Final answer:
Gandhi felt obligated to explain his arrests to the Indian public because of his commitment to civil disobedience and nonviolence. He saw it as his duty to serve the people and be transparent about his actions toward Indian independence, even when facing imprisonment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gandhi believed he owed an explanation to the Indian public for his arrest due to his dedication to the principles of civil disobedience and nonviolence. His obligation to the people of India stemmed from his belief that it was his duty to serve others and to struggle for Indian independence, regardless of his personal consequences. This principle of duty is evident in Gandhi's view that civil disobedience becomes a sacred duty when the State is corrupt or lawless. By leading the Indian National Congress and advocating for non-cooperation with British colonial rule, he demonstrated profound commitment to his belief that serving the people was paramount, which included explaining his actions and arrests to the public.
Considering the extensive support Gandhi received from the Indian public for his non-cooperation movement and the profound impact he had on Indian society through his leadership of the Congress Party, it is clear that Gandhi felt a deep obligation to communicate and justify his actions, particularly when those actions led to his arrest and hindered the immediate goals of independence. This commitment to transparency and public duty was especially critical at a time when totalitarian ideologies were gaining momentum worldwide. Gandhi's non-violent approach to achieving social and political goals set a global precedent for effective, peaceful protest.