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Satyagraha In South Africa
The Satyagraha struggle of the Indians in South Africa lasted eight years. The term Satyagraha was invented and employed in connection therewith. I had long entertained a desire to write a history of that struggle myself. Some things only I could write. Only the general who conducts a campaign can know the objective of each particular move. And as this was the first attempt to apply the principle of Satyagraha to politics on a large scale, it is necessary any day that the public should have an idea of its development. That kind of thoughts in this books.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1928
36 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Mahatma Gandhi
1,266 books6,445 followersMohandas Karamchand Gandhi, commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was the preeminent leader of Indian nationalism in British-ruled India. Employing non-violent civil disobedience, Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for non-violence, civil rights and freedom across the world.
The son of a senior government official, Gandhi was born and raised in a Hindu Bania community in coastal Gujarat, and trained in law in London. Gandhi became famous by fighting for the civil rights of Muslim and Hindu Indians in South Africa, using new techniques of non-violent civil disobedience that he developed. Returning to India in 1915, he set about organizing peasants to protest excessive land-taxes. A lifelong opponent of "communalism" (i.e. basing politics on religion) he reached out widely to all religious groups. He became a leader of Muslims protesting the declining status of the Caliphate. Assuming leadership of the Indian National Congress in 1921, Gandhi led nationwide campaigns for easing poverty, expanding women's rights, building religious and ethnic amity, ending untouchability, increasing economic self-reliance, and above all for achieving Swaraj—the independence of India from British domination. His spiritual teacher was the Jain philosopher/poet Shrimad Rajchandra.
The son of a senior government official, Gandhi was born and raised in a Hindu Bania community in coastal Gujarat, and trained in law in London. Gandhi became famous by fighting for the civil rights of Muslim and Hindu Indians in South Africa, using new techniques of non-violent civil disobedience that he developed. Returning to India in 1915, he set about organizing peasants to protest excessive land-taxes. A lifelong opponent of "communalism" (i.e. basing politics on religion) he reached out widely to all religious groups. He became a leader of Muslims protesting the declining status of the Caliphate. Assuming leadership of the Indian National Congress in 1921, Gandhi led nationwide campaigns for easing poverty, expanding women's rights, building religious and ethnic amity, ending untouchability, increasing economic self-reliance, and above all for achieving Swaraj—the independence of India from British domination. His spiritual teacher was the Jain philosopher/poet Shrimad Rajchandra.
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March 21, 2015
Essential reading for those who are drawn to Gandhi - the man.
Satyagraha. Gandhi invented this word.
What is the genesis of this invented word? What does it mean? Why did Gandhi feel the need to create the term?
And why should any of us care about these questions?
I was led to this book while reading Gandhi's autobiography "My Experiments with Truth." I reached the point in that book where Gandhi got to the satyagraha movement in South Africa. Instead of going into detail, he suggests that if the reader wants to understand the genesis of that concept and practice, to read "Satyagraha in South Africa." So I did.
In most of the book, Gandhi writes like he is writing a newsy letter to a friend. He is honest and truthful - though titularly a Hindu, truth is his "true" religion - so he lets it all hang out. All of his thoughts, mistakes, errors of judgment, successes, joys, interpretations of events and personages - he lays them all out here.
He gives inside information and his thoughts on the following:
* the Boers and the Boer War, with Lord Kitchener's use of concentration camps for the women and children;
* the Zulus and the so-called "Zulu Rebellion" - which was just a turkey shoot/massacre because the Zulu chief told his people not to pay a tax;
* what South Africa was like before the Europeans got there;
* the important issue of indenture and its interaction with the Indian population's development;
* the tactics of General Smuts and how Gandhi dealt with them;
* self-purification, how to do it and what it means for satyagraha's success;
* and many, many other issues.
I hope this doesn't sound trite, but I felt that Gandhi was talking with me, telling me his story as from one friend to another.
It is an exciting story as well. "What happens next?" is a question that will continually pop into your mind as you read this, especially when you get into the actual deceits of General Smuts. But Gandhi is perpetually [and almost divinely] forgiving - and he explains why.
The effect this book had on me was that it increased my love and respect and understanding for this simple-living, truth-seeking, huge-hearted man.
This is an essential book for anyone who wishes to fathom the psyche of one of the greatest humans of modern times.
It is an important book as well for anyone who wishes to understand the beginnings of European colonization in South Africa, their drives, prejudices and interactions with the Zulus, and the complex set of forces that led Indians to migrate there.
Satyagraha - "truth-force" - what can withstand it?
5 stars, because that is the maximum allowed.
Satyagraha. Gandhi invented this word.
What is the genesis of this invented word? What does it mean? Why did Gandhi feel the need to create the term?
And why should any of us care about these questions?
I was led to this book while reading Gandhi's autobiography "My Experiments with Truth." I reached the point in that book where Gandhi got to the satyagraha movement in South Africa. Instead of going into detail, he suggests that if the reader wants to understand the genesis of that concept and practice, to read "Satyagraha in South Africa." So I did.
In most of the book, Gandhi writes like he is writing a newsy letter to a friend. He is honest and truthful - though titularly a Hindu, truth is his "true" religion - so he lets it all hang out. All of his thoughts, mistakes, errors of judgment, successes, joys, interpretations of events and personages - he lays them all out here.
He gives inside information and his thoughts on the following:
* the Boers and the Boer War, with Lord Kitchener's use of concentration camps for the women and children;
* the Zulus and the so-called "Zulu Rebellion" - which was just a turkey shoot/massacre because the Zulu chief told his people not to pay a tax;
* what South Africa was like before the Europeans got there;
* the important issue of indenture and its interaction with the Indian population's development;
* the tactics of General Smuts and how Gandhi dealt with them;
* self-purification, how to do it and what it means for satyagraha's success;
* and many, many other issues.
I hope this doesn't sound trite, but I felt that Gandhi was talking with me, telling me his story as from one friend to another.
It is an exciting story as well. "What happens next?" is a question that will continually pop into your mind as you read this, especially when you get into the actual deceits of General Smuts. But Gandhi is perpetually [and almost divinely] forgiving - and he explains why.
The effect this book had on me was that it increased my love and respect and understanding for this simple-living, truth-seeking, huge-hearted man.
This is an essential book for anyone who wishes to fathom the psyche of one of the greatest humans of modern times.
It is an important book as well for anyone who wishes to understand the beginnings of European colonization in South Africa, their drives, prejudices and interactions with the Zulus, and the complex set of forces that led Indians to migrate there.
Satyagraha - "truth-force" - what can withstand it?
5 stars, because that is the maximum allowed.
October 15, 2008
Satyagraha explained.
August 27, 2012
Great book and lot of learning about the ways of Gandhi and his struggle in South Africa.
March 30, 2022
هذا الكتاب جيد فيه كثير من التجارب والأحداث وعمق التفكير، غاندي ليس مجرد بطل وحسب، بل هو فيلسوف عميق التفكير يحب وطنه ويحب الخير للجميع، في هذا الكتاب ستتعرف على طفولته وحياته في قريته ومرحلة تعليمه إلى أن سافر إلى جنوب أفريقيا ومن ثم برزت شخصيته.. أحببت الفصل الذي حمل عنوان "تثقيف الروح" كثيرًا، لكن على العموم اخترت من هذا الكتاب بعض الاقتباسات :
"الشخص الذي يريد الله له النجاة لن يصبه الضر ولو ألقى بنفسه قيه، وعلى الرغم من أنني نجوت هذه المرة أيضا، فإني ما شككت في أن نجاتي لم تكن من عند نفسي ولا بمهارتي"
"إن المؤمن الحائز لتلك القوة الكبرى التي يبعثها الإيمان، لن يضيره من شيء أن ينظر إليه الغير نظرة امتهان"
هنا أقول إن الإيمان الراسخ الحقيقي يمد صاحبه بالقوة والعزيمة والإصرار لتحقيق الحياة الكريمة الحرة ونبذ الاضطهاد، فقد كان الإيمان بجانب حب الوطن هما الشعاع الذي يشكل مصدرًا للقوة التي يتمتع بها الكثير من الهنود الذين انضموا إلى غاندي بكامل إرادتهم..بالرغم من اختلاف دياناتهم وعقائهم إلا أنهم كانوا يشتركون في معاناتهم ومحبتهم وتسامحهم .. فلم يكن هذا الاختلاف عائقًا، فكيف ونحن كلنا مسلمون يقاتل بعضنا بعضًا ويحتقر بعضنا بعضًا؟
"الشخص الذي يريد الله له النجاة لن يصبه الضر ولو ألقى بنفسه قيه، وعلى الرغم من أنني نجوت هذه المرة أيضا، فإني ما شككت في أن نجاتي لم تكن من عند نفسي ولا بمهارتي"
"إن المؤمن الحائز لتلك القوة الكبرى التي يبعثها الإيمان، لن يضيره من شيء أن ينظر إليه الغير نظرة امتهان"
هنا أقول إن الإيمان الراسخ الحقيقي يمد صاحبه بالقوة والعزيمة والإصرار لتحقيق الحياة الكريمة الحرة ونبذ الاضطهاد، فقد كان الإيمان بجانب حب الوطن هما الشعاع الذي يشكل مصدرًا للقوة التي يتمتع بها الكثير من الهنود الذين انضموا إلى غاندي بكامل إرادتهم..بالرغم من اختلاف دياناتهم وعقائهم إلا أنهم كانوا يشتركون في معاناتهم ومحبتهم وتسامحهم .. فلم يكن هذا الاختلاف عائقًا، فكيف ونحن كلنا مسلمون يقاتل بعضنا بعضًا ويحتقر بعضنا بعضًا؟
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March 27, 2025ಅಗಾಧ ಪ್ರೇಮ ತೋರುವ ಅಣ್ಣನ ಬೆಂಬಲದಿಂದ ಇಂಗ್ಲೆಂಡಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಬ್ಯಾರಿಸ್ಟರ್ ಪದವಿ ಪಡೆಯುವ ಗಾಂಧಿಯವರು ಕೆಲಸಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಸ್ವದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಿಸುವಾಗ ಆತ್ಮವಿಶ್ವಾಸದ ಕೊರತೆ, ಮುಜುಗರ, ಗೊಂದಲ, ಚಡಪಡಿಕೆಗಳನ್ನು ಅನುಭವಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ.
ಅದೇ ಸಮಯದಲ್ಲಿ ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಆಫ್ರಿಕಾದಲ್ಲಿ ಉದ್ಯೋಗಾವಕಾಶ ಸಿಕ್ಕು ಕಲಿಕೆಗೆ, ಅನುಭವಕ್ಕೆ ದಾರಿಯಾಗುತ್ತದೆ.
ಅಲ್ಲಿ ತಾವೂ ಮತ್ತು ಭಾರತೀಯರೂ ಎದುರಿಸುವ ಅವಮಾನ, ವರ್ಣಭೇದಗಳ ಕಾರಣ ಪ್ರತಿಭಟಿಸಲು ತೊಡಗುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಹಾಗೇ ಅವಿದ್ಯಾವಂತರೂ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಕಿರುಕುಳಗಳನ್ನು ಅನುಭವಿಸಿದವರಿಗೆ ತಮ್ಮ ಕಾನೂನು ಜ್ಞಾನವನ್ನು ಬಳಸಿ ನೆರವಾಗುತ್ತಾ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಾರೆ. ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಆಫ್ರಿಕಾದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಯುರೋಪಿಯನ್ನರ ಅನ್ಯಾಯ, ದೌರ್ಜನ್ಯ, ದಬ್ಬಾಳಿಕೆಗಳು ಅವರನ್ನು ಸತ್ಯಾಗ್ರಹದವರೆಗೂ ಕರೆದೊಯ್ಯುತ್ತವೆ. ಈ ದಾರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸತ್ಯ, ಅಹಿಂಸೆ ಮುಂತಾದ ಗುಣಗಳೇ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಮುಂದಿನ ದಾರಿಯನ್ನು ತೋರಿಸುವ ಮಾರ್ಗದರ್ಶಿಯಾಗಿ ಮುನ್ನಡೆಸುವುದು.
ಎದೆಯ ಹಾದಿಯಲಿ ನಡೆವವನಿಗೆ ದಾರಿ ಎಂದೂ ಹೊಸದು. ಅಲ್ಲಿ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕಾದ ನಿರ್ಣಯಗಳ ಆಯ್ಕೆ ಸುಲಭವಲ್ಲ, ಅದನ್ನು ಕಾರ್ಯಗತಗೊಳಿಸುವುದೂ ಸಹ!
ಈ ನಿಟ್ಟಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಗಾಂಧಿಯ ಪಯಣ, ಹೊಳಹುಗಳು, ಅನೇಕ ಪ್ರಯೋಗಗಳು ಗಮನಾರ್ಹ, ಅನಾಚಾರವೇ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿರುವಲ್ಲಿ ಇಂದಿಗೂ ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ, ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಅವಶ್ಯಕ.
ಎಲ್ಲಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಮುಖ್ಯವಾಗಿ ಈ ಕೃತಿ ಓದುಗರೆದೆಯಲ್ಲಿ, ಅದರಲ್ಲೂ ಅನ್ಯಾಯ, ಮೋಸ ತುಂಬಿರುವ ಜಗತ್ತು ಮತ್ತು ಜನರಿಂದ ವಂಚನೆಗೊಳಗಾಗಿರುವವರಲ್ಲಿ ಸತ್ಯ, ಅಹಿಂಸೆಗಳ ಕಿಡಿ ಹೊತ್ತಿಸಿ ಅವರೆದೆಯ ದಾರಿ ಬೆಳಗಬಲ್ಲದು. ಈ ಹಾದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆವವರಿಗೆ ಆಹಾರ, ನಡತೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಸೇರಿ ಅನೇಕ ವಿಷಯಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಶಿಸ್ತು, ಸಂಯಮ, ಜ್ಞಾನ ಅತಿ ಅವಶ್ಯವೆಂದೂ ಈ ಕೃತಿ ಸೂಚಿಸುತ್ತದೆ. ಗಾಂಧಿ ಹಾಕಿಕೊಟ್ಟ ದಾರಿ, ಮಾದರಿಯಿಂದ ಮುಂದಕ್ಕೆ ಯಾವೆಲ್ಲಾ ಮುನ್ನಡೆಗಳಾಗಿವೆ ಎಂಬುದನ್ನೂ ತಿಳಿಯಬೇಕಿದೆ.
#ದಕ್ಷಿಣ_ಆಫ್ರಿಕಾದಲ್ಲಿ_ಸತ್ಯಾಗ್ರಹ
~ Rekha Her Spirit
ಅದೇ ಸಮಯದಲ್ಲಿ ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಆಫ್ರಿಕಾದಲ್ಲಿ ಉದ್ಯೋಗಾವಕಾಶ ಸಿಕ್ಕು ಕಲಿಕೆಗೆ, ಅನುಭವಕ್ಕೆ ದಾರಿಯಾಗುತ್ತದೆ.
ಅಲ್ಲಿ ತಾವೂ ಮತ್ತು ಭಾರತೀಯರೂ ಎದುರಿಸುವ ಅವಮಾನ, ವರ್ಣಭೇದಗಳ ಕಾರಣ ಪ್ರತಿಭಟಿಸಲು ತೊಡಗುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಹಾಗೇ ಅವಿದ್ಯಾವಂತರೂ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಕಿರುಕುಳಗಳನ್ನು ಅನುಭವಿಸಿದವರಿಗೆ ತಮ್ಮ ಕಾನೂನು ಜ್ಞಾನವನ್ನು ಬಳಸಿ ನೆರವಾಗುತ್ತಾ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಾರೆ. ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಆಫ್ರಿಕಾದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಯುರೋಪಿಯನ್ನರ ಅನ್ಯಾಯ, ದೌರ್ಜನ್ಯ, ದಬ್ಬಾಳಿಕೆಗಳು ಅವರನ್ನು ಸತ್ಯಾಗ್ರಹದವರೆಗೂ ಕರೆದೊಯ್ಯುತ್ತವೆ. ಈ ದಾರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸತ್ಯ, ಅಹಿಂಸೆ ಮುಂತಾದ ಗುಣಗಳೇ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಮುಂದಿನ ದಾರಿಯನ್ನು ತೋರಿಸುವ ಮಾರ್ಗದರ್ಶಿಯಾಗಿ ಮುನ್ನಡೆಸುವುದು.
ಎದೆಯ ಹಾದಿಯಲಿ ನಡೆವವನಿಗೆ ದಾರಿ ಎಂದೂ ಹೊಸದು. ಅಲ್ಲಿ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕಾದ ನಿರ್ಣಯಗಳ ಆಯ್ಕೆ ಸುಲಭವಲ್ಲ, ಅದನ್ನು ಕಾರ್ಯಗತಗೊಳಿಸುವುದೂ ಸಹ!
ಈ ನಿಟ್ಟಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಗಾಂಧಿಯ ಪಯಣ, ಹೊಳಹುಗಳು, ಅನೇಕ ಪ್ರಯೋಗಗಳು ಗಮನಾರ್ಹ, ಅನಾಚಾರವೇ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿರುವಲ್ಲಿ ಇಂದಿಗೂ ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ, ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಅವಶ್ಯಕ.
ಎಲ್ಲಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಮುಖ್ಯವಾಗಿ ಈ ಕೃತಿ ಓದುಗರೆದೆಯಲ್ಲಿ, ಅದರಲ್ಲೂ ಅನ್ಯಾಯ, ಮೋಸ ತುಂಬಿರುವ ಜಗತ್ತು ಮತ್ತು ಜನರಿಂದ ವಂಚನೆಗೊಳಗಾಗಿರುವವರಲ್ಲಿ ಸತ್ಯ, ಅಹಿಂಸೆಗಳ ಕಿಡಿ ಹೊತ್ತಿಸಿ ಅವರೆದೆಯ ದಾರಿ ಬೆಳಗಬಲ್ಲದು. ಈ ಹಾದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆವವರಿಗೆ ಆಹಾರ, ನಡತೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಸೇರಿ ಅನೇಕ ವಿಷಯಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಶಿಸ್ತು, ಸಂಯಮ, ಜ್ಞಾನ ಅತಿ ಅವಶ್ಯವೆಂದೂ ಈ ಕೃತಿ ಸೂಚಿಸುತ್ತದೆ. ಗಾಂಧಿ ಹಾಕಿಕೊಟ್ಟ ದಾರಿ, ಮಾದರಿಯಿಂದ ಮುಂದಕ್ಕೆ ಯಾವೆಲ್ಲಾ ಮುನ್ನಡೆಗಳಾಗಿವೆ ಎಂಬುದನ್ನೂ ತಿಳಿಯಬೇಕಿದೆ.
#ದಕ್ಷಿಣ_ಆಫ್ರಿಕಾದಲ್ಲಿ_ಸತ್ಯಾಗ್ರಹ
~ Rekha Her Spirit
February 9, 2020
Brief, deep, experience, sane, pragmatic.
I read this book to understand Mr. Gandhi. How did Mr. M.K. Gandhi become Mahatma Gandhi? How did a failed lawyer become the most influential politician of India? I got a few answers.
Before commending, I would like to draw attention to the flaw of the writing of Gandhi. He writes for people, not for himself. The same goes for his biography. He tells about his mistakes, but never tell about his good decisions and positive that came out. His expectations are always high. I wish I had read a very good writer, who would criticize Gandhi for his good deeds, comparing him to a normal person.
Few incidents are very impressive in the book. One, when Gandhi meets the Mayor, who later betrays him. Second, when Mir Alam, a Muslim Pathan attacks on him, and Gandhi let that happen. Third, when Gandhi vows on God that he would not withdraw. Forth, when his wife goes to jail for him.
My learnings-
-Gandhi improved himself step by step. It was a continuous process.
-Gandhi took the help of religion to improve himself and also to influence others. Without religion, it would have been impossible what he did.
-He met very good people on his journey. It happened so, maybe, because he belonged to a very higher class.
-Gandhi was influenced by Christianity, from where his ideas of non-violence are profounded.
Overall, it is a very good read. I wish the writing style would have been better. But it is a must read to understand the events from Gandhi's perspective.
I read this book to understand Mr. Gandhi. How did Mr. M.K. Gandhi become Mahatma Gandhi? How did a failed lawyer become the most influential politician of India? I got a few answers.
Before commending, I would like to draw attention to the flaw of the writing of Gandhi. He writes for people, not for himself. The same goes for his biography. He tells about his mistakes, but never tell about his good decisions and positive that came out. His expectations are always high. I wish I had read a very good writer, who would criticize Gandhi for his good deeds, comparing him to a normal person.
Few incidents are very impressive in the book. One, when Gandhi meets the Mayor, who later betrays him. Second, when Mir Alam, a Muslim Pathan attacks on him, and Gandhi let that happen. Third, when Gandhi vows on God that he would not withdraw. Forth, when his wife goes to jail for him.
My learnings-
-Gandhi improved himself step by step. It was a continuous process.
-Gandhi took the help of religion to improve himself and also to influence others. Without religion, it would have been impossible what he did.
-He met very good people on his journey. It happened so, maybe, because he belonged to a very higher class.
-Gandhi was influenced by Christianity, from where his ideas of non-violence are profounded.
Overall, it is a very good read. I wish the writing style would have been better. But it is a must read to understand the events from Gandhi's perspective.
July 5, 2014
As the title states, Satyagraha in South Africa offers a historical account of Mahatma Gandhi's leadership of nonviolent resistance by Indian immigrants against the South African government. Less philosophical than the more well-known Hind Swaraj, Satyagraha can read a little fast and slow at the wrong times, as Gandhi seems to gloss over some of the major events of the resistance movement while lingering over lists of names and exchanges of letters. Still, his brief descriptions of the theory of satyagraha remain enlightening. As one of his earliest works, Satyagraha in South Africa offers some fascinating insights into Gandhi's doubts and deliberations as he works through the basics of his life philosophy, and these remain the greatest value of the book.
January 30, 2013
This book is essential for seeing the differences between satyagraha and 'passive resistance.'
Gandhi writes well, making this an interesting narrative as well as a guide to the principles of non-violence.
Gandhi writes well, making this an interesting narrative as well as a guide to the principles of non-violence.
January 25, 2014
يتناول اعمال غاندي في جنوب افريقيا
في الفترة الني سبقت قيام الاتحاد عام 1910
هو كتاب جميل بيتناول تفاصيل كتير اجتماعية تتعلق بالفترة ديه
وتناول كمان اسس كتير و اواصر نشاءة السياسات العنصرية
م ع
يناير 2014
في الفترة الني سبقت قيام الاتحاد عام 1910
هو كتاب جميل بيتناول تفاصيل كتير اجتماعية تتعلق بالفترة ديه
وتناول كمان اسس كتير و اواصر نشاءة السياسات العنصرية
م ع
يناير 2014
December 27, 2019
“Satyagraha is a priceless and matchless weapon, and that those who wield it are strangers to disappointment or defeat.”
Mahatma Gandhi
An inexperienced, shy and introvert 24 year old youth leaves British ruled India for South Africa with a mind to return back within an year or so after earning some professional experience and his bread. But destiny had something else in store. He spent a good 21 years there and returned back to British ruled India as an enlightened 45 year old statue of truth, non-violence and self sacrifice and played the most crucial rule in the struggle to free the motherland.
This book covers the Tapasya done during those 24 years which transformed a breadwinner lowly barrister into Mahatma.
The book starts with brief geography and history of South Africa. Then it briefs how and in what circumstances Indians entered into South Africa and their grievances there.
The author writes, "the first batch of indentured labourers from India reached Natal on November 16, 1860, truly a fateful date for this history; had it not been for this, there would have been no Indians and therefore no Satyagraha in South Africa, and this book would have remained unwritten."
The Satyagraha to fight the discriminarory acts against Indians lasted for a good eight years. This book covers how the word was coined and the underlying principles of Satyagraha. This book explains how Satyagraha is different from the english terminology "passive resistance" which is often used as it's english translation.
The author, at times, indulges into reminiscing mood and there we get to look into the life of his companions and other Satyagrahis.
The author explicitly mentions his failures and doubts about his certain strategies and/or faith especially the naturopathic ways for treatment of maladies adopted by him. Readers may not agree with some of his ways to discipline the people living under his guidance. And for this, he himself says that readers should not copy him, rather they must use their own discretion.
It reminds me of my childhood days when I used to question my mother, who doesn't hold any formal education, on the rationale behind the acts of various gods as mentioned in religious stories. And her fixed reply was, "gods have told us that don't imitate me, but learn from my acts." I don't know from where or for how many generations that answer is running in my family but in this book I found the striking similarity when the Mahatma asks the readers to not imitate him on these things.
Indians should be indebted to South Africa and South African Indians who provided the environment to transform a lesser mortal into Mahatma.
May I dare to compare those 21 years with the exile of Ram and Pandavas ?
Mahatma Gandhi
An inexperienced, shy and introvert 24 year old youth leaves British ruled India for South Africa with a mind to return back within an year or so after earning some professional experience and his bread. But destiny had something else in store. He spent a good 21 years there and returned back to British ruled India as an enlightened 45 year old statue of truth, non-violence and self sacrifice and played the most crucial rule in the struggle to free the motherland.
This book covers the Tapasya done during those 24 years which transformed a breadwinner lowly barrister into Mahatma.
The book starts with brief geography and history of South Africa. Then it briefs how and in what circumstances Indians entered into South Africa and their grievances there.
The author writes, "the first batch of indentured labourers from India reached Natal on November 16, 1860, truly a fateful date for this history; had it not been for this, there would have been no Indians and therefore no Satyagraha in South Africa, and this book would have remained unwritten."
The Satyagraha to fight the discriminarory acts against Indians lasted for a good eight years. This book covers how the word was coined and the underlying principles of Satyagraha. This book explains how Satyagraha is different from the english terminology "passive resistance" which is often used as it's english translation.
The author, at times, indulges into reminiscing mood and there we get to look into the life of his companions and other Satyagrahis.
The author explicitly mentions his failures and doubts about his certain strategies and/or faith especially the naturopathic ways for treatment of maladies adopted by him. Readers may not agree with some of his ways to discipline the people living under his guidance. And for this, he himself says that readers should not copy him, rather they must use their own discretion.
It reminds me of my childhood days when I used to question my mother, who doesn't hold any formal education, on the rationale behind the acts of various gods as mentioned in religious stories. And her fixed reply was, "gods have told us that don't imitate me, but learn from my acts." I don't know from where or for how many generations that answer is running in my family but in this book I found the striking similarity when the Mahatma asks the readers to not imitate him on these things.
Indians should be indebted to South Africa and South African Indians who provided the environment to transform a lesser mortal into Mahatma.
May I dare to compare those 21 years with the exile of Ram and Pandavas ?
June 24, 2021
દક્ષિણ આફ્રિકાના સત્યાગ્રહનો ઇતિહાસ એ દક્ષિણ આફ્રિકાની અંગ્રેજી સરકાર સામે પ્રવાસી ભારતીયો દ્વારા પોતાના અધિકારો માટેના અહિંસક પ્રતિકારના મહાત્મા ગાંધીના નેતૃત્વનું ઐતિહાસિક વર્ણન રજૂ કરે છે. આઠ વર્ષની આ ઐતિહાસિક લડતના ઉતારચડાવને ગાંધીજીએ બખૂબી તાદૃશ્ય કર્યો છે. પુસ્તકની શરૂઆતમાં જ વાચક સમગ્ર ઘટનાક્રમને સ્પષ્ટ રીતે સમજી શકે તે માટે દક્ષિણ આફ્રિકાનો ભૌગોલિક ઇતિહાસ રજૂ કરાયો છે. ત્યારબાદ આફ્રિકામાં હિંદીઓના આગમનના કારકો અને કારણોની રૂપરેખા આપી હિંદીઓને અહીં પડી રહેલી મુશ્કેલીઓનું વિવરણ રજૂ કર્યું છે. બોઅરની લડાઈમાં હિંદીઓની ભૂમિકા અને યોગદાનની સમજ સ્પષ્ટ કર્યા બાદ ગાંધીજીએ એશિયાટીક એમિન્ડમેન્ટ એક્ટ દ્વારા હિંદીઓના પરવાના સંબંધી ઊભી થયેલી ગૂંચ અને સરકારની મેલી મૂરાદને ઝીણવટપૂર્વક આલેખી છે. આ ખૂની કાયદાના પ્રતિરોધ માટે સમગ્ર હિંદી કોમે આદરેલા અહિંસક પ્રયાસો કેવી રીતે સત્યાગ્રહમાં પરિણમ્યા અને આ સૈદ્ધાંતિક લડાઈમાંથી સત્યાગ્રહનો આત્મા કેવી રીતે ઘડાયો તેનું ગાંધીજીએ આફ્રિકાના પોતાના જીવનકાળની વાતો અને અનુભવો દ્વારા રસપ્રદ આલેખન કર્યું છે. પોતે સમગ્ર લડાઈના મુખ્ય સૂત્રધાર હોવા છતાં સમગ્ર પુસ્તકમાં તેમણે લડાઈમાં ઉપયોગી થઈ રહેલા તેમના નાના મોટા સહાયક સાથીદારોની ભૂમિકાઓને નાયક તરીકે રજૂ કરી છે. સરકાર સાથેની વાટાઘાટો, વક્ર રાજનીતિને પરિણામે મળતી નિષ્ફળતાઓ અને કોમમાં નિર્ણય બાબતે ઉદ્ભવતો વિચારભેદ કે પછી પઠાણો દ્વારા તેમના પર મુકાયેલો અવિશ્વાસ-હુમલો, દરેક પરિસ્થિતિમાં ગાંધીજીના મહાત્મા તરીકેના ઘડતરની સ્પષ્ટ છાંટ વર્તાય છે. એક વિશાળ ગરીબ સમુદાયનું નેતૃત્ત્વ કરનાર ગાંધીજીએ સરકાર સામેની લડાઈ દરમિયાન ઉદ્ભવેલી સામાજિક મુશ્કેલીઓ અને તેના નિરાકરણરૂપે સ્થાપેલા ટોલ્સ્ટોય ફાર્મની વાતો પણ એટલીજ પ્રભાવક છે. ક્યાંક આહાર સંબંધી પોતાના પ્રયોગો કે ટોલ્સ્ટોય ફાર્મના રહેવાસ દરમિયાન બાળાઓ અને બાળકોને સાથે રાખવાના પ્રયોગોમાં પોતાની ભૂલ હોવાનો પણ તેમણે એટલીજ સહજતાથી સ્વીકાર કર્યો છે. સ્થાનિક અધિકારીઓ કે વિલાયત ખાતેના ડેલીગેશન રૂપે અંગ્રેજી હાકેમો સાથેની તેમની ચર્ચાગોષ્ઠિઓ અને વાત મૂકવાની તેમની આગવી આવડત, ગોખલે તેમજ અન્ય ગોરા અધિકારીઓ સાથેના તેમના સંબંધો વિશિષ્ટ છાપ છોડે છે.
સદર પુસ્તક ઇતિહાસ રજૂ કરતું હોવા છતાં તે એક ઐતિહાસિક તવારીખ ન બની રહેતાં સત્યાગ્રહની ઉદ્ભવકથા/સંઘર્ષકથા અને અહિંસાના સિદ્ધાંતો દ્વારા વિરોધ કરવાની ચીલો ચાતરનારી નવીન પદ્ધતિનો અભિગમ રજૂ કરતું એક દસ્તાવેજી ચિત્ર બની રહે છે. સાથે જ હિંદુસ્તાનના સ્વાતંત્ર્ય સંઘર્ષમાં ગાંધીજીની ભૂમિકાની પૃષ્ઠભૂમિને પણ રજૂ કરે છે. ગાંધીજીની આત્મકથા તેમના ‘સત્યના પ્રયોગો’ હતા તો દક્ષિણ આફ્રિકાનો ઇતિહાસ એ તેમના ‘અહિંસક લડતના સત્યાગ્રહ સ્વરૂપના પ્રયોગો’ કહી શકાય.
સદર પુસ્તક ઇતિહાસ રજૂ કરતું હોવા છતાં તે એક ઐતિહાસિક તવારીખ ન બની રહેતાં સત્યાગ્રહની ઉદ્ભવકથા/સંઘર્ષકથા અને અહિંસાના સિદ્ધાંતો દ્વારા વિરોધ કરવાની ચીલો ચાતરનારી નવીન પદ્ધતિનો અભિગમ રજૂ કરતું એક દસ્તાવેજી ચિત્ર બની રહે છે. સાથે જ હિંદુસ્તાનના સ્વાતંત્ર્ય સંઘર્ષમાં ગાંધીજીની ભૂમિકાની પૃષ્ઠભૂમિને પણ રજૂ કરે છે. ગાંધીજીની આત્મકથા તેમના ‘સત્યના પ્રયોગો’ હતા તો દક્ષિણ આફ્રિકાનો ઇતિહાસ એ તેમના ‘અહિંસક લડતના સત્યાગ્રહ સ્વરૂપના પ્રયોગો’ કહી શકાય.
August 8, 2017
رغم إنه اللغة العربية من أغنى وأقوة اللغات أدبياً إلا إنه أغلب المترجمين العرب مع الأسف ضعيفين في الترجمة!
الكتاب فيه كم كبير من الأخطاء الإملائية والنحوية وأخطاء في علامات الترقيم... ناهيكم عن ضعف تكوين الجمل وعدم الفصاحة!
أحياناً اضطر إلى قراءة المقطع أكثر من مرة .
الآن بخصوص الكتاب نفسه جميل إنه بين السطور تجد الحكمة والذكاء في فكر غاندي، لأنه بدل من أن يسرد الأخلاقيات ذكرها ليستنتج القراء الفكرة بأنفسهم.
وبغض النظر عن عدم تسلسل الأفكار وضياع المحتوى وقلة الترتيب في كتابة قصة حياته إلا إنه شخصية ملفتة ومثيرة للإهتمام.
الكتاب فيه كم كبير من الأخطاء الإملائية والنحوية وأخطاء في علامات الترقيم... ناهيكم عن ضعف تكوين الجمل وعدم الفصاحة!
أحياناً اضطر إلى قراءة المقطع أكثر من مرة .
الآن بخصوص الكتاب نفسه جميل إنه بين السطور تجد الحكمة والذكاء في فكر غاندي، لأنه بدل من أن يسرد الأخلاقيات ذكرها ليستنتج القراء الفكرة بأنفسهم.
وبغض النظر عن عدم تسلسل الأفكار وضياع المحتوى وقلة الترتيب في كتابة قصة حياته إلا إنه شخصية ملفتة ومثيرة للإهتمام.
March 29, 2025
More people should read this book. This book is written by Gandhi, the M. K. Gandhi. It explains his time in South Africa fighting for the rights of Indians. I believe this was a time when Gandhi was developing his tools which eventually helped end British rule in India.
I consider parts of this book slow in places. I don't consider Gandhi to be the best writer. I also believe a modern reader can find some criticism of some views expressed by Gandhi. However, to hear Gandhi's explanation of satyagraha written in his own hand is invaluable.
I consider parts of this book slow in places. I don't consider Gandhi to be the best writer. I also believe a modern reader can find some criticism of some views expressed by Gandhi. However, to hear Gandhi's explanation of satyagraha written in his own hand is invaluable.
January 24, 2018
Great book. Principle of satyagraha and the history of its application in the struggle of South Africa is quite inspirational.
April 22, 2018
Very good book. I now feel that I'm beginning to understand the true essence of Satyagarah!
March 11, 2022
Excellent insightful and detailed account into the genesis of Satyagraha movement and more importantly, making of the Mahatma
May 17, 2025
पंढरीनाथ सावंत यांचा मराठी अनुवाद वाचला. ब्रिजमोहन खेडा यांचा अनुवाद मी जे काहीं ३-४ पानं वाचली त्यावरून सरस वाटला; पण ती प्रत मिळेना. हाही अनुवाद चांगलाच होता.
अमूल्य पुस्तक!
अमूल्य पुस्तक!
December 6, 2020
موهانداس كرمشاند غاندي - مهاتما غاندي -
سيرة حياته كما كتبها بقلمه يبدأ بذكر عائلته إذ يندرج غاندي من عائلة مثقفة و صاحبة مناصب في الحكومة الهندية.
ثم يبدأ بذكر طفولته و دراسته و صديق السوء اللذي إثر عليه قليلا و علاقته مع أمه و ابيه وأخيه و فترة شبابه و مرحلة سفرة إلى لندن و دراسته و اطلاعه على الأديان الأخرى و الأصدقاء اللذين تعرف عليهم هناك و نقاشه معهم.
و رجوعه إلى هند و بحثه عن عمل في الهند حتى ينتهي به المطاف للسفر إلى جنوب أفريقية و ما حصل معه هناك من عنصرية و مرض اللون و غوغاء دوربان بعد انتقاده لأصحاب السكك في تصرفهم مع الهنود و من ثم يذكر مشاركاته و سياسته و كيفية تعامله مع حرب البوير والطاعون و ثورة الزولو.
و يتكلم عن كتاب - حتى هذه النهاية - اللذي أحبه جدا و سرح به إذ يتماشى مع مبادئه و رأيه
وفي الآخر يذكر ما حصل في ناتال من ثورة و غضب الهند و قيادته لهم بسبب قانون الضريبة و مس شرف نسائهم بعدم شريعة الزواج إذ لم يكن على طريقة المسيحية.
سيرة حياته كما كتبها بقلمه يبدأ بذكر عائلته إذ يندرج غاندي من عائلة مثقفة و صاحبة مناصب في الحكومة الهندية.
ثم يبدأ بذكر طفولته و دراسته و صديق السوء اللذي إثر عليه قليلا و علاقته مع أمه و ابيه وأخيه و فترة شبابه و مرحلة سفرة إلى لندن و دراسته و اطلاعه على الأديان الأخرى و الأصدقاء اللذين تعرف عليهم هناك و نقاشه معهم.
و رجوعه إلى هند و بحثه عن عمل في الهند حتى ينتهي به المطاف للسفر إلى جنوب أفريقية و ما حصل معه هناك من عنصرية و مرض اللون و غوغاء دوربان بعد انتقاده لأصحاب السكك في تصرفهم مع الهنود و من ثم يذكر مشاركاته و سياسته و كيفية تعامله مع حرب البوير والطاعون و ثورة الزولو.
و يتكلم عن كتاب - حتى هذه النهاية - اللذي أحبه جدا و سرح به إذ يتماشى مع مبادئه و رأيه
وفي الآخر يذكر ما حصل في ناتال من ثورة و غضب الهند و قيادته لهم بسبب قانون الضريبة و مس شرف نسائهم بعدم شريعة الزواج إذ لم يكن على طريقة المسيحية.
October 12, 2018
Mohandas Gandhi tells Us Almost Everything About The Satyagrah in South Africa...
This book shows that how 24 years old boy from India... Having lots of Questions about his Abilities... Found a way in life.
This book shows that how 24 years old boy from India... Having lots of Questions about his Abilities... Found a way in life.
January 23, 2014
استطيع فعلا ان اقول انه شخص من زمن اخر !
قدرته على التسامح فظظظيعه !
عموما كان شي مختلف لم اعتاد عليه
هذا بالنسبه لغاندي ،
وبالنسبه للكتاب جيد جدا واسلوبه جميل 3/5
قدرته على التسامح فظظظيعه !
عموما كان شي مختلف لم اعتاد عليه
هذا بالنسبه لغاندي ،
وبالنسبه للكتاب جيد جدا واسلوبه جميل 3/5
October 28, 2015
درس في الاحسان لمن اساء اليك...
July 17, 2020
This is a best book I have read..
The book shows sacrifice of our Hindustanis of that time in South Africa..
Satyagraha is a best best weapon to fight for our rights..
The book shows sacrifice of our Hindustanis of that time in South Africa..
Satyagraha is a best best weapon to fight for our rights..
June 4, 2015
الأخطاء الإملائية الكثيرة جعلت قراءة الكتاب متعبة , الأسلوب ممل نوعاً ما
April 18, 2017
Personal account of the causes and process of fighting injustice in SA.
"... suggested the word ‘Sadagraha,’ meaning ‘firmness in a good cause.’ I liked the word, but it did not fully represent the whole idea I wished it to connote. I therefore corrected it to ‘Satyagraha’. Truth (Satya) implies love, and firmness (agraha) engenders and therefore serves as a synonym for force. I thus began to call the Indian movement ‘Satyagraha’, that is to say, the Force which is born of Truth and Love or non-violence, and gave up the use of the phrase ‘passive resistance ...’
"Satyagraha may be offered to one’s nearest and dearest; passive resistance can never be offered to them unless of course they have ceased to be dear and become an object of hatred to us. In passive resistance there is always present an idea of harassing the other party and there is a simultaneous readiness to undergo and hardships entailed upon us by such activity, while in Satyagraha there is not the remotest idea of injuring the opponent."
"... suggested the word ‘Sadagraha,’ meaning ‘firmness in a good cause.’ I liked the word, but it did not fully represent the whole idea I wished it to connote. I therefore corrected it to ‘Satyagraha’. Truth (Satya) implies love, and firmness (agraha) engenders and therefore serves as a synonym for force. I thus began to call the Indian movement ‘Satyagraha’, that is to say, the Force which is born of Truth and Love or non-violence, and gave up the use of the phrase ‘passive resistance ...’
"Satyagraha may be offered to one’s nearest and dearest; passive resistance can never be offered to them unless of course they have ceased to be dear and become an object of hatred to us. In passive resistance there is always present an idea of harassing the other party and there is a simultaneous readiness to undergo and hardships entailed upon us by such activity, while in Satyagraha there is not the remotest idea of injuring the opponent."
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