How far was George Orwell influenced by other worldly anti-human policy of Gandhiji’s principles ? Discuss it in your own words.

Or

The writer has called him a saint as well as a sinner. Discuss it.

Or

Describe briefly Gandhiji’s external values of spiritual life.

Or

George Orwell has his doubt about Gandhiji’s pacifism. Discuss it.

Or

What was Gandhiji’s main political objective? Discuss it briefly.

Ans.

Gandhiji as a saint and sinner

It is very necessary to know the political background. He was a communist who treated everyman his equal. We find personal differences as a saint as well as a sinner. For example, a king and a common man can never be alike. George Orwell could not understand the views of Gandhiji because of cultural and political differences. The writer did not believe in God as well as the material doctrine. Gandhiji had a tradition and philosophy from his Indian background as well as religious mind. He believed in fasting non-violence chastity, etc. They were the parts of Gandhiji’s whole life. The writer also supported hunger, sex and petty crimes, lying and stealing, etc.

Eternal values of spiritual life

Gandhiji had eternal values of spiritual life which he preached to the people everytime. He had deep faith in the Gita in which he found the knowledge of all Vedas. The writer did not show his sympathy for such views of Gandhiji. Its reason was that he did not regard Gandhiji both as a saint as well as a political leader. He could be right in his views saying that “Gandhiji’s techniques cannot be squared with the belief that Man is the measure of all things and that our job is to make life worth-living on this earth which is the only earth we have.”

According to the writer. “The essence of being human is that one does not seek perfection, that one is sometimes willing to commit sins for the sake of loyalty, that one does not push ascetism to the point where it makes friendly intercourse impossible and that one is prepared in the end to be defeated and broken up by life, which is the inevitable price of fastening one’s love upon other human individuals.”

George Orwell had his doubt about Gandhiji’s brand of pacifism

George Orwell had expressed his doubt about Gandhiji’s brand of pacifism. His doubt was also about his efficacy. Gandhiji’s programme of Satyagraha was related to his political means. He was deeply shocked at his such extreme forms. He had also suggested that the Jews could commit suicide to serve his political purpose. The following words of George Orwell admired Gandhiji and his techniques. “His main political objective, the peaceful ending of British rule, had after all been attained.” Both India and Britain had settled down finally into a friendly relationship. The writer asked a question if it had been because of Gandhiji by his own struggle without hatred.

Conclusion

The writer had not given up his stand for Gandhiji and his struggle saying that his main aim was against humanity and reactionary by a politician like Gandhiji. Comparing him with some other great politicians, he admired him for the sweet smell which he had left behind him.

The writer admitted that he could not understand the humanism of Gandhiji which was rooted in the Indian spiritual ethos. His importance was regarded in calling him the image of God. A large number of Indian people were given importance along with the great man Gandhiji and his principles of truth and non-violence.

• Discuss Rabindranath Tagore as a poet.

• Write the critical appreciation of the poem No. 12 entitled Far Below Flowed.

• Write the critical appreciation of the poem No. 11 entitled Leave this Chanting.