An Analysis on the Effectiveness of Gandhi's Leadership Essay Sample

Nowadays, India is the largest democracy in the world. However, from 1858 to 1947, the people of India were ruled by the oppressive British Raj, who extorted massive riches from the sub-continent in order to fund its powerful empire. However, by the end of World War Two, the people of India pushed for independence. One of the people at the forefront of this push for change was Mohandas Gandhi. In the face of vastly superior British resources, Mahatma Gandhi was an effective leader, using non-violence, and the ability to inspire others, to liberate India from British rule.

Firstly, one reason Gandhi was a successful leader was because of his use of the concept of Satyagraha, the non-violent practice of passive resistance that is not characterized by hatred. Satyagraha, according to Gandhi, is nothing more than another name for the ancient Indian law of suffering (Doc A). Thus, in connecting to this ancient tie, Gandhi was able to unite the people of India under a singular concept. Furthermore, he also was able to prevent unnecessary deaths by using peaceful methods. This meant that if the British openly used force to stop the Indians, it would antagonize them to the world. Furthermore, in not being characterized by hatred, Satyagraha was also able to connect with Indians’ desire for self-purification (Doc. B). This gave people the courage to rise up and practice civil disobedience, helping India work towards independence. Furthermore, it also allowed Gandhi´s push for change to be seen as a sacred fight, uniting all of the many religions of India. Therefore, by using Satyagraha, Gandhi was able to appeal to all social castes, while also antagonizing the British, while also attracting international support.

Lastly, Gandhi was a successful leader because of his ability to inspire others into joining the cause. For example, even though Gandhi had been arrested, Madame Sarojuni Naidu was there to keep discipline and boost morale at the Dharasana Salt Works in his absence. She preached that one, ¨must not use any violence under any circumstances¨ (Doc. E). Thus, even though they were to be beaten, the protestors were calmly lined up uniformly and practiced perfect non-resistance which speaks to Naidu’s ability to unite people towards a goal. However, it was Gandhi who was able to unite these individuals to show immense loyalty and discipline for the cause in the first place. Gandhi was also able to inspire the British themselves as a picture of him appeared in The London Graphic Illustrator on May 24, 1930 (Doc. F). The picture depicted him peacefully catching a representation of Britain by sprinkling salt on a lion's tail. Gandhi is not fighting or harming the lion in any way, which shows that his teachings of non-violence are also being noticed and propagated by the British. Thus, Gandhi´s ability to inspire others allowed him to exercise effective leadership in pushing for change.  

In conclusion, Mahatma Gandhi was an effective leader due to his use of Satyagraha, and capability to inspire others through his teachings. Gandhi was  also able to go against the odds as even though the British had more military might and resources, Gandhi was able to liberate his country. Furthermore, he did so with minimal casualties, and pushed for a change he believed in by uniting all the people of India under one cause. Thus, according to Gandhi's beliefs, all people can attempt to push for a better world through non-violence no matter their race, social standing, or religious belief.