Chapter 3 (2): One Man Can Make a Difference

I will not hesitate to say that a single individual, well-intentioned and focused, can ignite the kind of protest that brings about transformative results for an entire nation. A prime example of this is Mahatma Gandhi, who united the people of India into a single, cohesive force that ultimately led to their independence. The success of the Indian independence movement was rooted in a clear vision of what the people wanted, and their unwavering focus allowed them to achieve it.

Gandhi’s use of non-violence, or Satyagraha, was a revolutionary approach to protest. Despite the British Empire’s stronghold on India, Gandhi inspired an entire nation to pursue freedom through peaceful means. The British, known for their might and unwillingness to relinquish control, found themselves unable to maintain their grip on a nation driven by a unified and peaceful resistance. Gandhi’s vision was not tainted by personal gain, ethnic biases, or political ambition. His approach remained pure, focused solely on the betterment of the nation as a whole. This purity of purpose made it impossible for people of vice to hijack the movement, as it was rooted in selflessness and a collective desire for transformation.

It is crucial to understand that the people around you can sense whether your intentions are genuine or self-serving. If your purpose is flawed or selfish, it will be incredibly difficult to achieve the good you seek. This is why Gandhi’s movement succeeded—his intentions were transparent, and his message resonated with millions. His focus was not on personal power, but on liberation for all.

In this vein, we can look to another iconic figure who successfully led a non-violent movement: Martin Luther King Jr. Although a Baptist pastor, King was wise enough to learn from Gandhi, a leader with different religious beliefs, in order to achieve his own goals. King recognised that success often leaves clues, and he modelled his campaign after Gandhi’s non-violent approach. The Civil Rights Movement in the United States, led by King, became a beacon of peaceful resistance, advocating for justice, equality, and the end of segregation.

Both Gandhi and King have left enduring legacies that the world continues to learn from. Their non-violent approaches are arguably the most potent tools for transforming societies burdened by oppressive leadership, injustice, and discrimination. History shows that power is seldom handed over easily or willingly, and governments often resort to excessive force to suppress protests. Sadly, lives are sometimes lost in these struggles. However, the ultimate lesson remains: non-violence is the most effective means of achieving lasting change.

Consider the case of apartheid in South Africa. The struggle against this brutal system was initially marked by violence and bloodshed. Despite the people’s righteous anger, these tactics failed to bring about the change they sought. It wasn’t until Nelson Mandela, after years of imprisonment, adopted a strategy of reconciliation and non-violence that true progress was made. Mandela’s ability to bring together those who had caused suffering and those who had suffered is a testament to the power of peaceful protest. His leadership not only secured independence from apartheid but also laid the groundwork for a unified nation. Mandela’s journey to freedom was long and arduous, yet when he finally emerged from prison, he extended his hand in peace to the very people who had oppressed him.

The lesson here is that, despite the inevitable tension between governments and the people, non-violence must remain at the core of any protest. Non-violent resistance has the unique ability to garner widespread acceptance, consideration, and support from the international community. The more a government tries to suppress a peaceful movement, the more legitimacy and support that movement gains.

Even global powers cannot resist the force of a people committed to peace and love. We can turn to the life of Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of this principle. In the midst of suffering and death, Jesus uttered the words, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” His crucifixion did not extinguish His message. Instead, the power of love resurrected His teachings, spreading them across the world.

No one can kill the message of a non-violent crusader, and no one can extinguish the message of love.

When your purpose is righteous and your intention is to make the world a better place, no one can stand in your way. God Himself blesses those who are peacemakers, those who bring light into the world. So, be that light. History shows that the most reasonable and lasting changes come through peace, and through aligning our efforts with a vision of a better, more abundant world for all.

Non violent approach and how it helped Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King junior and Nelson Mandela to achieve their aims

Non-violent resistance, also known as civil disobedience or nonviolent protest, has been a powerful tool in achieving social and political change. Three of the most prominent figures who successfully employed this approach were Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela. Each of these leaders faced immense challenges in their struggles for justice, yet they remained committed to non-violence, ultimately leading to profound and lasting change.

Mahatma Gandhi: The Architect of Nonviolent Resistance

Mahatma Gandhi is perhaps the most iconic figure associated with non-violent resistance. He developed and popularised the concept of Satyagraha, which means “truth force” or “soul force.” Gandhi believed that non-violence was the most effective way to achieve social and political objectives. His philosophy was grounded in the belief that the moral power of non-violence would eventually overcome the physical force of the oppressors.

Gandhi’s non-violent approach played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. One of the most famous examples of his non-violent resistance was the Salt March of 1930, where Gandhi led thousands of Indians on a 240-mile march to the Arabian Sea to protest the British monopoly on salt. This act of civil disobedience captured the world’s attention and galvanised the Indian independence movement. Gandhi’s steadfast commitment to non-violence inspired millions and eventually led to India’s independence in 1947.

Martin Luther King Jr.: Non-Violence and the Civil Rights Movement

Martin Luther King Jr. was deeply influenced by Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and applied them to the American civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. King believed that non-violent protest was not only a moral imperative but also a practical strategy for achieving racial equality in the United States.

One of the most significant examples of King’s non-violent approach was the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955-1956. Sparked by Rosa Parks’ arrest for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger, the boycott lasted over a year and led to a Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional. King’s leadership during this period demonstrated the power of peaceful protest and non-violent resistance in challenging systemic racism.

King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington in 1963 further highlighted the power of non-violence. His call for equality and justice resonated deeply with Americans of all backgrounds and helped to bring about significant legislative changes, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. King’s unwavering commitment to non-violence earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and cemented his legacy as a champion of human rights.

Nelson Mandela: From Armed Struggle to Reconciliation

Nelson Mandela’s journey towards non-violence was more complex. Initially, as a leader of the African National Congress (ANC), Mandela supported armed resistance against the apartheid regime in South Africa after peaceful protests were met with brutal repression. However, during his 27 years of imprisonment, Mandela came to embrace non-violence as a more effective means of achieving lasting peace and equality.

Upon his release from prison in 1990, Mandela worked tirelessly to dismantle the apartheid system through negotiations and reconciliation rather than through violence. His leadership was instrumental in the peaceful transition to a democratic South Africa. Mandela’s commitment to non-violence and reconciliation was exemplified by his efforts to unite a deeply divided nation, which included establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address the injustices of the past.

Mandela’s approach to non-violence culminated in the peaceful elections of 1994, which saw him become South Africa’s first black president. His legacy gives credence to the power of forgiveness, dialogue, and non-violence in overcoming hatred and division.

The non-violent approaches of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela were pivotal in achieving their respective aims. Each leader faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles, yet their commitment to non-violence allowed them to galvanise support, draw international attention to their causes, and ultimately achieve profound social and political change. Their legacies continue to inspire movements for justice and equality around the world, proving that non-violence is not only a moral stance but also an immensely powerful tool for achieving lasting change.