Model Question and Answers for APSC | How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss.

Ans: Mahatma Gandhi’s role and influence in shaping New India are indisputable. He is still as relevant a person and a philosopher in the twenty-first century as he was in the previous one.

The achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi:

1. Before Gandhi Congress was mostly a think tank, Gandhi put it in touch with the masses and made it an active force for liberation
2. Made freedom movement less bloody: Weaned revolutionaries away from violence to non-violent struggle, Surya Sen and bhagat in their later phase learned the importance of non-violent mass struggle

Legacy and Gandhian imprint on the constitution and the Nation:

1. Inclusiveness in the constituent assembly  itself: Asked Congress to include BR Ambedkar in the constituent assembly
2. Values in Preamble: Secularism: A devout Hindu, he always believed in cordial co-existence with other
3. Fundamental rights: Right against untouchability
4. The directive state of principles:

• Village panchayats
• Cottage industries support
• Alcohol ban

      5. Later movements like Gramdan and Bhoodan had their leaders from Gandhian                    thought