Three 'S's of Gandhiji

Swadeshi, satyagraha and sarvodaya - M K Gandhi advocated these three concepts while playing a seminal role in India's struggle for freedom from colonial rule and in upholding rights of the oppressed and suppressed. In that context, swadeshi, meaning boycotting foreign goods and opting for only home-made products, made sense, to discourage dependence on those who were exploiting the country's resources.

Today, swadeshi still holds good in a different context: to encourage domestic potential, knowledge, tradition, productivity and craftsmanship, to celebrate one's unique cultural, social and economic identity. In terms of faith and religion, swadeshi does not exclude other beliefs, for Gandhiji said, 'Sarvadharma Samabhava' - look upon all religions as the same.

Satyagraha, holding steadfast to truth, acquired a new complexion in Gandhiji's lexicon as protests were non-violent in his civil disobedience movement. Satyagraha was Gandhiji's pacifist tool to resist colonial oppression.


Sarvodaya upholds progress for all, without discrimination, that is, universal uplift. Equality, liberty and self-determination were vital aspects of Sarvodaya that looked towards equal opportunities and welfare for all. All three, swadeshi, satyagraha and sarvodaya, when extrapolated to a wider context - beyond politics and economics - enable the individual and society to elevate standards of discourse and living.