Gandhi and Bhagat Singh

Gandhi

Bhagat Singh

Philosophy

• Non-violence (Ahimsa) and truth (Satyagraha)

• Revolutionary socialism and armed struggle

Approach to Independence

• Non-violent resistance, civil disobedience, and non-cooperation

• Direct action, armed rebellion, and revolutionary activities

View on British Rule

• Sought to negotiate and achieve independence through peaceful means

• Believed in immediate and forceful overthrow of British rule

Economic Views

• Promoted village-based, self-sufficient economies

•  opposed industrialization

• Advocated for a socialist economy with industrialization

Role in Indian National Congress

• Dominant leader

•  led multiple Congress movements and initiatives

• INC president in 1924 session

• Not a member

• aligned with more radical groups like Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA)

Methods of Protest

• Non-violent protests such as the Salt March and Quit India Movement

• Bombings and assassinations aimed at British officials to incite revolution

Religious Views

• Deeply religious

• believed in the unification of all religions

• Atheist

• critical of religious orthodoxy

Major Contributions

• Salt March, Non-Cooperation Movement, Quit India Movement

• Bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly, assassination of Saunders

View on Social Structure

• Emphasized upliftment of the downtrodden within the existing social framework

• Advocated for complete social revolution and abolition of caste

Legacy

• Father of the Nation

• symbol of non-violent resistance

• Martyr and national hero

• symbol of youthful rebellion and sacrifice

Criticism

• Accused of being too idealistic

• criticized for his views on caste

• Criticized for use of violence 

• viewed as too radical by some contemporaries

Death

• Assassinated in 1948

• Executed by the British in 1931

Impact on Post-Independent India

• Inspired non-violent movements worldwide

• foundational influence on Indian democracy

• Inspired generations of revolutionaries

• remembered as a martyr for Indian independence