Gandhiji Vs Bhagat Singh

Friends, I am inspired by T.'s topic about Gandhiji and his ahinsa post. We all know that Bhagat Singh and Gandhiji's methods contrasted in getting Indian Independence.

1.Do you think India's independence was ultimately the result of Bhagat Singh's methods or Gandhiji's methods or a combination?
2. Do you think independence could have come faster if Indian National Congress had adopted Bhagat Singh's methods in addition to Gandhiji's?
3. Many of Bhagat Singh's supporters also accuse Gandhiji of being responsible for Bhagat Singh's death. Some of them believe that Gandhiji could have stopped Bhagat Singh's execution if he desired.

I would like to know debaters point of view over this chapter in Indian history.

When I was in my school-college days, I used to have anti-Gandhian views. But with time I feel Gandhi's methods were right. I am not into much depth with Bhagat Singh's life and work, I know he was one of the greatest freedom-fighters who became Shahid dreaming for the freedom for his country-men.

Let's not forget about another great freedom-fighter, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose who was jailed 11 times for being an eminent political figure fighting against the British Raj. He too had different views and clashes with Gandhi.

Here are some information about their differences:

After the death of great leaders like Lokmanya Tilak and Dr. Annie Beasant and martyrdom of revolutionaries like Shaheed Bhagat Singh there were only two major thoughts which were prevalent in India, one was that of Gandhiji and the other was that of Netaji. In 1931 , on 23rd March, Shaheed Bhagat Singh was hanged. This was probably the point when Netaji parted ways with Gandhiji. ( It is to be noted that there still were great revolutionaries like Swatantryaveer Savarkar, but either they all were in exile or were in prison.)

While Gandhiji advocated non-violence and talks with the British, Netaji was of the opinion that there should be no compromise with the British and that every means should be used to free India. Netaji started his political life by going to Gandhiji, who directed him to work under Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das. Mahatma Gandhi and Netaji differed on political strategies to be adopted to achieve the goal of independence and at the height of controversy, Netaji was forced to resign from Congress presidentship in 1939 because of the opposition of Gandhiji. However, although they shared the goal of an Independent India, by 1939 the two had become divided over the tactics which should be used to achieve Indian Independence, and to some degree the form which the post-Independence state should take: Gandhi was hostile to industrialisation, whilst Bose saw it as the only route to making India strong and self-sufficient. Before leaving the country in 1939( before he was arrested) Netaji met Gandhiji and requested him to start a nation wide mass movement. But Gandhiji refused, since he believed it would cause large scale violence. After that Netaji and Gandhiji never met with each other. When some of his friends told him to do that himself, he said "If I give a call than 20 lakh people would come, but if Gandhiji gives a call than 20 crore would come". He also lamented "It will be tragic for me if I succeeded in winning the confidence of other people but failed to win the confidence of India's greatest man (Mahatma Gandhi)."

In spite of that Gandhiji and Netaji were extremely fond of each other. He called Gandhiji as the "Father of the Nation" from Radio Berlin, the much revered title given to Gandhiji. "Patriot of Patriots" , is what Gandhiji described of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The great war cry of 'Jai Hind' was given to the nation by Netaji. 'Do or Die' used by Gandhiji during the Quit India Movement of 1942, was given by Netaji. Gandhi wrote in the issue Harijan of (24-2-1946) that ''Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's patriotism is second to none.'' The Bombay Chronicle then wrote that Gandhiji still believes in his heart of hearts that Netaji is alive. For Gandhiji, reconciling to Subhasbabu's sudden death at the early age of 48, was excruciatingly painful and he took a long to accept it, The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi reveal. In his ''Heart of hearts'' maintaining that he was not killed, Gandhiji ''intuitively'' believed that Subhasbabu was still hiding in some unknown place and would reappear at an appropriate time to serve his motherland

Interestingly this was the very instruction Netaji gave to the fighting 'INA' men. Captain Shah Nawaz Khan told Gandhiji that Netaji had asked 'INA' soldiers that in an independent India, they would be expected to serve their country not by means of swords but through non-violence.

I agree about your thoughts about Netaji.

As far as Bhagat as a child was big fan of Mahatma Gandhi and also joined Gandhiji's Non=Cooperation movement in 1920 after Jalianwala Bagh Massacre. He was 13 yrs old that time. however, after Gandhiji stopped thsi movement due to some riots and death of police Bagat Singh as a child was very upset about it. Later He and Batukeshwar Dutt explode a bomb in assembly with "inquliab zindabad" whole nation was alert and he was getting more popularity just as Gandhiji. Their briliant plan to attract media and sprade their word about revolution was going so good that brithish were scared that people were starting to listen to him and his revolution was getting publicity. Those young freedome fighters of India were just amazing.

i think there is a controversey about Bhagat singh's assasination. Gandhiji knew about his being assacinated day before his actual death but b'coz of fear of explosion of riots they hanged the trio day before and burnt their body in woods. Now Gandhiji, congress had asked for partial independence and it was Bhagat Singha nd his gang who asked for "pura rajya" and full independence and then later congress had to add that to their demand that we we only accept full independence. So i think Bhagat singh at point had gained lot of popularity and attracted indians from all over nation. Now some say that Gandhiji knew about their early assisination but did not reveal it to anyone and he had given option but he did not saved Bhagat singh.

very nice offshoot of the Non violence topic, sowmyaa. its definitely worth comparing these two legends.

1.Do you think India's independence was ultimately the result of Bhagat Singh's methods or Gandhiji's methods or a combination?

I feel it was a combination of both. Both methods were indicators of the fact that India would no longer be a slave to imperialism.

2. Do you think independence could have come faster if Indian National Congress had adopted Bhagat Singh's methods in addition to Gandhiji's?

This is a very thought-provoking question. I think there were a variety of general circumstances surrounding India at that point in time.

The Occupiers: The British considered themselves to be a "civilized" race and considered "dark" people to be "barbaric". If Indians fought against them, it was easy to declare that they were "terrorists", "violent" and harbingers of destruction rather than peace.

What was difficult for them to digest was the utter inertia offered by the Non-Cooperation Movement. The so-called civilized whites were being portrayed as barbarians by the so-called uneducated "darkies" in the media. Especially once World War 2 came about, what was the difference between them and Hitler. Hitler suffocated people in concentration camps, while the British lathi-charged non-violent protestors.

The People: Majority of the people were not necessarily warriors or fighters. But, what they lacked in brawn, was made up in courage to stand up against the British.

If an unarmed, defenseless and frail-looking Gandhi could stand up to the British, why couldn't anyone else? He made it everyone's fight. Plus, the addition of ahimsa into this fight as well is even today likened to the passive resistance of Yudhisthira.

Gandhi knew the pulse of the people, what would motivate them and he was getting noticed by the British. Pradarshak gave an excellent quote of Netaji's: "If I give a call than 20 lakh people would come, but if Gandhiji gives a call than 20 crore would come".

We can't say that Bhagat Singh did not motivate people. As sowmyaa pointed out, he became very popular upon asking for complete independence instead of partial. However, it is difficult to say if Independence would have been obtained sooner if the bulk of our resistance movements had been battles. It may have simply led to a series of never ending wars (like what is going on right now between Israel and Palestine).

I feel that either method would have worked (with the British at least) in gaining Independence sooner, IF all our energies were concentrated towards that method.

Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi both played a pivotal rule in our freedom struggle. We will be indebted to both of them. Bhagat Singh came at a time when the British atrocities against Indians were at its peak, at 23, he could fire the imagination of the group he was in charge, was fearless determined and dared to risk his life for the honour of his country. His is the story that will be retold again and again in popular imagination and celluloid.
Every country loves a hero who stakes his life, and Bhagat Singh and Rajguru's heroism is what legend is made of. True heros embrace death never flinching for once, it is a heady mix of pride, courage and
which unfortunately is absent in present day world.
Mahatma Gandhi became the mass leader or spear headed the movement, the passage can be seen as the growth of an Indiviudual who first tested his principels in distant South America and as he got nearre to his goals , transformation took place.
There are several roles of the Mahatma each leaving a lasting impression, he never spoke of one religion but of humanity, he himself was inspired by the christian principles of renunciation and compassion to the lowest of the lowest. To achieve freedom without shedding blood is an idea that all civil movements have to take it he gave the world a new direction and a weapon of peace as opposed to mass destruction.
It would be difficult to place any one on the top, both came at a time when the movement needed them the most. would they have been satisfied at the way India has moved forward, no!
Pradarshak and T you have made interesting pt about Subash Chander Bose, since the previous govt decided to set a commission on the death of Bose there were several discussion boards releated to bose and I think he is the most popular hero ever. Amazing influence he has, I too went through several sites about his enimity with Gandhiji and his disappearence. lots of idle talk but no facts. I think govt should declassify info so that we come to know about this part of history.
About Gandhiji role and lack of it in Bhagat Singh's hanging, no I think it is just a rumour, one has to really understand Gandhiji, he too is an enigma.

Bhagat Singh and his companion were very young, they had the fire within, bringing the revolution by spreading the fire. The had that burning passion for the country's freedom, and did what their heart had chosen. They wished to inspire others by setting example by their actions. And so they did not fear about confronting the British physically.

Gandhiji played it wise, a mental game with the British. Confronting the British politically.

Netaji tried to unite India against the British by building his own army(INA). When he did not get huge response in his own country, he tried to unify Indians and others living in other countries. He made allies with Japan, Germany, who were foes with the British during WWII( which is the very topic of discussion since Japan, Geremany were considered evil at that time, but he did it in his country's interest since, Enemy's enemy is my friend). He dreamt of comfronting the British with tactical maneuver.

Let's see what our new members have to say on this.

Originally posted by: sowmyaa

it was Bhagat Singha nd his gang who asked for "pura rajya" and full independence and then later congress had to add that to their demand that we we only accept full independence.

I think Bhagat Singh and his friends or companions should be given respect.If u call Gandhi, Ghandhiji then atleast Bhagat Singh and his friends shouldnt be called Bhagat Singh and his gang.They were not some gangsters. They need a more respectful name to be adressed to.

1.Do you think India's independence was ultimately the result of Bhagat Singh's methods or Gandhiji's methods or a combination?

India got Independence bcz of both ways . Voilence & non- voilence. so Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Netaji, Azad & other freedom fighters , they choose the way of voilence . Gandhi choose non- voilent way.freedom fighters, whether they choose voilence or non- voilence but their aim was one- Independence.

but some ppl give whole credit to Gandhi. Can a single person bring freedom? No. its combination of both.

2. Do you think independence could have come faster if Indian National Congress had adopted Bhagat Singh's methods in addition to Gandhiji's?

yes i think that. Britishers couldnt get scare with so called Andolans & some march paas.at that time they needed some dhamaka which Bhagat Singh , Rajguru, Netaji, Azad & other did.ppl also started to adopt their method . but some Indians didnt like that & they tried to proove the way of Voilence wrong .If Andolans could affect Britishers 30% then Bhagat Singh's method could effect 70% .

there was so many things st that time, still we have which cant be solved only with Ahinsa.sometimes voilence is also becomes neccesory.

3. Many of Bhagat Singh's supporters also accuse Gandhiji of being responsible for Bhagat Singh's death. Some of them believe that Gandhiji could have stopped Bhagat Singh's execution if he desired.

yes I accuse Gandhi for this. thats why I never put "JI" after his name.bcz He was responsible for this.

I also want know Why politicians & some ppl think that its only Gandhi who brought freedom? ok some ppl like his non- voilent way. but Lala Lajpat Rai was also the supporter of Non- Voilence so why he didnt get his respect.He died in lathi chaarj while Andolan against Simon Commision. How many ppl know him? Did Gandhi ever been beaten while any Andolan? answer is No.Why ? was he someone special for Britishers? dont say that he went to jail several times.going to jail was not a big deal.so many other fighters went to jail but hardly few ppl know those freedom fighters.

everytime any Neta talks abt independence they always take Gandhi's name, Why? did Bhagat Singh & friends do nothing for countery?

2 Oct is a national holiday. why 23 March is not a national holiday ?( except Punjab, Punjab have state level holiday). I m not saying that its only Bhagat singh but give due respect to Netaji & others too. why we dont have national holyday on netaji's B'day? Why its only Gandhi - Gandhi everywhere.

few years back some members of Parliment ( they all were frm punjab ) struggled aby the issue that Bhagat Singh's photo should be hanged in parliment. after that I never heard that whether their demand approved or not. But I think its not.

so if politians cant allow to hang Bhagat Singh's photo what kind of respect they can give to him? another thing what the photos of Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi are doing in the parliment. what they did for countery & its freedom?

Originally posted by: Rajeev Ki Heer

1.Do you think India's independence was ultimately the result of Bhagat Singh's methods or Gandhiji's methods or a combination?

India got Independence bcz of both ways . Voilence & non- voilence. so Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Netaji, Azad & other freedom fighters , they choose the way of voilence . Gandhi choose non- voilent way.freedom fighters, whether they choose voilence or non- voilence but their aim was one- Independence.

but some ppl give whole credit to Gandhi. Can a single person bring freedom? No. its combination of both.

2. Do you think independence could have come faster if Indian National Congress had adopted Bhagat Singh's methods in addition to Gandhiji's?

yes i think that. Britishers couldnt get scare with so called Andolans & some march paas.at that time they needed some dhamaka which Bhagat Singh , Rajguru, Netaji, Azad & other did.ppl also started to adopt their method . but some Indians didnt like that & they tried to proove the way of Voilence wrong .If Andolans could affect Britishers 30% then Bhagat Singh's method could effect 70% .

there was so many things st that time, still we have which cant be solved only with Ahinsa.sometimes voilence is also becomes neccesory.

3. Many of Bhagat Singh's supporters also accuse Gandhiji of being responsible for Bhagat Singh's death. Some of them believe that Gandhiji could have stopped Bhagat Singh's execution if he desired.

yes I accuse Gandhi for this. thats why I never put "JI" after his name.bcz He was responsible for this.

I also want know Why politicians & some ppl think that its only Gandhi who brought freedom? ok some ppl like his non- voilent way. but Lala Lajpat Rai was also the supporter of Non- Voilence so why he didnt get his respect.He died in lathi chaarj while Andolan against Simon Commision. How many ppl know him? Did Gandhi ever been beaten while any Andolan? answer is No.Why ? was he someone special for Britishers? dont say that he went to jail several times.going to jail was not a big deal.so many other fighters went to jail but hardly few ppl know those freedom fighters.

everytime any Neta talks abt independence they always take Gandhi's name, Why? did Bhagat Singh & friends do nothing for countery?

2 Oct is a national holiday. why 23 March is not a national holiday ?( except Punjab, Punjab have state level holiday). I m not saying that its only Bhagat singh but give due respect to Netaji & others too. why we dont have national holyday on netaji's B'day? Why its only Gandhi - Gandhi everywhere.

few years back some members of Parliment ( they all were frm punjab ) struggled aby the issue that Bhagat Singh's photo should be hanged in parliment. after that I never heard that whether their demand approved or not. But I think its not.

so if politians cant hang Bhagat Singh's photo what kind of respect they will give to him. another thing what the photos of Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi are doing in the parliment. what they did for countery & its freedom?

Spot On!!! 👏

if peace dusnt work, then try other methods. and besides, Bhagat Singh and stuff never hurt anyone. except for killin the inspector cuz he was in charge of the Baagh Massacre...

other than that, wat violence did they indulge in? chuckin a smoke bomb in the middle of parliament so that no1 gets hurt...is that violence?

just like bhagat singh said You need a dhamaka to make the Deaf ppl of India listen

they went on the longest hunger strike etc etc. all of this was done to awaken the ppl of India, to get their courage up. morale needed a boost.

you always shud choose ur method on wat will work the best for that situation and that time

and anyways, it's always a combination of efforts. both ways show bravery.

and yeh, that is so true...why the hell was parliament so indecisive about hangin Bhagat Singh's photo?

and Indira Gandhi, pfft the lady who kills helpless citizens, gets her photo up there on the walls when others like Netaji and Bhagat Singh get shunned....

great