Anupam- The Dreamer

Gandhiji used to say that “Non-violence (ahimsa) is not a weapon of the weak”. I am pretty much astonished to realize how true he was! And this thing among his many other things is so much relevant in the present era as it was back then during our freedom struggle.

At the first instance, it seems ironical that non-violence should rather be a weapon of the weak! Because its counterpart, i.e. violence, is traditionally understood as the weapon of the strong. And why shouldn’t it be? Even in the animal kingdom and in nature, we observe that stronger animal (like lion) perpetrates violence on the weaker animal (like deer). So, the natural law is the law of the strong and the law of the violence. But, howsoever brutal it may be, it is the law of nature and it doesn’t go by the moral values.

But, the world of humans is a bit different. In earlier times when there was monarchy and feudal system, violence was the norm where the strong king/queen ruled the territory by decree of violence. Those who defied the authority had to face the wrath of the ruler. However, after the inception of democracy and democratic values, violence is no longer considered to be a weapon of the strong. Infact, in an ideal democracy there is no room for violence of any kind, from any section of people on the other. Because democracy is a sort of governance which provides the suitable conditions for every citizen to reach his/her own maximum potential. In a democracy, there are moral values, unlike animal kingdom. In a democracy, there are morals values like tolerance, mercy, benevolence, care, empathy, sensitivity, adjustment, accommodation of different thoughts and ideas. And most importantly, there is humanism.

Humanism, meaning there is respect for each and every human being, there are rights for every human being, irrespective of his/her caste, creed, race, religion etc. There is understanding and mutual cooperation between the people. In a democracy, there are enough tools to sort out differences in a peaceful manner like debate, dialogue, discussion, peaceful demonstrations etc. Until we are willing to sort out differences in a cooperative atmosphere, to the maximum benefit of all, and without any malafide intention, then I believe there is enough room for everyone to claim his/her share of the pie. There should be no place of violence of any kind, perpetrated by any human being on the other, whether, in home, or in society, or in any arena of public life. Violence, if at all, as a measure of last resort, should be used against those who work against the interest of the nation and humanity as a whole. Violence should be used by the State against the anti-national and anti-social elements, and not against its own citizens who are using non-violent means to raise their voice.

As much as I think about Gandhian philosophy of non-violence, the more I am drawn to its core meaning. Non-violence can never be practiced by the weak person. Because when threatened with violence, the natural instinct of anyone is to respond by violence only. For example, if someone slaps you hard, your natural reaction would be to slap the person back. Responding violence with violence is very easy! But, it requires immense moral courage and strength to stop yourself from violence and put your other cheek in front of the other person. And that courage is not easy to cultivate! Because cultivating that requires a lot of introspection, a lot of belief in the ideas of humanism, a lot of belief in the core values of tolerance, patience, understanding etc. It requires a person to go through the stages of debate, dialogue, discussion, churning of ideas, to arrive at an acceptable solution. So, non-violence requires a person to pass all these stages before he/she can finally resort to violence.

And passing through all those stages is very hard and hence is not for the morally weak people. And that’s why Gandhiji was so so true when he exclaimed “Non-violence is not a weapon of the weak”. I hope the earlier we understand the import of his words of wisdom, the better it will be for all of us!

For non-violence✌️