Constructive Program
Constructive Program (CP) is a term coined by Mahatma Gandhi to describe one of the two branches of his satyagraha, the other being some form of nonviolent resistance, e.g. civil disobedience. The value of CP in the struggle for the independence of India cannot be overemphasized, as Gandhi described civil disobedience as "an aid to constructive effort."[1] Gandhi wrote to his friend and supporter, Jamnalal Bajaj, saying, "My real politics is constructive work."[2]
Contemporary nonviolent struggles often lack constructive program, which could easily be integrated and enable them to be proactive, maintain continuity of effort when direct resistance is not possible, and convince the public and opposition that they are not simply disruptive but have the capacity to build as well.
Constructive programs can build alternative institutions so that a successful insurrection does not lead merely to a power vacuum that lets oppression back in, as for example in Egypt after the otherwise successful overthrow of President Mubarak in 2011.[3]
Examples include:
- Time-based currency, which is a way to exchange services instead of currency.
- Implementing a community food pantry or doing street feeds, such as those done by Food Not Bombs.
- The creation of community gardens allows for fresh, sustainable food access within the community. It also helps reduce negative environmental impacts and promotes sustainable agriculture.
- Painting murals for social change.
- Building homes to provide better living conditions for families.
Notes
- ^ Gandhi, M. K. (1948). Constructive Programme: Its Meaning and Place (2nd ed.). Ahmedabad: Navajivan Publishing House, page 1. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
- ^ Nayar, Pyarelal and Sushila, (1991). In Gandhi's Mirror. Delhi: Oxford University Press, page 268.
- ^ Nagler, Michael, (2014). The Nonviolence Handbook. San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler, Pages 33-38.
References
- "From Principles to Practice Constructive Program". Metta Center for Nonviolence. Retrieved 21 March 2014.
- https://www.warresisters.org/win/win-summer-2007/constructive-program-creating-new-society-shell-old
- "Constructive Program". GandhiBapu.com. Archived from the original on 8 April 2013.
- Chisholm, Janet (March 29, 2010). "Constructive Program as an Instructive Model". Fellowship for Reconciliation. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
- Peace and Conflict Studies 164A - Fall 2006 on YouTube
External links
- Constructive Programme book.
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