UGC-NET (NTA) Exam, BUDDHIST, JAINA, GANDHIAN AND PEACE STUDIES, June – 2025

As a child, Gandhi was deeply moved by a play titled "Shravan Pitribhakti Natak", which depicted the story of Shravan Kumar, a devoted son who carried his blind parents on a pilgrimage.
This tale of selfless service and filial devotion left an indelible impression on young Gandhi and helped instill in him a deep sense of duty, sacrifice, and reverence for parents.

After reading John Ruskin's "Unto This Last" in 1904, Gandhi was so inspired by its ideas of economic equality, dignity of labor, and simple living that he decided to put those principles into practice.
Soon after, he founded the Phoenix Settlement in Natal, South Africa, where he and his followers lived a communal, self-reliant lifestyle aligned with Ruskin's teachings.

The Swaraj Party, founded in 1923 by C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru, aimed to enter the British legislative councils and obstruct colonial governance from within. Its goal was political decentralisation and securing greater self-rule through legislative means rather than boycotts.
It arose in response to Gandhi's temporary withdrawal from active politics following the Non-Cooperation Movement.

The Home Rule Movement (1916), led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant, had the primary objective of achieving self-government within the British Empire, akin to dominion status.
It focused on mobilizing public opinion, increasing political education, and demanding autonomy for Indians in their internal affairs.

The 'August Offer' of 1940, made by Viceroy Lord Linlithgow, promised expansion of the Executive Council and the right to frame a new constitution after the war. However, the Congress rejected it because it did not include provisions for the formation of a National Government and fell short of recognizing India's right to immediate self-rule.
The offer also introduced the idea of minority veto, which Congress opposed.

For Sri Aurobindo, Swaraj went beyond political freedom. He viewed it as the "Salvation of a Nation", a spiritual and cultural awakening of India. According to him, real Swaraj meant not just liberation from British rule, but the rejuvenation of India's soul, dharma, and national consciousness. His vision combined spirituality with nationalism, making him a unique voice in the freedom struggle.

The famous '14-Point Agenda' was propounded by Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, in 1918.
These points outlined Wilson's vision for a just and lasting peace after World War I, including self-determination, freedom of navigation, reduction of armaments, and the formation of the League of Nations. It had a global impact on post-war diplomacy.

The primary mediator between the United States and Iran in negotiations related to Tehran's nuclear program has been Oman. These secret and indirect talks have frequently been held in Muscat, Oman's capital.
Oman's neutral foreign policy and trusted diplomatic channels have made it an ideal intermediary, particularly under the guidance of Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi.
Unlike regional powers such as Saudi Arabia or Qatar, Oman has consistently maintained cordial relations with both Washington and Tehran, allowing it to facilitate dialogue even at times of high tension.

The Greenpeace Movement is an international environmental organization founded in 1971. One of its primary goals is to work towards an end to nuclear testing, nuclear threats, and contamination.
It is also actively involved in combating climate change, promoting renewable energy, and protecting biodiversity, but its origins and core focus are tied closely to anti-nuclear activism.

The concept of a "Culture of Peace" is promoted by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). It focuses on fostering values, attitudes, and behaviors that reject violence and promote peace through education, dialogue, and cooperation.
The initiative aims to prevent conflict by addressing root causes such as inequality and lack of access to education.