Explain Satyagarha.

Satyagraha, a term coined by Mahatma Gandhi, is a philosophy and method of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience. Derived from two Sanskrit words, "Satya" meaning truth and "Agraha" meaning insistence or holding firmly, Satyagraha encapsulates the pursuit of truth through nonviolent means. It became a central component of Gandhi's philosophy and played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence.

Key Aspects of Satyagraha:

1. Nonviolence (Ahimsa): At the heart of Satyagraha is the principle of nonviolence. Gandhi believed in the transformative power of nonviolent resistance as a way to confront injustice and oppression without causing harm to others.

2. Truth as the Ultimate Force: Satyagraha seeks to discover and assert truth as the ultimate force for change. Gandhi emphasized that individuals engaged in Satyagraha must be committed to truthfulness in thought, word, and action.

3. Resistance through Love: Satyagraha advocates resisting injustice with love and compassion. Instead of harboring hatred for the oppressor, practitioners of Satyagraha strive to cultivate understanding and empathy, believing that love has the power to transform both the oppressed and the oppressor.

4. Courage and Willingness to Suffer: Satyagrahis, those who practice Satyagraha, exhibit courage and a willingness to endure suffering for the sake of truth and justice. By willingly accepting suffering, they aim to awaken the conscience of the oppressor and bring about a change of heart.

5. Appeal to the Conscience: Satyagraha involves making a moral appeal to the conscience of the oppressor. Through peaceful means such as protests, strikes, or civil disobedience, Satyagrahis aim to highlight the moral injustice and prompt the oppressor to reconsider their actions.

6. No Retaliation: In practicing Satyagraha, there is a commitment to not retaliate or respond to violence with violence. The emphasis is on breaking the cycle of aggression and fostering a path towards reconciliation.

7. Constructive Program: Gandhi believed in combining Satyagraha with constructive efforts for social upliftment. This involved engaging in positive activities that contributed to the well-being of the community, simultaneously addressing the root causes of injustice.

8. Universal Applicability: While rooted in Gandhi's Indian context, the principles of Satyagraha are considered universally applicable. It has influenced various movements for civil rights, anti-colonial struggles, and campaigns for social justice worldwide.

Satyagraha, as conceived by Gandhi, represents a powerful and principled approach to social and political change. It goes beyond mere resistance; it is a philosophy that calls for the transformation of individuals and societies through the pursuit of truth, nonviolence, and the unwavering commitment to justice.