What Is Mohandas Mahatma Gandhi's Relevance On Foreign Policies In Modern Day India - Dissertation Example

?What is Mohandas Mahatma Gandhi's relevance on foreign policies in modern day India Mohandas Mahatma Gandhi, hailed as the “father of the nation” has indeed influenced the entire nation to a great extent in many ways. The way he took the whole country by surge while mustering support for his policies in order to oust the British out of India, is all but forgotten by the country. However, his exploits are not just restricted to bringing freedom to his motherland but has also extended to the basic philosophy that an average individual leads his or her life with. Thus, there is hardly any doubt about the fact that Gandhi ji’s beliefs and philosophy also underlies the foreign policies of the nation to a great extent. However, policies do change over the years, and even if we consider Gandhi’s towering personality as well as influence at the time of the independence of India, it can hardly be said without taking a relook at the contemporary scenario whether the legacy of consulting Gandhian policies for embarking upon any policy of substantial importance for India stills holds value or not. If the existing foreign policy of India were to be evaluated in the light of Gandhiji’s outlook or for that philosophy, then an obvious approach would be to start with the freedom struggle of India, a time that was overtly dominated by the strategies formulated by Gandhiji as well as his thousands of ardent followers. Bandyopadhyaya (1970) notes that the Gandhian ideals were more of a set of policies that governed the strategies of freedom struggle movement of the Indian National Congress, the biggest political organization spearheading the freedom movement in India. The author further reports that this typically successful strategy has been utilized by the government of independent India under its ‘Directive Principles of State Policy’ in the pretext of “peaceful settlement of international disputes”. This is significant to our understanding of how important Gandhi ji and his preaching have been for the formulation of what India presently is. In terms of the relevance of Gandhi ji in today’s political context, we must acknowledge the fact that some of the most crucial policies pertaining to the domain of foreign relations have been deeply influenced by the legacy that the Mahatma has left behind. In the light of what he professed, preached as well as practiced it is on us to give due recognition to the enormity of his foresight, the magnitude of his philosophy as well as the vastness of his acute perception of the scheme of things in the political arena. Thousands of books, articles, research papers have been published on this “great soul” (Adams, 2010; Wolpert, 2001) and a formidable bulk of literature has been published on various topics related to Gandhi ji and of course not without reason. Among the salient tenets of Gandhian philosophy, one of the foremost pillars was his affinity for as well as staunch belief in the practice of non violence. As various authors quote Godse in his book, who calls Gandhi ji a “violent pacifist”, though whether the Mahatma actually brought “untold calamities to the nation” is seriously questionable (Elst, 2001; Nussbaum, 2007; Karawan, 2008; Godse & Godse, 1989). Obviously Godse accuses Gandhi ji of being responsible for many a debacle that has shaken India by its roots at the time of independence and thus the term “violent pacifist” is basically used in the pejorative. Now we may also take a relook at what the term may mean apart from the pejorative connotations that Godse attached to it and therefore we may indulge in deconstructing the meaning of the term in the light of Gandhi ji’s contribution to the freedom struggle as well as his philosophy being tantamount to become instrumental in shaping the future of the nation not in within the country but also externally as well. Coming back to the moot point of that of Gandhi ji’s relevance in modern day India’s foreign policies, we should obviously start from the very beginning and trace the gradual shift towards or else from the lofty ideals that Gandhi ji espoused all through his life. Among the ideals that may be called quintessential to Gandhian philosophy, is that of tolerance, non violence or ahimsa, as he would put it, apart from other tenets like satyagraha and the like. Starting from the post independence India, various researchers have noted that the first Prime Minister of India owed his political philosophy to his mentor, Gandhi ji. That Pandit Nehru was too international in his mindset has also been duly acknowledged by Gandhi ji (Chaulia, 2002). Chaulia (2002) further notes that during the lifetime of Gandhi ji, he had been successful in deploying the technique of non violent nationalism and this had borne the fruits of freedom in subsequent years, and despite that the colonial masters of India had not incited rage or a sense of bitterness among the British and this is probably the greatest proof of the fact that this technique is absolutely suitable for determining the external affairs or foreign policies of the nation. This apart, Nehru has himself overtly admitted that “our cause becomes a world cause only when the Mahatma’s prescriptions for India are carried over to humanity” (Chaulia, 2002). Also, besides the tenet of the Gandhian cause of non violence, most of the rudimentary policies were incumbent on the preachings of the Mahatma. The policies of non alignment, Panchsheel, anti colonialism, one world as well as disarmament – all the main policies were based on the salient tenets of Gandhi ji’s preachings of tolerance as well as means justifying ends (Chaulia, 2002). Furthermore, just as an obedient disciple would have done, Nehru followed these principles to the hilt and thus once the principles were operational, what was executed was the fact that India is a peace loving country and that it does not tread the path of violence. Obviously this has its pitfalls as well. India has been dubbed as a weak as well as incapable of aggressive political actions by many other nations (Chaulia, 2002). Again Chaulia (2002) is not the only author who has found relevance of Gandhi ji as well as his principles in modern day India. Others have gone even further and specified the domains in which Gandhi ji or for that matter his ideals still act as a major pole star to every wandering bark. In terms of humanistic idealism that Gandhi ji has fostered all through his lifetime, Ahmed (2008) is of the opinion that however large changes may be wrought to the society or for that matter whatever we do to ourselves, the perennial self still has only few choices and one of those few choices were indeed upheld by Gandhi ji. Be it times of violence or war, or even catastrophe, Gandhi ji has always been a source of inspiration as well as a pole star who has not professed an ideal that is but good on paper or even something esoteric that can only be realized by a sacred few but an ideal whose efficacy as well as effectiveness lies in its practice. And the outcome of practicing these ideals has already been reaped by all and sundry. Given that these ideals are but perennial to mankind, thus there is little doubt about the fact that Gandhi ji’s preaching will continue to show us the right path, even in times of tumult and upheaval. Again, Ahmed further feels that the lofty ideals of the Gandhian philosophy is not just restricted to the perennial aspects of life and nor does these ideals compel us to ask ourselves eschatological questions but are related to the more mundane scheme of life. It rather helps us to cope with the way of the world by providing us with a way in the world. Thus it is applicable to the most real of events that has been plaguing the country for years – the India Pakistan relations. There is hardly any doubt that since independence there has always been a major stress on this particular aspect in the foreign relations that India has maintained, and given the importance of this particular issue, or for that matter the sensitivity involved, the relevance of the Gandhian philosophy always makes Gandhi a man who could foresee events as well as a politician who knew the most effective of ways to deal with a bitter foe. Ahmed (2008) stresses on the policies taken up by Gandhi ji in order to maintain a more cordial relationship between the Hindus and the Muslims in India since he could foresee that this was the only way that the Indian subcontinent could get rid of the rule of the Raj. In this context it should be mentioned that India still keeps attempting to revive a better relationship with Pakistan and has even invited the Presidents and Prime Ministers of Pakistan to discuss and settle the disputes that have acted as bones of contention to the forging of a great friendship between the neighbouring countries. In this regard, we should be able to remember the visit of Pakistani President Parvez mushrraf in early first decade of the twenty first century, though the move was unable to yield the much sought after results. However, even the erstwhile Pakistani President, Parvez Musharraf, in his much hyped autobiography, “In the Line of Fire: A Memoir” has admitted that the relationship that Pakistan shares with India has improved by leaps and bounds, thanks to the conflict management approach taken by the two countries (2006). We obviously find echoes of the Gandhian ideals of resisting from violence, especially when it comes to avenging a foe. Also, Ahmed (2008) further notes that Gandhi ji has not only envisaged an India that epitomizes communal harmony but focuses on mutual co operation as well as peaceful co existence. In this regard, there are various fiery lectures that Gandhi ji has voiced on various occasions thereby making it clear for all and sundry what his ideals are, and what he, the father of the nation, looks forward to. Even under circumstances of extreme violence and menace, Gandhi ji has only exhibited unflinching determination as well as poise while telling his people that “If one side ceases to retaliate, the riots will not go on” (www.mkgandhi.org, 1946) or for that matter other quotes like “My longing is to be able to cement the two (Hindus and Mussalmans) with my blood, if necessary” (www.mkgandhi.org, 1924). Of course, there are other factors that have also put Gandhi ji at the stature of where he is. The relevance of Gandhi ji in today’s world politics in general and India’s foreign policies in particular is immense and verily required. In another very focused research paper by Sikri (2008), we come to know about the relevance of Gandhi ji’s ideals as well as policies and its relevance in shaping the foreign policies of the country. Skiri (2008) notes that though Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of the country has been accredited with the formulation of the foreign policy of India, there is no denying the fact that the roots of this foreign policy lies in the philosophy provided to the world by Gandhi ji. Sikri (2008), in his seminal paper on the influence of Gandhi on the formulation of the foreign policy of the nation puts forth the following points that Gandhi ji or for that matter his ideals have emphasized on: Non alignment or the right to follow an independent foreign policy as well as the right to decide the issues concerning the foreign policies on the basis of merit Moral, diplomatic as well as economic support for the struggle against colonialism and also against social evils like racism Non violence as well as the path of nuclear disarmament The role of India as an international peacemaker Given the highlights of the major points that are still relevant and reverberate most of the foreign policies considered to be of paramount importance, we actually come to make a better estimate of the man of acute foresight that Gandhi ji was, along with the fact that how correct his decisions were, not only as far as the internal policies of the country is concerned, but also issues concerning the nation and its relations with other countries. So far as non alignment is concerned, this has been one of the most crucial as well as successful policies taken up by the government and it is no other individual but Gandhi ji whose ideals have underpinned the formulation of this policy. Sikri (2008) further notes that India’s position on various matters concerning international issues have been clarified with “rare moral clarity” thereby impinging on the fact that though India can take a stand on an issue, it is never biased on any particular side. The same thoughts have been echoed by Damodaran (The Telegraph, 2012) in an article that focuses on the impact on Gandhi ji as a “gentle strategist”. Damodaran has mentioned that it is Gandhi ji on whom the basic framework of the foreign policy of the nation is incumbent on. He has further quoted Gandhi ji on mentioning about decision making that there is hardly an alternative to autonomy in this regard and this has borne the fruits of the non alignment movement that Pandit Nehru brought about, thereby maintaining cordial relationship with all the super powers of his time. The same is being witnessed even in modern times, especially at a time when the foreign policies of India are successfully catering to both the USA as well as Iran – the two nations at loggerheads. Sikri (2008) also mentions that the fact that India is able to take a definite moral stand on international issues has made it popular among various quarters of the international community apart from lending a rather leadership role in various issues. Though the point of nuclear disarmament of India or the role of a facilitator in this regard would not be fully true, in the light of the fact that India herself is equipped with nuclear weapons; however, there is hardly any doubt about the fact that India being a nuclear power is no great threat to the world unless of course one thinks of bullying India with the help of the nuclear power one has developed. However, as noted by many analysts as well as researchers, the goal or objective of India’s becoming a nuclear power is not to wage a nuclear war with any of its enemies but to herald the fact that India has indeed emerged as a power to be reckoned with, especially in its part of the world (Rajamohan, 2006; Walker, 2008). Also, we should consider the fact that though India has become a nuclear super power in recent years, they have not asserted their influence in any decision that may be called bossing on any other country but have always supported the cause of humanity – something that Gandhi ji so verily escorted. India’s role as an international peacemaker is widely known as well as acknowledged. Not only has the nation been instrumental in settling foreign nation issues, and the latest being in Maldives (The Hindu, 2012). Among the economic policy decisions highlighted as well as aligned with the salient propositions of Gandhi ji, some of the foremost ones are as follows: Development of agriculture Development of textile industries Development of infrastructure In the light of the three major policies that Gandhi ji escorted as well as ensured that these became the policies to be formulated, these policies are extant as well as extraordinarily successful till date. While these may not have much to do with the foreign policies directly, these nevertheless create a linkage between the inner strengths of the nation as well as what is sought from other countries. So far as the infrastructure development is concerned, India has of late been giving much stress on this issue and this is also in alignment with the better relations that India share with other developed nations of the world, countries that have both the power and funds as well as the will to invest in the growth and prosperity of our country. This once again reinforces the fact that Gandhi ji was right in choosing an economic policy that would prove to be beneficial to the foreign policy as a whole, thereby exhibiting mastery in linking various policies so as to create a synergistic relationship between the diverging strands. Agriculture has always been one of the most crucial decisions for the Indian government, given that almost 60% of the population is still engaged in this sector (Kar, 2011). However, given the food security that we have achieved as well as the prospects of exporting our produces to other countries – is also another concern of the foreign policies of the nation (Kar, 2011). Gandhi ji has always opined that sustenance in agriculture would do good for our rural population (Gandhi, 1952). Again, it may be noted that the government has internally given more importance to the agriculture sector for the growth as well as development of the overall economy, and alongside has been calling for investments from multinationals in this sector to further the development of the nation (ITC, 2011). Moreover, other researchers in the field have also conjoined Gandhian philosophies with diverse policies being related to the foreign policies of the nation. Mukherji (2008), for example, while writing on Gandhi ji’s role in democratic decentralization in India, mentions that the various points that we come across as being the major tenets of the Gandhian philosophy, all of them are so verily interwoven with the policies of the country that it becomes very hard to single out one factor that may be called the most important of the lot. Again, apart from the role of the Mahatma in the formulation of foreign policies of India concerning non alignment movement, maintaining cordial relations with all countries, being tolerant in its approach towards other neighbouring countries, or for that matter, acting as an international peacemaker, one point that most researchers do not give much credence to, and not even attribute Gandhi ji to is that of his stress on the fact that man is a product of nature and not the other way round (Mukherji, 2008). Thus even the environmental policy taken up by India both within the nation as well as in respect to the overall global issues of environmental importance, Gandhi ji had foreseen and warned about the dire consequences that humanity were to face if we were to subvert the natural order of the universe. Mukherji (2008) further mentions that the environmental policy of the entire world is in tune with what was professed by Gandhi ji, and that too, at a time, when these consciousness about these issues were hardly developed among the leaders, leave alone the general populace. The fact that Gandhi ji was an ardent believer as well as a follower of democracy is known to all and sundry. Again, shaping India’s foreign policies for the cause of democratic countries or even for the protection of democracy is also one of the policies that has indeed been influenced by Gandhi ji. Of course, a discussion on a man as great as Gandhi ji seems only to begin even at this juncture and his contribution to any of the major decisions of the country till date is immense. Lastly what may be said is that given the researchers, scholars, and experts on the subject being praising the importance as well as the correctness of Gandhi ji’s decisions along any sphere of the Indian polity in general and the foreign policies in particular, it hardly remains to be said that Gandhi ji is still very much relevant to the foreign policies that are extant in India. Also it hardly takes any insight to profess that the importance of Gandhi ji or his ideals in the light of the foreign policies of India will remain relevant for years to come. Bibliography Bandyopadhyaya, J, The Making of India’s Foreign Policy, Allied Publishers Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, 1970, p. 51 Adams, J, Gandhi: Naked Ambition, Quercues, London, 2010, p. 146 Wolpert, S, Gandhi’s Passion: The Life and Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, Oxford University Press, New York, 2001, p. vii Elst, E, Gandhi and Godse: A Review and a Critique, Voice of India, New Delhi, 2001, p. 47 Nussbaum, M, The Clash Within: Democracy, Religious Violence, and India’s Future, Harvard University Press, Harvard, 2007, p. 166 Karawan, I, Values and Violence: Intangible Aspects of Terrorism, Springer, Utah, 2008, p. 88 Godse, N & G Godse, May it Please your Honour, Surya Prakashan, Delhi, 1989 Chaulia, S, BJP, India’s Foreign Policy and the “Realist Alternative” of the Nehruvian Tradition, International Politics, 39: June, 2002, pp. 215-234 Ahmed, I, ‘The Gandhian Legacy of Hindu-Muslim Relations’, The Legacy of Gandhi: A 21st Century Perspective, ISAS Insights, 3 January, No. 25, 2008, pp. 2-10 Sikri, R, ‘Mahatma Gandhi’s Influence on India’s Foreign Policy’, The Legacy of Gandhi: A 21st Century Perspective, ISAS Insights, 3 January, No. 25, 2008, pp. 11-15 Nachane, D, ‘Gandhian Economic Thought and its Influence on Economic Policy Making in India’, The Legacy of Gandhi: A 21st Century Perspective, ISAS Insights, 3 January, No. 25, 2008, pp. 16-28 Mukherji, P, ‘Mahatma Gandhi and the Legacy of Democratic Decentralisation in India’, The Legacy of Gandhi: A 21st Century Perspective, ISAS Insights, 3 January, No. 25, 2008, pp. 29-37 Musharraf, P, In the Line of Fire: A Memoir, Free Press, New York, 2006, p. 304 Gandhi, M, Gandhi Quotations, www.mkgandhi.org, 1946, retrieved 3 April 2012, http://www.mkgandhi.org/momgandhi/chap85.htm Nayar, K, ‘The Gentle Strategist – A. K. Damodaran and India’s relations with China’, The Telegraph, 15 February 2012 Raja Mohan, C, ‘India and the Balance of Power’, Foreign Affairs, Vol. 85 No. 4 (July/August), 2006, p. 27 Walker, R, Awakening Tiger: India’s Quest for Expanded Influence in the World, Naval Postgraduate School, California, 2008, p. 36 The Hindu, ‘India plays Peacemaker Again’, The Hindu, 29 February 2012 Gandhi, M, Rebuilding our Villages, Navajivan Publishing House, Ahmedabad, 1952 ITC, e-Choupals: e-empowering Indian farmers, ITC Limited, retrieved 3 April 2012, http://www.itcportal.com/sustainability/lets-put-india-first/echoupal.aspx Kar, S, ‘Agribusiness in India: Concern for Common Man’, Kurukshetra, Vol. 58, No. 9, July, New Delhi, 2010 Kar, S, Cool Green Agri Godown: Food Security to Rural India, Directed Initiatives. Kolkata, 2011 Read More