Common Agreement between Gandhiji and Marxism

Mahatma Gandhi and Marxism may seem like two completely different ideologies, but there are some commonalities between them that are often overlooked. While Gandhi is known for his nonviolent resistance and promotion of self-reliance, Marxism advocates for a proletariat revolution and a classless society. However, if we look closely, we can see that there are some similarities between the two.

The most obvious connection between Gandhi and Marxism is their shared critique of capitalism. Both Gandhi and Marx see capitalism as exploitative and unjust. In his book Hind Swaraj, Gandhi criticized the British Raj, which he saw as a form of colonial capitalism. Marx also wrote extensively on the inequality and exploitation inherent in capitalist systems.

Another point of agreement is their shared belief in the power of the masses. Gandhi believed that true change could only come from the bottom up, while Marx saw the proletariat as the agent of change in a classless society. Both ideologies emphasize the importance of collective action and grassroots organizing.

In addition, both Gandhi and Marx were deeply committed to social justice. Gandhi fought against discrimination based on caste, gender, and religion, while Marx saw the struggle for workers’ rights as a necessary step towards creating a more just society.

However, there are also some fundamental differences between the two ideologies. While Gandhi believed in the power of non-violent resistance, Marx saw violent revolution as necessary for creating systemic change. Gandhi also emphasized the importance of spiritual values, while Marx was an avowed atheist.

In conclusion, while there are certainly differences between Gandhi and Marxism, it is important to recognize the common ground they share. Both ideologies critique the inequality and exploitation inherent in capitalist systems, emphasize the importance of collective action, and aim for a more just society. As we continue to grapple with these issues in our own time, we can learn from both Gandhi and Marx and strive towards a more equitable future.