70^th BPSC Mains

Approach Briefly introduce Sahjanand and his contribution. Discuss his contribution to the Kisan Sabha movement. Conclude suitably.

Introduction

Swami Sahjanand Saraswati (1889-1950) was a key leader in India’s independence struggle, championing peasant rights. He led the Kisan Sabha Movement, mobilizing rural communities against zamindari oppression and advocating for socio-economic justice.

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Contributions to the Kisan Sabha Movement:

• Establishment of Local Kisan Sabhas:
  • In 1927, Swami Sahjanand founded the West Patna Kisan Sabha in response to the rampant exploitation of peasants by local Brahmin zamindars. This initiative marked the beginning of organized peasant resistance in Bihar.
  • Building on this momentum, the Bihar Provincial Kisan Sabha (BPKS) was formed in 1929 during the Sonepur Mela, uniting peasants across the province and amplifying their collective voice against feudal oppression.
• Support for National Movements and Policy Opposition:
  • In 1930, the Kisan Sabha strategically suspended its activities to support the broader civil disobedience campaign against British colonial rule, simultaneously opposing revisions to a contentious tenancy bill that threatened peasant rights.
  • By 1933, Sahjanand had emerged as a staunch critic of compromise measures that favored zamindars, underscoring his commitment to safeguarding the interests of tenant farmers.
• Formation of the All-India Kisan Sabha (AIKS):
  • In 1936, recognizing the need for a unified national platform, the All-India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) was established with Sahjanand at its helm as President.
  • Under his leadership, the AIKS demanded the remission of agricultural debts and called for an end to the zamindari system, which had long impoverished rural communities.
• Leadership in the Bakasht Movement:
  • Between 1937 and 1938, Swami Sahjanand led the Bakasht Movement in Bihar.
    • This campaign vehemently protested against the eviction of tenant farmers from self-cultivated lands.
  • The relentless activism of Sahjanand and his followers in this movement eventually spurred significant policy changes, culminating in the enactment of the Bihar Tenancy Act and the implementation of the Bakasht Land Tax.

Conclusion

Swami Sahjanand Saraswati’s leadership revitalized the Kisan Sabha Movement, challenged unjust policies, and led the Bakasht Movement, advancing rural justice and shaping future agrarian reforms through collective action against oppression.

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(b) Discuss Jawaharlal Nehru’s views on communalism and secularism.

Approach Briefly introduce with JL Nehru and his contributions. Discuss his views on communalism and secularism. Conclude suitably.

Introduction

Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, was a visionary leader whose ideas significantly shaped modern India. He promoted a progressive framework that emphasized secularism and denounced communalism, aiming to build a unified nation where diversity was respected and all citizens were treated equally.

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Nehru’s Views on Communalism:

• Definition and Critique:
  • Nehru regarded communalism- the alignment of political identity with religious identity- as a threat to national progress.
  • He believed that when politics becomes defined by religious affiliation, it fragments society and weakens the common national identity, making the state vulnerable to division and conflict.
• Impact on National Unity:
  • Nehru argued that communal politics undermines efforts to create an inclusive society where every community, regardless of its religious background, contributes to national progress.
  • He was particularly critical of movements that emphasized narrow religious identities, as he saw them as obstacles to the harmonious coexistence of diverse groups.
• Historical Context:
  • Reflecting on events like the partition of India in 1947, Nehru maintained that communal divisions had led to significant social and political turmoil, reinforcing his belief in the need for a secular approach in governance.

Nehru’s Views on Secularism:

• Concept of Secularism:
  • Nehru’s vision of secularism was grounded in the principle of state neutrality in religious affairs.
  • He believed that the state should not endorse or favor any religion but should instead provide a framework where all citizens can freely practice their beliefs without interference.
• Role in Governance:
  • For Nehru, secularism was essential for the creation of a democratic society that guarantees religious freedom and equality for all.
  • He saw it as a means to foster a scientific temper, rational discourse, and social progress, ensuring that public policy was based on reason rather than religious dogma.
• Long-Term Influence:
  • Nehru’s commitment to secularism became a cornerstone of the Indian Constitution, helping to shape the nation’s legal and political framework in a way that promoted inclusivity and mitigated religious conflicts.

Conclusion

Nehru’s critique of communalism and his advocacy for secularism reflect his broader vision for an inclusive, united India. His balanced approach- emphasizing state neutrality in religious matters and condemning divisive religious politics- remains a significant aspect of India’s democratic ethos and continues to influence debates on national identity and social cohesion.