Gandhi’s arrest: A turning point in the global fight for freedom
His arrest, far from quelling resistance, galvanised the nation, showcasing the power of non-violence as a tool for liberation and freedom
On January 4, 1932, Mahatma Gandhi was arrested after the Congress Party had decided to resume a civil disobedience movement in the wake of emergency measures imposed by the British government. The arrest marked a pivotal juncture in India’s struggle for independence and left an indelible impact on global movements for justice and equality. Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and civil disobedience not only reshaped India’s freedom struggle but also served as a blueprint for resistance movements worldwide.
The Civil Disobedience Movement, initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, was a landmark moment in the Indian nationalist struggle. It was launched with the historic Salt March (Dandi Yatra) – where Gandhi defied British-imposed salt taxes, a symbol of colonial exploitation – foot-marching from Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat to the river Dandi, a journey of 241 miles. This movement aimed to undermine British authority through non-violent means such as boycotting British goods, refusing to pay taxes, and disobeying oppressive laws.
By the early 1930s, the movement had gained mass participation but faced severe repression from the British administration. Lord Willingdon, the Viceroy of India, adopted a policy of suppression, seeing Gandhi’s leadership as a threat to the stability of British........
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