What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by saying that satyagraha is active resistance?

Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India's independence movement, popularized the concept of satyagraha, which he defined as "truth force" or "soul force." Satyagraha was a nonviolent method of resistance against injustice and oppression. Gandhi believed that through active resistance, individuals could bring about social and political change by appealing to the moral conscience of their oppressors.

1. Satyagraha as a form of resistance
- Mahatma Gandhi saw satyagraha as a powerful means to challenge unjust laws and oppressive systems.
- It involved actively resisting injustice through nonviolent means, such as civil disobedience, protests, strikes, and boycotts.
- Satyagrahis were encouraged to remain steadfast in their commitment to truth and nonviolence, even in the face of violence and repression.

2. The principle of truth and nonviolence
- The essence of satyagraha lies in the practice of truth (satya) and nonviolence (ahimsa).
- Gandhi believed that truth is the ultimate reality, and by aligning oneself with truth, one could overcome injustice and oppression.
- Nonviolence, according to Gandhi, was not a passive or weak approach but a courageous and active force that required great inner strength.

3. Passive resistance vs. active resistance
- Gandhi distinguished between passive resistance and active resistance.
- Passive resistance involved passively accepting unjust laws and suffering their consequences, whereas active resistance meant actively challenging those laws through nonviolent means.
- Satyagrahis would willingly accept the penalties for their actions, aiming to expose the injustice of the system and inspire others to join the struggle.

4. The power of moral persuasion
- Satyagraha relied on moral persuasion to change the hearts and minds of oppressors.
- By demonstrating the power of truth and nonviolence, satyagrahis aimed to awaken the moral conscience of their adversaries and create a sense of guilt and remorse.
- This approach sought to humanize the oppressor and foster empathy, ultimately leading to a transformation in the oppressive system.

5. Constructive program
- Gandhi emphasized the importance of constructive program alongside satyagraha.
- Satyagrahis were encouraged to engage in self-improvement, communal harmony, and social upliftment to build a better society.
- This constructive approach aimed to address the root causes of injustice and create alternative models that reflected the principles of truth and nonviolence.

In conclusion, Mahatma Gandhi viewed satyagraha as an active resistance that involved actively challenging injustice through nonviolent means. By practicing truth and nonviolence, satyagrahis aimed to persuade their oppressors and transform the oppressive system. Satyagraha was not a passive acceptance of injustice but a courageous and principled method of resistance that sought to bring about social and political change.