Write the summary of Indian Civilization and Culture.
Ans. The extract 'Indian Civilization and Culture' focuses on Indian
civilization which is peerless. It reveals the nationalism within Gandhi which
impelled him to write about virgin India. The given extract tells us that Indian
civilization holds an extraordinary rank among all the cultures. The tendency of
our imperial civilization motivates Gandhiji to compare it with rest civilizations
which have met their doom.
The civilization of India cannot be vanquished at any cost. All other
civilizations have expired or become westernized or are not in their past splendour
but India is stead fast and is continuing her stupendous magnificance. Many
thrust their suggestions on India but her negation has maintained her glory.
According to Gandhiji, civilization is the way of conduction which guides
us to do our duty. Performing duty is a virtue itself and so is following morality.
Observing morality is gaining victory over our cravings India is already
acquainted with this truth and so there is nothing for india to learn. Our mind is
giddy, it always remains unsatisfied and its desires never come to an end.
Our ancestors kept control on their passions and remained happy and content.
Our ancestors forbade us to run after luxuries. They knew we can be happy and
healthy with the usage of our hands and feet. They did not prefer cities as they
knew there would be prostitution and exploitation. They knew that wealth is
inferior than knowledge. Our ancestors lived in dependent life in peace and
enjoyed true home rule. The Indian civilization promotes the dignity of being
but western civilization promotes dissipative people. Gandhiji says that only
thing he had learnt from modern civilization is that we should keep away from it.
Modern civilization means worship of materialism. This civilization mainly
focusses on material it suits only the west. The western civilization instigates us
towards unlimited cravings but eastern civilization keeps a strict command on
wants. Modern inventions give us transient pleasure and we under the influence
of west, are in danger of exchanging good with transitory happiness. Hinduism
has not the credit of the trifling inventions but it has the credit of foundation of
the soul and the spirit. We are dazzled by western culture. Indian civilization has
seen the fall of many ancient civilizations but it never tried to copy any other.
Copying the west mean ruining our civilization which is still in its glory. The
Europeans now have become slaves of comfort and luxuries not their masters.
Plain living and high thinking should be our motto. It is in vain to run after high
living and confine our thoughts civilization basically means promoting of
happiness, joy and capability of service.
Lastly, Gandhiji says that physical comfort is necessary, but only till an
extent. If we believe on multiplying our needs and then fulfilling our needs.
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