economic status, sees development in a true sense. People in such countries also progress well in all senses.

Descriptive Essay India of My Dreams

The India of my dreams would be a country that is entirely self-sufficient in all areas. I want India to be technologically advanced, agriculturally advanced as well as scientifically better. Every barren land in the country, which has not witnessed crop in ages, would be cultivated for achieving food grains. I am proud of my country, where agriculture is the backbone and pushes the GDP ahead. 

I am proud that I live in a country with so rich soil containing suitable minerals that help in agriculture and promote farming. Different states of India have different varieties of soil, such as Gujarat has black soil that is suitable for growing cotton, Kerala has soil that is suitable for rice cultivation, and so on. One of the best things that happened in the country was the Green Revolution, offering intensive agricultural programs for farmers.

Women Empowerment

My biggest dream is to see women’s empowerment in all areas. I am happy to see women are becoming independent and can take up family responsibilities. However, many things need to work for women’s empowerment, such as stopping female feticide, promoting safety and equality in the organisation, etc. In rural areas of India, there are still many cases of women feticide and physical attack, endangering a woman’s life. 

The patriarchy is still in existence in many places in India, that needs to be taken into consideration. Several jobs are still not open for women. For things to change in a better way, along with the government and other citizens, women as a community should also normalise certain things to change the mindset of the people and the society. For instance, generally, everywhere, the delivery person that comes to our door are men. There are nearly zero women who accept such jobs. Instead, they choose to be a housewife, which should not be the ideal situation. Society should normalise things for women that men have done for decades. Various types of reservations are also provided in education or jobs to uplift women and encourage better participation.

Thankfully, the Indian government, along with NGOs and social groups, are working towards the safety and empowerment of women in India. I want women in my country to be free from social stigma and live independent lives.

Empowering Poor

The rich are becoming richer, and the poor are becoming poorer. The middle class has been standing in the same situation ever since. This should not be the ideal situation for India. The more this gap will be, the more our country and people will suffer. India of my dreams should be a place where poor people get empowerment, face no poverty, do not starve, and get the proper roof to live. 

Poor kids should get an education, so they are confident in facing the world and living a successful life. There should be no gap between the rich and the poor. The national income should be distributed rationally among different sections of society. In my opinion, socialism is the only remedy that can help to overcome the problem.

Employment Opportunity

The India of my dream should be where every individual should get employment opportunities. People must have a decent job that offers good pay, which will help in fulfilling dreams. Unfortunately, many young people with great talent are unable to find the right job due to corruption, quota, and reference.

Reservation has been the major hindrance in the path of growth of deserving candidates. Many of the young experts end up shifting abroad for job opportunities, helping the growth of the GDP of the respective country. India of My dream is a place where the deserving candidate must get a job. A country where young experts get a proper job will certainly witness profitable growth of GDP.

No More Caste Discrimination

Right from independence until now, caste discrimination has been the major hurdle in the growth of Indian society. In many villages of the country, some people still face caste discrimination issues. It is certainly shameful to see how people are denied their rights due to the caste issue. Thankfully, certain social groups work hard to bring down caste discrimination and give equal opportunities to people.

Reservation is also the major factor in promoting caste discrimination. The deserving candidate, be it of any caste, has to suffer more, and the non-deserving ones, be it of any caste, get admission easily into top-notch colleges of India. Students shift abroad for their higher studies or their jobs. They think that the education system of India is not up to the mark and the employment industry is also not very welcoming to keep the students in their company.

I want India to be corrupt-free, which will help in the growth of the nation. One of the reasons the country, even after all these years, is not able to develop is because of the corruption practised by people. No matter how big or small the work is, you need to give the money to get it done.

However, there are government policies that strike hard on such people who look for a bribe to perform the task. I dream of a country where people perform a task without taking any bribes.

Good Infrastructure and Sanitation

I dream of India, which has good infrastructure and sanitation. There are many villages, which lack poor sanitation and infrastructure. The Government of India needs to work on these, so people get what they deserve. Adequate sanitation is very important; it helps people in the village, especially women, to avoid going to open places and face health issues.

The Indian defence forces should be equipped with technologically advanced weapons. All the three military units, the army, the navy, and the air force, should be given extra attention by the government of India as the defence force of any nation is the most significant part of any country. The soldiers should be well-trained and have enough facilities, especially those serving at the borders.

India of my dream should be an ideal country, which I can be proud of and live with confidence. I want the coming generation to have a better life and get everything they deserve for living in this country. I want my country to be politically sound and unbiased, the democracy of my country to be the strongest and successful. Corruption should be eliminated from every aspect of our lives. 

Taxes should be practically and judicially imposed, the difference between rich and poor should be eliminated, and there should not be any kind of inequalities. This dream nation should be the dream of every citizen living here, and then only the desired result will be seen. Every citizen should work and act accordingly so that our future generation will be proud of the nation they are born in, and the other countries of the world will take inspiration from India.

FAQs on India of My Dreams Essay

1) Why is India's Dream of becoming self-reliant difficult?

Many obstacles make this country less self-reliant. The first thing is the high tax levied by the government. There are taxes an individual needs to pay for running a business, and most of the profit is taken away by the taxes. People take a step back to invest in the business. However, the time has come where the government is stepping in to offer assistance on a monetary basis, helping young investors to come up with ideas and work on producing products in and for India.

2) Will caste discrimination ever be eliminated in India?

No, caste discrimination in India may never be eliminated. This is because people are caste-oriented, and they prefer accepting others based on caste. This discrimination has led to many problems in various places of India like mob lynching, social isolation, and others.

3) What are the major challenges in achieving the India of our dreams?

Various social, economic, political, and cultural concerns exist in our country. India being a vast and diverse country with a huge population, it is difficult but not impossible to achieve the India of my dreams. Also, the efforts made for betterment are few and everyone just wants their desired results with no efforts by them. This is what makes it altogether a dream to be achieved.

4) What are the factors that stop India from being a developed nation?

Various negative factors stop India from flourishing as a developed nation are corruption, poverty, illiteracy, employment issues, etc. Efforts need to be placed in order to eliminate the above factors for a better tomorrow.  

5) What does the India of my dreams look like?

India of my dreams will be developed, advanced, happy, peaceful, filled with harmony, and equality in every aspect of life. It will be a place to live in where everyone would be content with what they have and there is understanding within the fellow citizens.

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This Quote Means: With Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya, recalling what Gandhi said about Ram Rajya

Gandhi's ideal state, 'ramrajya', was not associated with a particular religion but was more about moral values – justice, equality and truth, dispensed even to the most marginalised..

In the lead-up to the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to take part in the Pran Prathishtha ceremony on Monday (January 22), the words ‘Ram Rajya’ have been evoked in political discussions. The term refers to an ideal State, which is believed to have existed after Ram returned to his kingdom of Ayodhya and established his rule.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said earlier this month that the spirit of “Ram Rajya” is enshrined in the Constitution and its makers had thoughtfully placed the picture of Lord Ram, Lakshman and Goddess Sita on the top of the chapter related to the Fundamental Rights.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said last year , “UP is the land of Ram Rajya and is moving ahead with this spirit. Only economic prosperity, a development-oriented society and the creation of political integrity can bring happiness in the life of every citizen.”

What did Gandhi say about Ram Rajya?

In the past, PM Modi  has also spoken about the concept in relation to how MK Gandhi interpreted it. In a political rally in Ayodhya in 2014, Modi had said in a speech, “ Jab log Mahatma Gandhi ko poochha karte the ki raj kaisa hona chahiye… to Mahatma Gandhi ek shabd me samjha dete the ki agar kalyankari rajya ki kalpana karni hai to Ram Rajya hona chahiye. (When people used to ask Mahatma Gandhi about what kind of rule should be, Mahatma Gandhi would explain it in only one phrase that if we think about Welfare State then it should be Ram Rajya).” “Where all are happy and no one is sad,” he added.

In various writings, Gandhi described his idea of a perfect State. Writing in Hind Swaraj in 1929, he said, “By Ramarajya, I do not mean Hindu Raj. I mean by Ramarajya Divine Raj, the Kingdom of God. For me, Rama and Rahim are one and the same deity. I acknowledge no other God but the one God of truth and righteousness.”

He wrote in the magazine Young India in the same year, “Whether Rama of my imagination ever lived or not on this earth, the ancient ideal of Ramarajya is undoubtedly one of true democracy in which the meanest citizen could be sure of swift justice without an elaborate and costly procedure. Even the dog is described by the poet to have received justice under Ramarajya.”

The last line refers to an incident in poet Valmiki’s Ramayana , which speaks about a dog going to the Ayodhya court to complain about a wound inflicted on him by a Brahmin beggar. One version of the story says that both the man and the dog were fighting over food, and the beggar hit him as a result. Ram listens to his story and gives the man a punishment as decided by the dog, who decides the man should be given a position and resources to do good deeds and make a better life for himself.

Religion, politics and Gandhi

Therefore, Ram Rajya for Gandhi was not for the benefit of only one group or specific to a particular religion. “My Hinduism teaches me to respect all religions. In this lies the secret of Ramarajya,” he wrote in 1947.

This was also during a period when the country, around the time of Independence from colonial rule, was witnessing communal riots and violence. Perhaps Gandhi also sought to spread the message of religious harmony, while evoking an idea associated with religion, to showcase that it was possible to practise one’s beliefs and still co-exist with others.

Respecting faiths would also be enshrined in the Constitution, such as through Article 14. It is a fundamental right that guarantees equality under law, irrespective of one’s caste, race, religion, place of birth or sex. Article 15 also says, “The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them.”

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It also spoke of Gandhi’s style of politics, where he did not separate religion and politics but used it to garner allies and forge unity. The 1919 pan-Islamic Khilafat movement was launched to prevent the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire after its defeat in World War 1 (1914-1918), at the hands of Allied powers (including Britain). Gandhi lent his support to it and projected it as an anti-Britain movement in India under which Hindus and Muslims would unite.

Ram Rajya as equality and non-violence

In 1934, Gandhi wrote, “Ramarajya of my dream ensures equal rights alike of prince and pauper.” He also described it as “sovereignty of the people based on pure moral authority”, meaning it would be democratic.

In another essay, he spoke of a more spiritual aspect of establishing a just State. “If you want to see God in the form of Ramarajya, the first requisite is self-introspection. You have to magnify your own faults a thousand fold and shut your eyes to the faults of your neighbours. That is the only way to real progress,” he wrote.

He also associated the concept with his own idea of ahimsa or non-violence. Gandhi said, “There can be no Ramarajya in the present state of iniquitous inequalities in which a few roll in riches and the masses do not get even enough to eat … my opposition to the Socialists and other consists in attacking violence as a means of effecting any lasting reform.” Thus, he argued that Ram Rajya was a powerful moral force that would not be achieved through revolutionary means but through internal transformations.

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What was Mahatma Gandhi's dream for India? Mention two evils from which he wanted to keep away from India.

Gandhi ji’s dream for india was bringing swaraj in the country. as per gandhiji, india’s freedom must revolutionize the world’s outlook on peace and war. gandhiji wanted to remove the practice of untouchability and child marriages that was prevalent in india in the past. he preached universal brotherhood, service to humanity, simple living and deep commitment the values of truth and non-violence through his own life. gandhiji’s philosophy is a fusion of naturalism, idealism and pragmatism..

Q42.Mention any 3 steps taken by mahatma Gandhi to eliminate the sin of untouchability from India

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