The Penguin Gandhi Reader

Book excerpt: The Essential Writings Of One Of The Greatest Statesmen And Morally Influential Figures Of The Twentieth Century Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948) Was Born In Porbander On The Western Coast Of India. His Childhood And Early Upbringing Were Undistinguished But As An Adult He Initiated And Was Involved In A Series Of Novel Forms Of Peaceful Protests Which Established Him As One Of The Most Important Leaders Of The Twentieth Century And One Whose Message And Relevance Transcended National Boundaries. This Meticulously Edited Volume Culled From The Collected Works Of Gandhi Contains A Representative Selection Of His Writings Focusing On Themes Which Were Central To Gandhi S Philosophy. The Reader Is Divided Into Eight Sections And Discusses The Following In Detail: Gandhiji S Complete Rejection Of What Is Known As Modern Civilization Together With Its Materialistic Nature; The Doctrines Of Swaraj And Swadeshi, Which Meant More To Him Than Mere Independence For The British; The Creed Of Non-Violence, The Centrepiece Of His Political Theory; His Role In Mass Movements Particularly In The Non-Co-Operation Civil Disobedience And Quit India Movements; His Views On Women And Sex; His Arguments Against Caste And Untouchability; His Thoughts On Capitalism And Socialism; His Commitment To A United India; His Firm Belief In Religious Tolerance And Finally, His Lifelong Struggle Towards The Attainment Of Both Home Rule And Self Rule.