Jaipur, Feb 3 (PTI) – The 18th Jaipur Literature Festival concluded with a riveting debate on pacifism, where Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy became a focal point for both sides. The motion, "Pacifism is for losers," divided the panelists into two camps, sparking an intense discussion on the relevance and effectiveness of non-violence in today’s world.
Among those arguing in favor of the motion were Kyiv-born author Yaroslav Trofimov, anthropologist Mukulika Banerjee, and former diplomat Manpreet Vohra, while author Salil Tripathi, journalist Georgina Godwin, and Israeli journalist Gideon Levy opposed it. The panelists drew references from geopolitical conflicts like the Ukraine-Russia war, the Israel-Palestine crisis, and South Africa’s apartheid era, frequently invoking Gandhi’s legacy to support their claims.
Debate Highlights: Pacifism vs. Civil Disobedience
Banerjee set the tone by differentiating pacifism from civil disobedience, arguing that figures like Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela did not practice pacifism but rather strategic non-violent resistance.
"You can use civil disobedience when the enemy has a sense of justice and moral reasoning. But pacifism, which is about appeasement, is a sign of weakness," she asserted, citing Neville Chamberlain's failed diplomacy with Hitler as an example of pacifism leading to catastrophic consequences.
Conversely, Godwin and Levy countered that pacifism requires immense bravery and long-term commitment. Levy quoted Gandhi, saying, “Non-violence is the weapon of the strong,” while Godwin emphasized that social changes—including the end of apartheid—were achieved through non-violent resistance, boycotts, and rallies.
Tripathi evoked Gandhi’s Dandi March, where protesters peacefully endured brutal beatings by British forces, demonstrating non-violent courage rather than weakness. “That was not cowardice. That was not for losers,” he argued.
Did WWII Accelerate India’s Independence?
Former ambassador Manpreet Vohra provided a contrasting perspective, suggesting that World War II played a significant role in India’s independence and that Gandhi would not appreciate being labeled a pacifist today. "It is an incomplete understanding to credit India's freedom solely to Gandhi’s contribution, ignoring the impact of the war," he remarked.
As the debate intensified, Tripathi acknowledged that self-defense may sometimes necessitate taking up arms but insisted that violence should never be the first resort or driven by hatred.
Gandhi’s Grandson Weighs In
Adding depth to the discussion, Gandhi’s grandson and former diplomat Gopalkrishna Gandhi provided insights into his grandfather’s views. He clarified that Mahatma Gandhi was not against war in principle but against wars driven by hatred and senseless violence.
"He fully supported India’s armed resistance against the invasion of Kashmir. He was a trained non-combatant in South Africa, participating in both the World War and the suppression of the Zulu rebellion," he said, countering the notion that Gandhi was a strict pacifist.
A Thought-Provoking End to JLF 2024
Ultimately, the debate ended in a voice vote against the motion, affirming that pacifism is not merely for "losers" but a strategic tool for justice. The festival, renowned as the world's largest literary gathering, featured Nobel laureates, Booker Prize winners, and Pulitzer-winning journalists, engaging in discussions on literature, politics, cinema, human rights, and more.
Esteemed speakers at this year’s event included Venki Ramakrishnan, Javed Akhtar, Shashi Tharoor, Imtiaz Ali, Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo, Amol Palekar, Ira Mukhoty, Geetanjali Shree, David Hare, Manav Kaul, Yuvan Aves, and Shahu Patole.
Looking Ahead
The next edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival is set to take place from January 15 to January 19, 2025, promising yet another year of intellectual exchange and thought-provoking debates.
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