Key Points
Author: Mahatma Gandhi
The essay on fearlessness is attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, the revered leader of India’s freedom struggle. Gandhi, also known as Bapu, was not only a political leader but also a spiritual seeker, social reformer, and advocate of nonviolent resistance. His teachings and actions continue to inspire generations worldwide.
Introduction
The essay begins by acknowledging that fearlessness holds a significant place in the Bhagavad Gita, a revered Hindu scripture. It is listed as a divine attribute in the 16th chapter. Whether this prominence is due to poetic considerations or a deliberate choice remains a matter of interpretation.
Structure
The essay likely follows a straightforward structure, addressing fearlessness from different angles:
Definition of Fearlessness:
Fearlessness is not merely the absence of fear; it is a state of inner strength and courage.
External fears—such as fear of disease, death, loss, and other worldly concerns—are discussed.
The essay may emphasize that fearlessness is not reckless abandon but a grounded resolve.
Internal and External Foes:
While external fears can be conquered, internal foes persist. These include negative emotions like anger, passion, and attachment.
Fearlessness arises when we detach from material possessions. Wealth, family, and the body are not truly ours; they belong to God. By becoming trustees rather than proprietors, we find peace.
Trust in divine protection becomes essential.
Detachment and Trust:
The concept of detachment from material objects is explored. We must recognize that everything belongs to God, and we are mere custodians.
Fearlessness allows us to rise above transient concerns and face life’s challenges with equanimity.
Trusting in divine providence becomes our shield against fear.
Setting
The context of the essay is rooted in the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred dialogue between Lord Krishna and the warrior prince Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Fearlessness is discussed within this spiritual context, where Arjuna grapples with his duty and fears.
Theme
The central theme is fearlessness as a spiritual quality. It transcends mundane fears and connects us to higher truths. The essay likely emphasizes that fearlessness is essential for seeking truth, embracing love, and realizing the divine within.
Style
Gandhi’s writing style is simple, direct, and infused with spiritual wisdom. Expect clarity, practical insights, and a call to action. His words resonate with sincerity and conviction, reflecting his commitment to truth and nonviolence.
Message
The essay’s message is clear: Fearlessness is indispensable for spiritual growth. By overcoming external fears, conquering internal foes, and trusting in divine providence, we attain peace and face Truth directly. It is not bravado but alignment with the eternal that defines fearlessness.
MK Gandhi
Early Life
Full Name: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Birth: October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, India
Parents: Karamchand Gandhi (father), Putlibai Gandhi (mother)
Education: Studied law in London at University College London
Influence and Early Activism
South Africa:
Practiced law in South Africa from 1893 to 1914.
Faced racial discrimination and fought for the rights of the Indian community.
Developed the concept of Satyagraha (truth and non-violence) during his time in South Africa.
Return to India:
Returned to India in 1915.
Initial Activities:
Worked on social reforms, including the removal of untouchability, and promoted spinning as a means of self-reliance.
Leadership in Indian Independence Movement
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22):
Called for Indians to withdraw from British institutions and practices.
Boycotted British goods and promoted the use of Khadi (hand-spun cloth).
Salt March (1930):
Led a 240-mile march to the Arabian Sea to produce salt, defying British laws.
Sparked widespread civil disobedience against British rule.
Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34):
Continued to promote non-violent resistance against British policies.
Encouraged Indians to refuse to pay taxes and to break unjust laws.
Social Reforms
Untouchability:
Advocated for the abolition of untouchability.
Called the untouchables “Harijans” or “Children of God.”
Worked towards their inclusion in society and equal rights.
Education and Self-Reliance:
Promoted basic education for all.
Encouraged self-reliance through the use of indigenous goods and self-sufficiency in villages.
Philosophy and Beliefs
Satyagraha:
Non-violent resistance to tyranny through civil disobedience.
Based on the principle of truth and moral integrity.
Ahimsa:
Principle of non-violence in thought, word, and deed.
Believed that non-violence is the highest duty and virtue.
Sarvodaya:
Welfare of all.
Belief in the upliftment of all sections of society, especially the poor and marginalized.
Key Events
Quit India Movement (1942):
Called for immediate independence from British rule.
Led to mass protests and arrests of Indian leaders, including Gandhi.
Partition of India (1947):
Opposed the partition of India into India and Pakistan.
Worked to reduce communal violence between Hindus and Muslims.
Assassination
Death: January 30, 1948
Assassinated By: Nathuram Godse, who disagreed with Gandhi’s philosophy.
Legacy
Global Influence:
Inspired global leaders and movements for civil rights and freedom, including Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and the American civil rights movement.
His principles of non-violence and truth continue to be relevant in social and political struggles worldwide.
Institutions and Memorials:
Numerous institutions, universities, and awards established in his honor.
Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Peace and Reconciliation.
Memorials in India and around the world, including Raj Ghat in New Delhi.
Writings
Autobiography:
“The Story of My Experiments with Truth.”
Other Works:
Writings on various topics, including non-violence, civil disobedience, and social issues. Published articles in journals like “Harijan” and “Young India.”
Quotes
Famous Quotes:
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.”
Commemoration
Gandhi Jayanti: October 2, his birthday, is celebrated as a national holiday in India and is also observed as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations.
Word Meaning
| Tough Word | Meaning in English | Meaning in Hindi |
| Fearlessness | The quality of having no fear | निर्भयता |
| Exigencies of metre | Necessities related to the rhythmic structure | छंद की आवश्यकताएँ |
| Deliberately | Intentionally | जान-बूझकर |
| Indispensable | Absolutely necessary | अनिवार्य |
| Cherish | To hold dear | संजोना |
| Connotes | Implies or suggests | अर्थ संकेत करना |
| Dispossession | Deprivation of possession | बेदखली |
| Surmount | To overcome | पार पाना |
| Erroneously | Incorrectly | ग़लती से |
| Flee | To run away | भागना |
| Misers | People who hoard wealth and spend as little as possible | कंजूस |
| Black deeds | Immoral or illegal actions | बुरे काम |
| Uphold | To maintain or support | समर्थन करना |
| Swerve | To deviate or change direction | मुड़ना |
| Incurring | Bringing upon oneself | सामना करना |
| World’s odium | General or widespread hatred or disapproval | दुनिया की निंदा |
| Conquer | To overcome or take control of | जीतना |
| Quest | A long or arduous search for something | खोज |
| Parable | A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson | दृष्टांत |
| Supreme | Highest in rank or authority | सर्वोच्च |
| Delusions | False beliefs or opinions | भ्रांतियाँ |
| Endeavour | To try hard to achieve something | प्रयास करना |
| Cultivating | Developing or improving | विकसित करना |
| Outset | The beginning | आरंभ |
| Foes | Enemies | शत्रु |
| Own accord | By one’s own choice | अपनी इच्छा से |
| Traitors | People who betray trust | गद्दार |
| Renouncing | Giving up or rejecting | त्याग करना |
| Noble precept | A moral principle or rule | महान सिद्धांत |
| Upanishad | Ancient Indian philosophical texts | उपनिषद् |
| Proprietors | Owners | मालिक |
| Trustees | People who hold responsibility for others | न्यासी |
| Usurpers | Those who take power or property by force | हड़पने वाले |
| Mists | Something that obscures or blurs | धुंध |
| Ineffable | Too great to be expressed in words | अवर्णनीय |
