Zobaida Hossain is in the 12th grade. As part of a National History Day project, Zobaida interviewed Gandhi Institute director Kit Miller about her views on nonviolence and the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
What is your opinion on Mahatma Gandhi's method of nonviolence?
I think his method is and remains one of the most extraordinary means for change on both the personal and political levels that has ever been invented.
Why do you think Gandhi's method of nonviolence was revolutionary?
I believe that Gandhi's method of nonviolence harnessed the power and potential of human love on a scale that has never been seen, particularly in the political sphere. In the 20th century, more than fifty countries would shake off the yoke of colonialism at least in large part influenced by the success of his struggle in India.
Do you believe that his nonviolent method was a stronger tactic in leading India to its Independence?
If by stronger you mean stronger than violence, yes. I will quote Professor Michael Nagler, considered to be one of the foremost experts on Gandhi in the world today. Dr. Nagler says: "Satyagraha (nonviolence) struggles are enormously less costly than ordinary military struggles not only to human life, to psychological wellbeing (combat personnel are often deeply traumatized by what they have done in the line of duty), but also to materials resources as well."
If you lived in India during the time of Gandhi would you have supported him? Why or why not?
Yes! I would have loved to have met and supported Gandhi as well as other heroes of that day, such as Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a Muslim Pathan who was a tremendous proponent of nonviolence. I would have supported him for the same reasons that I support the spread and integration of nonviolence now, years after his death. Nonviolence is the human face of sustainability. In order to care for the current lives on earth, as well as future generations, we must begin to harness all of our resources toward peaceful means and ends.
Why do you believe Gandhi was successful in his nonviolent movement towards India's Independence?
Gandhi was successful in that the British quit India peacefully, leaving behind a nation that it had somehow remained friends with. No destructive war was waged to free India from over 200 years of colonial rule. Gandhi was also successful because as mentioned above his example inspired people around the world to end colonialism, often nonviolently.
What do you think the outcome would have been if Gandhi had chosen to use violence? Do you think he would have had a shot at being successful?
No I don't think he would have been. Other violent uprisings against the British by Indians had failed, and I don't see how a violent uprising by Gandhi would have been any different. He succeeded because he touched the deeply spiritual nature of many Indians, and indeed people around the world through nonviolence.
The Occupy Wall Street Movement that has currently swept the nation is using nonviolence. Do you believe they will eventually be successful in their fight for change?
I hope they will be. I am worried about how life will be for you and your classmates if wealth remains or becomes even more concentrated, especially as we have so many pressing problems to work with that require the minds and creativity of us all, such as global warming.
