What is the Difference Between Gandhi and Nehru?

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Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru were two prominent figures in India's freedom struggle, and while they shared some similarities, they also had significant differences in their approaches, beliefs, and visions for the country. Some of the key differences between Gandhi and Nehru include:

  1. Religion and Ideology: Gandhi was deeply religious and leaned towards a formal religion with a spirit of harmony and respect for all religious faiths. Nehru, on the other hand, was more westernized and secular in his outlook.
  2. Economic and Industrial Policies: Nehru was enamored of western science and technology and supported heavy industrialization and massive urbanization to provide employment and reduce poverty. Gandhi, however, advocated for a more self-reliant and village-based economy, focusing on the welfare of the poor and the development of cottage industries.
  3. Education: Both Gandhi and Nehru shared common goals and ideals for education, but they differed in their content, methodology, priorities, and language policies.
  4. Political Approach: Gandhi was known for his Satyagraha movement and non-cooperation movement, while Nehru's approach to politics was more pragmatic and influenced by Marxism and universalism.

Despite their differences, Gandhi and Nehru had a deep love and mutual admiration for each other, and their relationship was marked by a long process of dialogue, debate, and working together. They both played crucial roles in India's struggle for freedom and shaped the country's social and political landscape.

Comparative Table: Gandhi vs Nehru

Here is a table highlighting the differences between Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru:

Feature Mahatma Gandhi Jawaharlal Nehru
Lifestyle Simple, focused on self-reliance and minimal needs More westernized, with a strong political background
Outlook Oriental, inspired by India's cultural heritage Westernized, with a focus on pragmatic ideas
Democracy Spiritualized, envisioned a society without hypocrisy Practical, focused on building a modern nation
Religion Promoted harmony and respect for all religions Less formal religious beliefs, more focused on secularism
Economic Development Emphasized self-reliance and rural development Advocated for rapid industrialization and modern science and technology
Approach to Independence Methods of non-violence, civil disobedience, and fasting Active political involvement, negotiations with British colonial rulers

Despite their differences, both Gandhi and Nehru shared a common goal of achieving India's independence and building a strong, unified nation. Their collaboration and shared vision played a crucial role in shaping India's struggle for freedom and its development as an independent nation.