Discuss Gandhi’s struggle against racial discrimination and in defence of the rights for Indian Labour in South Africa.

Mahatma Gandhi's early years in South Africa marked the beginning of his activism and his lifelong commitment to fighting injustice, particularly racial discrimination. Gandhi arrived in South Africa in 1893 as a young lawyer, initially intending to stay for a year, but his experiences there shaped his philosophy of nonviolent resistance and laid the foundation for his later role as a leader of India's independence movement.

Racial Discrimination in South Africa:

Gandhi's initial exposure to racial discrimination occurred when he faced personal instances of prejudice and segregation. On a train journey from Durban to Pretoria in 1893, Gandhi, despite holding a valid first-class ticket, was forcibly ejected from the train due to his being a person of color. This incident was a turning point in his life, prompting him to challenge the deeply entrenched racial prejudices that existed in South Africa.

Gandhi's activism against racial discrimination can be understood through several key phases:

1. Natal Indian Congress (1894):

   • In 1894, Gandhi founded the Natal Indian Congress, aimed at addressing the concerns of the Indian community in South Africa. He began advocating for civil rights, aiming to secure legal and political rights for Indians who were subject to discriminatory laws, including the disenfranchisement of Indian voters.

2. Campaign Against Pass Laws (1906):

   • In 1906, Gandhi led a campaign against the Asiatic Registration Act, commonly known as the "Black Act" or the "Pass Law." This law required all Indians, Chinese, and other non-European individuals to register and carry passes, severely restricting their movements. Gandhi organized protests, and thousands of Indians willingly faced imprisonment, fines, and hardships, demonstrating their commitment to civil disobedience.

3. Satyagraha (1906):

   • During the struggle against the Black Act, Gandhi developed and introduced the concept of "Satyagraha," which means "truth-force" or "soul-force." This philosophy emphasized nonviolent resistance as a means of confronting injustice. Satyagraha became the cornerstone of Gandhi's approach to social and political activism.

4. Indian Relief Act (1914):

   • Gandhi's efforts in South Africa were not in vain, and in 1914, the Indian Relief Act was passed, repealing many of the oppressive provisions of the Black Act. The Indian community, under Gandhi's leadership, had successfully challenged the discriminatory laws through nonviolent protest and civil disobedience.

Defence of Indian Labor Rights:

Apart from his advocacy against racial discrimination, Gandhi also championed the rights of Indian laborers, many of whom were subjected to harsh working conditions and exploitation. His efforts in this regard can be seen in the following ways:

1. Strikes and Labor Activism:

   • Gandhi organized labor strikes to protest against the unjust treatment of Indian workers, especially in the sugarcane plantations in Natal. These strikes were part of his broader philosophy of nonviolent resistance and aimed at drawing attention to the exploitation faced by Indian laborers.

2. Improvement of Working Conditions:

   • Gandhi advocated for better working conditions, fair wages, and improved treatment for Indian laborers. Through negotiations and activism, he sought to address the systemic issues that led to the exploitation of workers.

3. Unity Across Communities:

   • Gandhi emphasized unity among different communities, recognizing the common struggles faced by Indians, Africans, and others against colonial oppression. He believed in building bridges and fostering cooperation to collectively address the injustices perpetuated by the British colonial authorities.

Gandhi's activism in South Africa laid the groundwork for his later endeavors in India, where he would become a prominent leader in the struggle for independence. The principles of nonviolent resistance, civil disobedience, and the synthesis of spiritual and material values that he developed during his years in South Africa would shape the trajectory of his leadership and influence the course of history. His experiences in South Africa transformed him into the Mahatma (Great Soul) and set the stage for his role as a global icon of peace and justice.