Satyagraha and Social Change : Concept of Satyagraha, Forms and Methods of Satyagraha, Dynamics of Social Change, Satyagraha as Method of Social Change

Contents : Preface. I. Concept of Satyagraha : 1. Rules of Satyagraha. II. Forms and methods of Satyagraha : 1. Persuasion and negotiations. III. Social change and its dynamics : 1. Main characteristics of social change. 2. Factors of Social Changes. 3. Planning as a factor in social change. IV. Satyagraha as a method of social change : 1. Satyagraha in South Africa. 2. Social change through Satyagraha in champaran. 3. Kheda Satyagraha. 4. Satyagraha against Rowlatt act. 5. Vykom Satyagraha. 6. Role of Salt Satyagraha. 7. Bardoli Satyagraha. 8. Satyagraha outside India. 9. Contemporary peace movements. V. Satyagraha and social change : critical analysis. Bibliography. Index.

"Satyagraha is a comprehensive and dynamic concept which requires thorough understanding of its concept, discipline, creed and a way of life as envisaged, believed and lived by Mahatma Gandhi—the man of the millennium. In this book the learned author has made a serious attempt to explain the meaning, methods and discipline of Satyagraha in a lucid manner. Besides, its focus has also been to examine objectively to find out Satyagraha as a method of social change because Satyagraha according to Gandhi, is the best alternative and effective method to resolve all kinds of conflicts in society. In this respect, the author has tried her level best to tell the readers that the results of Satyagraha directly depend on the proper understanding and implementation of the method and the kind and the quality of the persons offering Satyagrahas because due to certain lapses on the part of Satyagrahis, it may be a failure also. Besides, the work also highlights the efficacy, efficiency and everlasting and soothing results of Satyagraha by giving various illustrations from India and abroad. Similarly, the study elaborates Gandhi’s message that Satyagraha is not only an art but also a science of life—an attitude towards life which concerns every aspects of life and not a single act, nor a string of actions and this completely eschews untruth and violence in every form. This book, certainly, would prove to be highly useful for the scholars, students and general public having interest in Gandhian and Peace Studies". (jacket)