Ankita Srivastava, Advocate, Supreme Court of India
ABSTRACT
This chapter will focus on views of Gandhiji in his observation of the social position of women in society. It will highlight the general views of Gandhi on modern civilisation which will be followed by his views on women in society. The chapter will also explore the relationship with his wife, Kasturba to understand his views on the role of women in a family.
For example, he criticised Modern Civilisation in his book titled ‘Hind Swaraj’ where he defined true swaraj by saying that “if we (individuals) become free, India would be free.” It is in the same vein that he opines, “it is swaraj when we learn to rule ourselves.” It was Gandhiji’s anticipation and apprehensions of modern civilisation which primarily enhanced his status as a prominent thinker. This chapter will explore more of his views on modern civilisation and how he defined gender roles within Indian society. The chapter will also throw light on his theory of Brahmacharya and the rationale of his outlook towards the same. It will be a critical appreciation of Gandhian thought on women’s rights and duties in the context of Article 51A(e) in the Indian Constitution i.e. “to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.”
The chapter seeks to answer the question of whether his thinking on women’s rights and duties stand through the test of time.
Keywords: Gandhian Philosophy, Law, Women’s Status, Fundamental Duties, Rights, Access to Justice.
