Mohan-Mala - Mahatma Gandhi

Mohan-MalaDecember 10When people come into possession of political powers, the interference withthe freedom of the people is reduced to a minimum. In other words, a nationthat runs its affairs smoothly and effectively without such state interference istruly democratic. Where such a condition is absent, the form of Government isdemocratic in name.H, 11 Jan. 1936December 11Democracy and violence can ill go together. The States that are todaynominally democratic have either to become frankly totalitarian or, if they areto become truly democratic, they must become courageously non-violent. It isa blasphemy to say that non-violence can only be practiced by individuals andnever by nations which are composed of individuals.H, 12 Nov. 1938December 12The true democrat is he who with purely non-violent means defends his libertyand therefore, his country’s and ultimately that of the whole of mankind.H, 15 April 1939December 13In matters of conscience, the law of Majority has no place.YI, 4 Aug. 1920December 14Let us not push the mandate theory to ridiculous extremes and become slave toresolutions of majorities. That would be a revival of brute force in a morevirulent form. If rights of minorities are to be respected, the majority mustwww.mkgandhi.org Page 93