ISSN: 3048-5940 (Online)
1
Editors-in-Chief
Dr. Suman Khanna Aggarwal & Prof. Gita Dharampal
(Founder & President, CFN) (Dean of Research, GRF)
Dear Readers
Greetings from GLOBAL GANDHI!
First, some good news: Global Gandhi International Half-yearly e-Journal, has been officially assigned its ISSN number:
ISSN: 3048-5940 (Online)
Significantly, we received this recognition on August 6th—Hiroshima Day. Given that both Gita and I are spiritually inclined, we couldn’t help but feel that the universe is sending us a message: to amplify the voices of those who, like Gandhi, believe in the transformative power of nonviolence. Through the Global Gandhi platform, we offer them a space to share their views and visions for a better world. Our Editorial and Advisory Board Members established Global Gandhi with the aim of fostering meaningful dialogue, so that the discussions generated through these articles inspire our readers to work towards a future free from war and violence.
In a time of military coups, climate disasters, and unrelenting conflicts, when violence, despair, and division seem omnipresent, and the promise of peace and justice feels increasingly distant, Gandhi’s Satyagraha offers hope. The global landscape, currently marked by the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, the cataclysmic situation in Gaza and the Middle East, and the recent assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah, demands both reflection and action—action that transcends politics. It is tragically ironic that Haniyeh, who was in negotiations for a ceasefire with Israel, was assassinated by Israeli forces in Tehran. Similarly, Nasrallah had just agreed to a 21-day ceasefire when he was killed. Against this grim backdrop, at a time when it seems more crucial than ever to remember Gandhi’s warning: “An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind”, Global Gandhi presents Volume 2, Issue 1:
“Echoes of Satyagraha: The Global Impact of Gandhian Social Movements”
Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha, grounded in truth and nonviolence, has profoundly shaped social movements around the world. This issue features contributions from international scholars, each exploring how Gandhian principles have been adapted across cultures and historical moments, underscoring the lasting relevance of his teachings in addressing today’s crises.
Dr. Elisabetta Colagrossi’s article,
“The Italian Satyagraha: Aldo Capitini’s Adaptation of Gandhian Principles”
provides an insightful analysis of how the Italian philosopher and activist Aldo Capitini, during the turbulent years of Fascist Italy, embraced Gandhi’s nonviolence to challenge oppression and promote social change. Capitini’s adaptation of Satyagraha, especially during the Perugia-Assisi Peace March of 1961, became a symbol of hope, demonstrating that nonviolent resistance resonates far beyond the borders of India and beyond any single historical context.
Alice Carta’s article
“Simone Weil and Gandhi: Affinities and Differences in Perspectives on Nonviolence”
offers a comparative analysis of the intellectual ties between Gandhi and the French philosopher Simone Weil. Carta delves into both the parallels and distinctions in their approaches to nonviolence, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of how two unique philosophical traditions can complement one another in the pursuit of truth and justice. Weil’s mystical, spiritual engagement with suffering and nonviolence, juxtaposed with Gandhi’s pragmatic and deeply moral stance, sheds light on how different philosophical and cultural perspectives can align in the quest for a nonviolent world.
Soledad Sofia Merlo, in her piece
“Leaving Egypt: Satyagraha Echoes in Jan Assmann’s ‘Religio Duplex,’”
takes readers on a journey through ancient and modern reflections on religious and political authority. By examining Jan Assmann’s concept of ‘Religio Duplex’, Merlo draws intriguing connections between Assmann’s critique of ancient Egyptian power structures and Gandhi’s Satyagraha, showing the timelessness of the struggle against tyranny and the pursuit of moral truth. This article reminds us that Gandhi’s principles are not just historical relics but living ideas, continuing to inspire resistance to oppression today. Though challenging, the path to peace and justice remains achievable through steadfast commitment to truth and nonviolence.
In addition to these scholarly articles, Prof. B.M. Bhalla’s insightful essay
“Kasturba’s Commitment”
pays a heartfelt tribute to Kasturba Gandhi, whose steadfast support for her husband’s mission has often been overshadowed by his towering legacy. Bhalla brings to light the critical role Indian women played in the success of the Indian independence movement, underscoring their moral, intellectual, and physical resilience. Kasturba’s life exemplifies the unrecognized strength that women contribute to social movements, highlighting that the spirit of Satyagraha is not only universal but also deeply feminine.
Finally, Dr. Priya Sharma’s article
“Tracing the Idea of the ‘Political’ in Gandhian Social Movements: A Study of Ekta Parishad”
explores how Ekta Parishad, a Gandhian movement, addresses the long-standing separation between the social and political spheres that emerged after India’s independence. According to the movement, this division stems from the elitism of political parties, which have isolated politics from the concerns of grassroots communities. Ekta Parishad critiques this exclusivity, advocating for Gandhi’s concept of the ‘embedded political’, where political activity is inseparably linked with social and ethical action. Despite efforts by movements like Ekta Parishad, the ‘embedded political’ remains underdeveloped. Sharma’s article argues that ignoring Gandhi’s political philosophy has allowed civil conflicts, religious violence, environmental degradation, and poverty to persist. She highlights the urgent need to revive Gandhi’s vision, offering a pathway towards ‘political nonviolence’ and societal unity. However, more research and engagement are necessary to bring these Gandhian ideas into contemporary political discourse and practice.
As we reflect on these contributions, let us renew our commitment to Gandhian principles and strive to embody the spirit of Satyagraha in our thoughts, words, and actions. We hope that you, our readers, will find inspiration in this issue and be motivated to engage with Satyagraha in your own lives. We invite you to share your insights and research with us on the Global Gandhi platform, as we continue exploring the historical significance and contemporary relevance of Gandhian philosophy.
Wishing you all peace, empathy and abundance,
Dr. Suman Khanna Aggarwal (President and Founder, CFN – A unit of Shanti Sahyog, New Delhi)