Gandhi refutes the counterclaim that violence is necessary for achieving independence by advocating for truth and non-violence as the most effective means to bring about change. He provides examples of successful non-violent movements and emphasizes the importance of appealing to the conscience of the oppressor.
In the letter from Viceroy Lord Irwin, Mahatma Gandhi presents a counterclaim against his own argument. In response to this counterclaim, Gandhi refutes it by highlighting the importance of truth and non-violence in achieving independence for India.
Gandhi acknowledges the counterargument that violence might be necessary to achieve independence. However, he counters this by emphasizing that violence can only lead to further violence and destruction. Gandhi firmly believes in the power of non-violent resistance and truth as the means to achieve freedom. He argues that non-violence is not a sign of weakness, but rather a moral and strategic choice.
To support his position, Gandhi provides examples of successful non-violent movements in history, such as the Salt March and the Civil Disobedience Movement. These movements demonstrated that non-violent resistance can effectively challenge and overthrow oppressive regimes.
Gandhi also emphasizes the importance of appealing to the conscience of the oppressor through peaceful means. By demonstrating unwavering determination and commitment to non-violence, Gandhi believes that the oppressor will be forced to recognize the injustice and change their ways.
The paragraph 2 for the given question is
Gandhi's first letter to Irwin explains why he considered British rule in India a ‘curse.’ Furthermore, he underscores his desire to convert the British mindset through nonviolence, thereby allowing them to understand the evil they had perpetrated against India. Additionally, in this letter, he informs Lord Irwin about his intention to begin the Salt March alongside the ashram's co-workers on March 11 to break the Salt Law if the British government does not respond to his request to remove the Law that restricted private salt production. The second letter was sent five weeks after the Salt March. It was in reaction to British brutality and fraudulent government announcements, which Gandhi considered akin to Martial Law. Again, he reiterates his non-violent ideas and asks for the Salt Tax repeal, threatening violent civil disobedience if it is not.