Question

Find out the person who delivered following words.
There is no salvation for India unless you strip yourself of this jewellery and hold it in trust for your countrymen in India :

• A. Jawaharlal Nehru
• B. Subash Chandra Bose
• C. Maulana Azad
• D. Mahatma Gandhi

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Mahatma Gandhi

Understanding Mahatma Gandhi's Call for Sacrifice

• The quote, "There is no salvation for India unless you strip yourself of this jewellery and hold it in trust for your countrymen in India," encapsulates Mahatma Gandhi's core beliefs regarding personal sacrifice, economic equality, and national service.

• The term "salvation for India" refers not only to political independence but also to the moral, social, and economic upliftment of the nation and its people.

• "Strip yourself of this jewellery" was a direct and symbolic appeal, often made to wealthy individuals and women, urging them to renounce personal luxuries and material possessions. It was meant to encourage them to contribute their wealth and assets for the welfare of the poor and the funding of the freedom struggle.

• "Hold it in trust for your countrymen" directly reflects Gandhi's unique socio-economic philosophy known as 'Trusteeship'.

Key Aspects of Gandhi's Philosophy

The Concept of Trusteeship

• Propounded by Gandhi, the Theory of Trusteeship suggested that the wealthy should not be absolute owners of their wealth but rather its 'trustees'.

• According to this concept, individuals with surplus wealth were expected to manage their resources not for personal gain or extravagant consumption, but for the benefit and welfare of society, especially the underprivileged and needy.

• This philosophy aimed to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, advocating for a non-violent, ethical approach to economic disparity, as an alternative to both exploitative capitalism and state-controlled communism.

Emphasis on Austerity and Simplicity

• Gandhi himself lived a life of extreme simplicity and encouraged all, particularly those in positions of influence or wealth, to adopt a similar lifestyle.

• He believed that the excessive accumulation of wealth and indulgence in luxury were detrimental to societal harmony and fostered inequality.

Connection to Swadeshi and Economic Self-Reliance

• The call to surrender personal wealth for the nation's cause aligns with the spirit of the Swadeshi Movement, which emphasized self-reliance and the use of indigenous products.

• Wealth donated or managed under the trusteeship principle could be channeled into supporting national industries, rural development, and welfare programs, thereby strengthening India's economic independence.

Mahatma Gandhi: Relevant Facts for Competitive Exams

• Full Name: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.

• Born: October 2, 1869, Porbandar, Gujarat.

• Major Ideologies:

  • Ahimsa (Non-violence)

  • Satyagraha (Truth-force/Civil Resistance)

  • Swaraj (Self-rule)

  • Sarvodaya (Welfare of All)

  • Trusteeship (Economic Philosophy)

• Key Movements in India (Chronological):

  • Champaran Satyagraha (1917): His first Civil Disobedience movement in India.

  • Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918): His first hunger strike in India.

  • Kheda Satyagraha (1918): His first Non-Cooperation movement in India.

  • Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22): A nationwide movement against British rule.

  • Dandi March / Civil Disobedience Movement (1930): Initiated by the Salt Satyagraha.

  • Quit India Movement (1942): The final major movement demanding immediate British withdrawal from India.

• Return to India: January 9, 1915 (This day is celebrated as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas).

• Titles: He was given the title 'Mahatma' by Rabindranath Tagore and 'Father of the Nation' by Subhas Chandra Bose.