Dr. Biswajit Barman
Ex-Research Scholar, Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University
E-mail: biswajitbarmanslk94@gmail.com
Issue: Volume 2 No. 1 (March 2026) Anubodhan
Received: 20 March 2026 / Accepted: 23 March 2026 / Published: 31 March 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.65885/anubodhan.v2n1.2026.016
Abstract
Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of karma offers a profound integration of spiritual ethics and social engagement. Rooted in the Bhagavad Gῑtā’s doctrine of selfless action, Gandhi emphasized performing one’s duties without attachment to personal gain, focusing instead on the moral and transformative value of the act itself. For Gandhi, karma was not merely an individual’s spiritual discipline but a collective force capable of shaping social realities. He interpreted selfless action as a tool for non-violent resistance, seeing it as a moral obligation to confront injustice while remaining free from hatred or revenge. This understanding linked personal moral growth with broader societal transformation, where service to others became both a spiritual path and strategy for political change. By harmonizing inner discipline with active engagement, Gandhi transformed karma into a dynamic principle for building a just, equitable, and compassionate society. his approach continues to inspire movements for social justice, environmental stewardship, and peace, demonstrating that selfless action, grounded in truth and non-violence, can be a powerful catalyst for sustainable social change. This paper examines Gandhi’s interpretation of karma, its philosophical roots, and its enduring relevance in contemporary struggles for moral and social reform.
Keywords: Karma, selfless action, social change, non-violence, spiritual ethics, BhagavadGῑtā
How to cite: Barman, B. (2026). Selfless Action and Social Change: Gandhi’s Some Observations. Anubodhan, 2(1), 158–172. https://doi.org/10.65885/anubodhan.v2n1.2026.016