Consider the following statements about Gandhiji's satyagraha:
1. Satyagraha is about resisting authority, not just injustice.
2. Through satyagraha, justice rises where fear falls.
3. Satyagraha seeks to weaken the opponent through passive resistance.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Explanation Statement 1 is not correct. This is incorrect as Satyagraha is not about resisting authority itself but resisting injustice and oppression through truth and nonviolence. Gandhi emphasized ethical resistance aimed at transforming the oppressor's conscience. It is a moral fight for justice, not a rebellion against legitimate authority, but against its misuse or unjust policies.
Statement 2 is correct. This statement is correct as Satyagraha, rooted in nonviolence and truth, replaces fear with moral courage. By embracing self-suffering and rejecting hatred, it inspires both the oppressed and oppressor to confront injustice ethically. Fear diminishes as truth prevails, creating an environment where justice can emerge through mutual understanding and conscience awakening.
Statement 3 is not correct. This is incorrect as Satyagraha is distinct from passive resistance. It seeks to convert, not weaken, the opponent by appealing to their moral sense through nonviolent suffering. Gandhi described it as a "weapon of the strong," aiming to win justice and truth by fostering mutual understanding, not by exploiting the opponent's weaknesses.
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