Gandhi As A Saintly Idiom
W.H. Morris-Jones, a leading scholar of South Asian Studies, has identified three distinctive idioms or languages of Indian Politics which he has termed as modern, traditional and saintly. The modern idiom can be noticed in the languages of the constitution and of the law courts and the higher administration, the traditional idiom is the language of the villages, of the castes and of the tribes and communities whereas the idiom of saintly politics refers to the politics of Mahatma Gandhi and Vinoba Bhave. Thus Gandhi was more than a politician, social reformer — he was the usherer of a new language in Indian politics. Something that would become synonymous with all political mass movements in the country — clad in white, with Gandhi topi and aloofness from power. His distinctive attire, consisting of a simple white dhoti and shawl, became powerful symbols of his philosophy and served as a visual manifestation of his principles.
The Essence of Gandhi’s Saintly Idiom
Gandhi’s choice of attire was deliberate, reflecting his commitment to simplicity, humility, and equality. By eschewing Western clothing associated with colonial rule and opting for traditional Indian attire, Gandhi sought to connect with the masses and convey a message of cultural pride and self-reliance. His decision to wear simple, hand-spun khadi cloth was not merely a sartorial choice but a symbolic rejection of industrialization and materialism.
He had the supreme courage to own and correct mistakes. Which sets him apart from political jingoism and chest-thumping. He was “a saint among politicians and a politician among saints”. Mahatma Gandhi’s saintly idiom transcends mere political leadership; it embodies a spiritual and moral ethos that reverberates through the corridors of history. At its core lies the principle of Ahimsa (nonviolence) and Satyagraha (truth-force), which Gandhi wielded as potent tools in his quest for justice and freedom. His life was a testament to the power of moral conviction and personal sacrifice in the pursuit of noble ideals.
Moral Courage in the Face of Adversity
His saintly politics had a spiritual side involving a sense of otherworldliness. It is not based on reason but on intuition otherwise known as “inner voice” and on scriptural injunctions. The saintly politics aims at reforming the political system not through exercise of power but remaining at a respectable distance from the functionaries exercising power.
Gandhi’s saintly idiom was characterized by unwavering moral courage, even in the face of formidable opposition. From leading mass protests against British colonial rule to challenging social injustices such as untouchability and poverty, Gandhi fearlessly confronted entrenched power structures with a steadfast commitment to truth and righteousness. His willingness to endure persecution and suffering for the greater good inspired countless followers and changed the course of history.
Aloofness from Power: The Moral High Ground
One of the most remarkable aspects of Gandhi’s political language was his deliberate detachment from traditional power structures. Despite his immense influence and popularity, Gandhi consistently maintained a stance of aloofness from formal political positions. He refused to hold any government office or seek political power for personal gain, choosing instead to lead by example and wield moral authority. Gandhi’s refusal to engage in conventional politics underscored his commitment to principles over power and his belief in the transformative power of moral leadership.
The essence of his saintly politics centers on certain values.
- It implies simple living on the part of the leader and self-sacrifice on the part of the followers.
- It imparts the lessons of unity and fraternity.
- It appeals to the best self of the human beings, overlooking the call of baser human instincts and what ultimately it aims to follow is the change of hearts.
- It emphasizes on the efficacy of the peaceful methods and eschewing violence in all its forms even at cost of one’s own life and lives of his or her kinsfolk.
Gandhi exemplified the attributes of saintly politics through his own life and actions. His commitment to simplicity, self-sacrifice, unity, nonviolence, and appealing to the best selves of individuals continue to inspire generations of leaders and activists striving for a more just and compassionate world. In history, truth, non-violence, virtue, morality and goodness, if not totally bypassed, have often been in abeyance. When Gandhi arrived on the scene he brought them center stage. We need to do so again if we are to extricate ourselves from the moral crisis which is beginning to envelop our politics everyday.
