Every time I see the mindless massacres being unleashed upon innocents by the Maoists, I always wonder what Mahatma Gandhi would have said about the series of senseless slaughters? How would he have dealt with these dreaded criminals who, though shamelessly claim to be engaged into “People’s War”, are actually the biggest advertisement for the adage, “if one had such friends, one wouldn’t need an enemy!”
I think we know the answer to this question all too very well.
Gandhiji would have preached and practiced the philosophy of “Ahimsa” and “Satyagraha” with Maoists as well and would have effectively encouraged them to renounce violence completely. I am sure the Mahatma would have held the same degree of influence against the illusory ideologies of the Maoists as he had had over the English’s concept – rather the lack of it – of India’s independence.
Gandhiji would have made the Maoists look deeply into their dangerous practices of crime and country’s destabilization and would have told then bluntly: “Whatever may be your understanding of the Maoism, whatever may be your so-called reason for taking up armed struggle against the State – and its people – you can never “justify the means” to your “end” which is so-called “social structuring”.
I am sure Gandhiji would have simply marched in his trademark attire and with his trademark attitude into the bastion – heartland – of the Maoists and would have won their hearts and minds! And, saying NO to the Mahatma would have been a monumental task even for these heartless Maoists!
Of course, the Mahatma would have taken the tribals along with and would have first weaned them out of the influence of the Maoists. I am sure those underprivileged people would have understood being grossly manipulated by the militant Maoists and would have vehemently protested by wholeheartedly participating in an uprising against them – following the principles of Ahimsa and Satyagraha, of course.
Simultaneously, Gandhiji would have successfully made the Indian State to implement comprehensive developmental policies and plans in the troubled tribal areas and, thus, would have ensured that the so-called “People’s War” being waged by the militant Maoists was rendered irrelevant.
And, in his endeavor, the Mahatma would have resorted to hunger strikes if he deemed necessary!
Equally important, Gandhiji would have severely opposed the Pseudo Display of Affection (PDA) for the Maoists by their so-called “sympathizers”. Because, this brazen PDA is in effect highly skewed and nauseating and it once again reiterates the fact that these Maoists “sympathizers” are hugely myopic in their outlook.
Finally, the Mahatma would have said to the Maoists: follow the philosophy of Ahimsa and Satyagraha and join the mainstream. This way you will be able to serve the downtrodden people – your people – in reality. Work alongside the government. You have the power; use it – non-violently – to force the government to build basic infrastructure – roads, schools, hospitals, telephones, electricity etc. – in the tribal areas and let them have equal opportunities to develop their skills and lead a better life. This way you – the Maoists – will actually be respected as true leaders.
Therefore, what do you have to say, dear Maoists? Follow Gandhigiri or do Dadagiri? Dadagiri will ultimately lead to your anonymous and much-awaited death in the hands of the State’s para/military forces, whereas, Gandhigiri will ultimately lead to your celebrated status in the society as leaders – people’s people – and your death will see you being honoured by the State’s para/military guns!
Choice is yours.
I think we know the answer to this question all too very well.
Gandhiji would have preached and practiced the philosophy of “Ahimsa” and “Satyagraha” with Maoists as well and would have effectively encouraged them to renounce violence completely. I am sure the Mahatma would have held the same degree of influence against the illusory ideologies of the Maoists as he had had over the English’s concept – rather the lack of it – of India’s independence.
Gandhiji would have made the Maoists look deeply into their dangerous practices of crime and country’s destabilization and would have told then bluntly: “Whatever may be your understanding of the Maoism, whatever may be your so-called reason for taking up armed struggle against the State – and its people – you can never “justify the means” to your “end” which is so-called “social structuring”.
I am sure Gandhiji would have simply marched in his trademark attire and with his trademark attitude into the bastion – heartland – of the Maoists and would have won their hearts and minds! And, saying NO to the Mahatma would have been a monumental task even for these heartless Maoists!
Of course, the Mahatma would have taken the tribals along with and would have first weaned them out of the influence of the Maoists. I am sure those underprivileged people would have understood being grossly manipulated by the militant Maoists and would have vehemently protested by wholeheartedly participating in an uprising against them – following the principles of Ahimsa and Satyagraha, of course.
Simultaneously, Gandhiji would have successfully made the Indian State to implement comprehensive developmental policies and plans in the troubled tribal areas and, thus, would have ensured that the so-called “People’s War” being waged by the militant Maoists was rendered irrelevant.
And, in his endeavor, the Mahatma would have resorted to hunger strikes if he deemed necessary!
Equally important, Gandhiji would have severely opposed the Pseudo Display of Affection (PDA) for the Maoists by their so-called “sympathizers”. Because, this brazen PDA is in effect highly skewed and nauseating and it once again reiterates the fact that these Maoists “sympathizers” are hugely myopic in their outlook.
Finally, the Mahatma would have said to the Maoists: follow the philosophy of Ahimsa and Satyagraha and join the mainstream. This way you will be able to serve the downtrodden people – your people – in reality. Work alongside the government. You have the power; use it – non-violently – to force the government to build basic infrastructure – roads, schools, hospitals, telephones, electricity etc. – in the tribal areas and let them have equal opportunities to develop their skills and lead a better life. This way you – the Maoists – will actually be respected as true leaders.
Therefore, what do you have to say, dear Maoists? Follow Gandhigiri or do Dadagiri? Dadagiri will ultimately lead to your anonymous and much-awaited death in the hands of the State’s para/military forces, whereas, Gandhigiri will ultimately lead to your celebrated status in the society as leaders – people’s people – and your death will see you being honoured by the State’s para/military guns!
Choice is yours.
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