(i) Gandhi’s Views on the ‘Ethics of Strikes’
Introduction
Mahatma Gandhi viewed strikes as a legitimate form of protest, but only when conducted ethically and nonviolently. He believed that strikes should not be driven by selfish interests or political motives but should be based on moral and just demands.
While he supported workers’ rights, he emphasized that strikes should be the last resort, used only after negotiation and peaceful dialogue have failed.
A. Key Principles of Gandhi’s Views on Strikes
- Strikes Must Be Based on Truth and Justice
- Workers should only strike if they are fighting against real exploitation and injustice.
- Example: Gandhi supported textile mill workers in Ahmedabad (1918) when their wages were unfairly reduced.
- Nonviolence Must Be Maintained
- Strikes should be conducted peacefully, without harming businesses, workers, or the public.
- Example: During the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22), Gandhi urged nonviolent boycotts against British industries.
- Self-Sacrifice Instead of Coercion
- Strikers should fast and endure hardships instead of forcing others to join.
- Example: Gandhi fasted in support of workers rather than using aggressive tactics.
- Negotiation Before Striking
- Gandhi believed in dialogue first—strikes should happen only when employers refuse to negotiate.
- Example: The Ahmedabad mill strike (1918) ended successfully after arbitration.
B. When Gandhi Opposed Strikes
| Situation | Why Gandhi Opposed It? |
|---|---|
| Politically Motivated Strikes | Strikes should not be used for political gains. |
| Strikes with Violence | Nonviolence must be followed in all protests. |
| Strikes That Harm Society | Essential services (hospitals, transport) should not stop functioning. |
C. Relevance of Gandhi’s Ethics of Strikes Today
- Trade Unions and Labor Rights – Strikes must focus on fair wages and dignity of labor.
- Peaceful Protests and Boycotts – Gandhi’s methods inspire modern peaceful movements like anti-globalization protests.
- Example: In India, farmer protests (2020-21) followed nonviolent resistance strategies similar to Gandhi’s ideas.
D. Conclusion
Gandhi’s ethical approach to strikes teaches us that nonviolence, justice, and negotiation must be prioritized over aggression. Strikes should be a moral tool for workers’ rights, not a tool for chaos.
(ii) The Apartheid System in South Africa
Introduction
Apartheid was a racial segregation system in South Africa (1948-1994) that institutionalized racial discrimination and white supremacy. Under apartheid laws, Black South Africans were denied basic rights, and racial mixing was prohibited.
The system was internationally condemned, and resistance movements, inspired by Gandhian nonviolence, eventually led to its downfall.
A. Features of the Apartheid System
- Racial Segregation Laws
- Non-white citizens were forced to live in separate areas and use separate facilities.
- Example: Black South Africans were not allowed to enter “white-only” schools or hospitals.
- Denial of Political Rights
- Black South Africans were not allowed to vote or hold political office.
- Example: The government banned the African National Congress (ANC) and arrested leaders like Nelson Mandela.
- Economic Exploitation
- Non-white workers were paid lower wages and denied land ownership.
- Example: The Land Act (1913) prevented Black South Africans from owning land in “white areas.”
- Use of Police Brutality and Censorship
- Anti-apartheid protests were violently suppressed.
- Example: The Sharpeville Massacre (1960)—police killed 69 peaceful protestors.
B. Resistance Against Apartheid
| Leader/Movement | Method of Resistance | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Nelson Mandela | Peaceful protests, later armed resistance. | Jailed for 27 years but later became South Africa’s first Black President (1994). |
| African National Congress (ANC) | Organized mass protests and strikes. | Led South Africa’s liberation struggle. |
| International Sanctions | Economic and political pressure by foreign countries. | Forced the South African government to negotiate. |
C. End of Apartheid (1994)
- After decades of protests, international pressure, and negotiations, apartheid ended in 1994.
- Nelson Mandela was released in 1990, and the country held its first multiracial democratic elections.
D. Legacy of Apartheid and Lessons for the World
| Lesson | Impact |
|---|---|
| Nonviolence Can Overcome Oppression | Inspired peaceful resistance movements worldwide. |
| Racial Discrimination Destroys Societies | Apartheid left deep social and economic inequalities. |
| International Solidarity Matters | Global pressure helped dismantle apartheid. |
E. Conclusion
The Apartheid system was one of history’s worst examples of racial oppression. Its downfall was a victory for justice, democracy, and human rights. The world continues to learn from South Africa’s struggle, proving that nonviolent resistance and global unity can defeat even the most oppressive systems.
Final Thoughts
Both Gandhi’s views on strikes and the Apartheid struggle highlight the power of ethical resistance against injustice. While Gandhi promoted nonviolent labor strikes, South Africans used similar nonviolent and political resistance to overthrow apartheid. These lessons remain relevant for today’s struggles for workers’ rights, racial justice, and global peace.
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