Democracy
In Gandhian philosophy, democracy is not just a political system but a moral and spiritual ideal. Gandhi believed that true democracy is rooted in the values of truth, non-violence, and service. It should be based on the individual’s capacity for self-rule (swaraj) and moral responsibility.
Gandhi favored decentralized democracy or village swaraj, where power is distributed at the grassroots. Each village would be self-sufficient and run by consensus, ensuring participatory governance. He was skeptical of parliamentary systems that concentrated power and fostered competition and corruption.
For Gandhi, democracy also implied equality, justice, and respect for minorities. It had to be inclusive and ethical, where leaders are servants of the people and governed by conscience rather than mere legal rules.
Thus, in Gandhian terms, democracy is not only about voting but about cultivating character, social harmony, and non-violent change.