Explore the No-Changers' constructive work, including ashrams, national schools, and social initiatives. Understand critiques and the impact of their efforts on the Indian nationalist movement.

Constructive Work by No-Changers

• The No-Changers engaged in various constructive activities, which helped them stay connected with the masses.
• Ashrams: Established in places like Kheda and Bardoli in Gujarat, these ashrams focused on working with tribals and lower castes, promoting the use of charkha and khadi.
• National Schools and Colleges: These institutions were created to provide education within a non-colonial ideological framework, distancing students from colonial influence.
• Hindu-Muslim Unity and Social Work: They played a significant role in promoting Hindu-Muslim unity, removing untouchability, boycotting foreign cloth and liquor, and providing flood relief.
• Constructive workers were crucial to the success of civil disobedience movements, often serving as active organizers and leaders.

A Critique of Constructive Work

• National education primarily benefited the urban lower middle classes and the wealthier peasants, with limited impact on the broader population.
• Interest in national education waned during periods of political inactivity, as students were drawn to official schools and colleges for degrees and job prospects.
• Khadi, while symbolically important, was more expensive than imported cloth, making its widespread adoption challenging.
• Efforts to address untouchability focused more on social aspects rather than the economic grievances of landless agricultural laborers, who were largely from the untouchable castes.
• Despite working separately, the Swarajists and No-Changers maintained good relations and were able to unite when necessary for new political struggles.