Mohandas Gandhi's journey from his early career in South Africa to his development of Satyagraha is a pivotal story. His resistance against unjust laws, establishment of Tolstoy Farm, and the eventual compromise with the South African government highlight his innovative approach to non-violent struggle. Gandhi’s experiences in South Africa, including his techniques of Satyagraha, laid the foundation for his future leadership in India and his influence on global non-violent movements.

• Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat.
• His father was a diwan (minister) of the state. Gandhi studied law in England and went to South Africa in 1898 to handle a case involving his client, Dada Abdullah.
• In South Africa, Gandhi encountered severe racism and the mistreatment of Asian laborers. He decided to stay and organize Indian workers to fight for their rights, remaining there until 1914.
• Indians in South Africa were categorized into:
  • Indentured laborers from South India who came after 1890 to work on sugar plantations.
  • Merchants, mostly Meman Muslims, who followed the laborers.
  • Ex-indentured laborers who settled in South Africa after their contracts ended.
• These Indians faced numerous restrictions, including denied voting rights, poor living conditions, and stringent curfews.

Satyagraha against Registration Certificates (1906)

• A law required Indians to carry registration certificates with fingerprints. Gandhi led a resistance, forming the Passive Resistance Association to oppose this law.
• Resistance included refusing to register, burning certificates, and facing penalties. This resistance highlighted the unjust nature of the law and led to a compromise settlement.

Campaign against Restrictions on Indian Migration

• Gandhi extended the campaign to oppose legislation restricting Indian migration. Indians defied the law, leading to jailings and strikes.

Campaign against Poll Tax and Invalidation of Indian Marriages

• A poll tax was imposed on ex-indentured Indians. The demand for its abolition and a Supreme Court ruling invalidating non-Christian marriages fueled further protests.
• This ruling was seen as an insult, uniting many under Gandhi’s leadership, including women who joined the struggle.

Protest against Transvaal Immigration Act

• Indians protested the Transvaal Immigration Act by migrating illegally and going on strike. Gokhale mobilized public opinion in India, and Lord Hardinge condemned the repression.

• Through negotiations involving Gandhi, Lord Hardinge, C.F. Andrews, and General Smuts, a settlement was reached. The South African government conceded to major Indian demands regarding poll tax, registration certificates, and marriage recognition, and promised a sympathetic approach to Indian immigration.

• Satyagraha was based on truth and non-violence, combining elements from Indian tradition, Christian teachings, and Tolstoy's philosophy.
• Basic tenets included:
  • Non-submission to perceived wrongs while remaining truthful, non-violent, and fearless.
  • Using withdrawal of cooperation and boycott as methods.
  • Methods included non-payment of taxes and refusal of honors and positions.
  • Acceptance of suffering as part of the struggle for truth.
  • Maintaining no ill will towards adversaries and never bowing to evil.
  • Only the brave and strong could practice satyagraha, with a focus on consistency between thought and action.