Ukraine - What Would Gandhi Do?
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18 MAY 2023
What would Mahatma Gandhi do about the war in Ukraine? Based on his life and times, it will be interesting to analyse how he would have responded to the new age war in Ukraine.
Stopping World War - II
Mahatma Gandhi was a man of peace and nonviolence. He believed that war was never the answer and that all conflicts could be resolved through dialogue and understanding. So when World War II broke out in 1939, Mahatma Gandhi was deeply saddened.
He wrote to Adolf Hitler, urging him to end the war and pursue a path of peace.
Here are some of the specific actions that Mahatma Gandhi did to try and stop World War II:
He wrote letters to the leaders of the warring nations. For example, in 1939 and 1940, Mahatma Gandhi wrote letters to Hitler, urging him to end the war and pursue peace.
In the letter, Mahatma Gandhi addresses Hitler as a “Dear Friend” and says he didn’t believe the war was the best way to achieve a goal. War is terrible, bringing death and destruction to millions of people. It is reducing humanity to a savage state.
“
“… in 1939 and 1940, Mahatma
Gandhi wrote letters to Hitler, urging him to end the war and pursue peace”
Mahatma Gandhi then goes on to appeal to Hitler’s sense of morality. He writes that he cannot believe that Hitler is a man without a conscience and is unmoved by millions of people’s sufferings.
Mahatma Gandhi urges Hitler to reconsider his position and choose the path of peace.
The letter ends with Mahatma Gandhi expressing his hope that
Hitler would listen to his words. He writes, “Will you listen to the appeal of one who has deliberately shunned the method of war not without considerable success?”
Hitler never responded to the letters. The war continued for six
years, and millions of people were killed. However, Mahatma Gandhi’s letter remains a powerful testament to his commitment to peace and nonviolence.
On September 27, 1940, he met Lord Linlithgow. He explained to the Viceroy that he wished to oppose the war. He also wanted to ask his people to do so because this war was not being fought to protect India’s interests.
Mahatma Gandhi wanted it known that the British should not take India for granted.
The principles of freedom and fundamental rights for which Britain was fighting Nazi Germany and Fascism should be equally applicable to Indians.
“
“Mahatma Gandhi wanted
it known that the British should not take India for granted”
Hence, Mahatma Gandhi organised a protest in India against the British government’s decision to enter World War II. The protest was called the Individual Satyagraha Movement.
His followers refused to cooperate with the British government in any way. As a result, they were arrested and imprisoned, but they continued to protest.
Mahatma Gandhi gave numerous speeches and wrote numerous articles in which he spoke out against the war. He condemned the violence and destruction that was taking place, and he urged people to work for peace.
His message of peace and nonviolence was a powerful force for good in the world. It inspired people worldwide to work for peace and helped raise awareness of the horrors of war.
Mahatma Gandhi’s efforts to stop World War II were ultimately unsuccessful. The war continued for six years, and millions of people were massacred.
However, his actions did help to raise awareness of the horrors of war and to inspire others to work for peace. His legacy inspires people worldwide today and shows that peace is always possible.
Despite the challenges, Mahatma Gandhi never gave up hope. On the contrary, he continued to speak out against the war and to work for peace.
War in Ukraine
If Mahatma Gandhi were alive today, he would have used his moral authority and commitment to nonviolence to stop the Ukraine war.
“
“If Mahatma Gandhi
were alive today, he would have used his moral authority and commitment to
nonviolence to stop the Ukraine war”
He would have corresponded with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, urging them to end the war and pursue a path of peace. Also, he would have organised protests and demonstrations around the world, calling on people to stand up for peace and nonviolence.
In 2002, during the run up to the invasion of US and Britain into Iraq, there were anti-war protest across hundred’s of cities. It was a reflection of how people have reacted to a war as a solution.
The world has not seen similar outrage against the war. After visuals of deaths and destruction reaching our homes, daily from Ukraine, the opposition to war is missing.
As if all leaders of the world have given up on “peace” as a solution. Hence, no one is talking about ending the war.
Instead, the world leaders are finding ways to accommodate refugees, find alternative to energy crisis, supplying arms to the two warring countries - Ukraine and Russia, as if it is a new normal.
It is a dangerous for humanity today, that there is no noticeable leader, opposing the war.
Given a chance, he would have travelled to Russia and Ukraine, meeting with the leaders of both countries in person to try to persuade them to end the war.
His efforts to stop the war would likely be met with resistance from both sides. However, as he did in India, he wouldn’t have given up. Instead, he would have continued to speak out for peace and nonviolence, even in adversity.
Based on the letter Mahatma Gandhi wrote to Hitler, here is a letter that he might have written to Putin and Zelensky to stop the war in Ukraine:
Dear Friends,
I am writing to you today as a man of peace and nonviolence. I believe that war is never the answer and that all conflicts can be resolved through dialogue and understanding.
I am deeply saddened by the violence and destruction that is taking place in Ukraine. I know that you both have the best interests of your people at heart, but I believe your path is leading to more death and suffering.
I urge you to stop the war and to come to the negotiating table. There is still time to find a peaceful solution to this conflict.
I know that this is a difficult time for both of you. You are under much pressure from your respective governments and people. But I believe you have the courage and the wisdom to make the right decision.
I ask you to choose the path of peace. Choose to end the war and build a better future for your people.
I have confidence in you. I know that you can do this.
I remain,
Your Sincere Friend,
Specifically, Mahatma Gandhi might have urged NATO and the UN to engage in dialogue with Russia and Ukraine to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
Furthermore, he would have asked NATO to avoid military intervention in Ukraine, which could only lead to death and destruction.
Also, he might have urged the UN to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine who have been affected by the war.
He would have worked to build a more peaceful and just world order.
“
“He would have worked
to build a more peaceful and just world order”
There are similarities between World War II and Ukraine war, and hence there is a likelihood that it may not end soon. Already the Ukraine war is in its second year, and none of the warring parties are prepared to negotiate peace.
On the contrary, either side is preparing itself with newer and better armaments.
There are several reasons why this war is gaining attraction, like World War II and why it is popular with many governments and its people.
The rise of fascism and Nazism then, and Putin’s Russia now.
In the years leading up to World War II, fascist and Nazi regimes came to power in Germany, Italy, and Japan. These regimes were characterised by aggressive nationalism, militarism, and hatred of minorities.
As a result, they posed a real threat to democracy and freedom around the globe. Similarly, the rise of Putin’s Russia and China is seen as threatening global peace and economic balance.
The invasion of Poland then and the annexation of Crimea now.
In September 1939, Germany invaded Poland. This act of aggression triggered the start of World War II.
The invasion of Poland was met with widespread condemnation from the international community. Therefore, many people felt it necessary to stand up to Nazi aggression and fight for freedom and democracy.
Similarly, the West sees the invasion of Crimea by Russia as aggressive militarism. However, Russia claims to retake Crimea as its lost territory.
Pearl Harbor then and Donbas now.
On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the American naval base at Pearl Harbor. This attack brought the United States into World War II.
The bombing of Pearl Harbor was a significant turning point in the war. It showed that the Axis powers were willing to attack the United States and rallied the American people behind the war effort.
Similarly, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and annexation of Donbas, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia is considered an attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty, though the unrest and civil troubles had long prevailed.
Moreover, doubts are floating around that Russia may not stop with the annexation of Ukraine. Later, it may enter Macedonia and other former USSR states.
The promise of a better world, then and now.
Many people believed that World War II would lead to a better world. They hoped the war would end fascism and Nazism and create a more just and peaceful world order.
This hope was fuelled by the Atlantic Charter, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 1941.
The Atlantic Charter outlined the principles for a post-war world, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to self-determination.
Many believe that ending Putin’s ambitions will make the world more peaceful. Also, they think it will reset the peaceful world order by checking China’s military ambitions in Taiwan and the South China Sea.
These are just some of the reasons why World War II was popular with the people of many countries. The war was a time of great sacrifice and hardship, inspiring hope for a better future.
The war ultimately led to the defeat of fascism and Nazism and helped create a more just and peaceful world order.
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“There are reasons why
World War 2 was popular with the people of many countries”
Even though Mahatma Gandhi could not stop the World War then, the path to peace and negotiation was still the most humane option. Ultimately, this philosophy has shown the direction of reconciliation in many conflicts, as history has demonstrated.
Mahatma Gandhi’s message of peace and nonviolence is a formidable influence for good in the world. If we are to end the war in Ukraine and create a more peaceful future, we must follow his example.
Sooner or later, Ukraine and Russia, too, will walk in this direction. Hope it’s not too late, like World War II.
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