Introduction:
Fasting was a significant tool used by Mahatma Gandhi during the Indian freedom struggle. He believed that fasting could be a powerful means to draw attention to the demands of the people and to create a sense of moral urgency in the oppressors. Gandhi's fasts played a crucial role in mobilizing public opinion and exerting pressure on the British government to address the grievances of the Indian people.

Ahmedabad Mill Workers Strike:
One of the causes for which Gandhi undertook a fast unto death was the Ahmedabad Mill Workers strike. In 1918, the mill workers in Ahmedabad went on strike demanding better working conditions and higher wages. Gandhi supported their cause and began a fast unto death to protest against the unjust treatment of the mill workers. His fast created a sense of solidarity among the workers and drew widespread attention to their plight. Eventually, the strike was resolved, and the workers' demands were partially met.

Communal Award:
The Communal Award, introduced by the British government in 1932, gave separate electorates to different religious communities, including the untouchables. Gandhi strongly opposed this decision as he believed it would perpetuate divisions within the Indian society. To protest against the Communal Award, he undertook another fast unto death. His fast brought the issue into the national spotlight and led to negotiations between different communities. Eventually, an agreement known as the Poona Pact was reached, which reserved seats for the untouchables within the general electorate, instead of separate electorates.

Fasting for Communal Harmony:
In 1947, during the partition of India, communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims were at their peak. Gandhi undertook a fast unto death to promote communal harmony and to appeal for peace and unity among the communities. His fast garnered immense public attention and pressurized the leaders to work towards peace. Although the fast did not completely resolve the communal violence, it did serve as a symbol of Gandhi's unwavering commitment to non-violence and his relentless pursuit of harmony.

Conclusion:
Gandhi's use of fasting as a tool of Satyagraha was not limited to a specific cause or section of society. He employed fasting to draw attention to various issues and injustices, ranging from workers' rights to communal harmony. His fasts were not only acts of personal sacrifice but also powerful instruments of mobilization, negotiation, and non-violent resistance. By undertaking fasts unto death, Gandhi was able to capture the attention of the nation and the world, bringing critical issues to the forefront and exerting pressure on the British government and Indian leaders to address the concerns of the people.