GS PrelimsHistory (Modern India)Leadership of Gandhi2011

Mahatma Gandhi said that some of his deepest convictions were reflected in a book titled, "Unto this Last" and the book transformed his life. What was the message from the book that transformed Mahatma Gandhi ?

A

Uplifting the oppressed and poor is the moral responsibility of an educated man

B

The good of individual is contained in the good of all

C

The life of celibacy and spiritual pursuit are essential for a noble life

D

All the statements (a), (b) and (c) are correct in this context

Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation

1. Mahatma Gandhi was profoundly influenced by John Ruskin's book titled "Unto this Last", stating that it transformed his life. 2. He derived three main messages from the book, which he later summarised. 3. The central and most transformative message for Gandhi, which encapsulated the others, was the principle that "The good of the individual is contained in the good of all." This became the foundation of his philosophy of Sarvodaya (welfare of all). 4. This principle emphasized that the well-being of every member of society is interconnected and equally important. 5. Option (A) reflects a Gandhian value but is not the core transformative idea from this specific book. 6. Option (C) relates to aspects of Gandhi's personal discipline but isn't the central message he took from Ruskin's work regarding societal good. Therefore, the most accurate statement representing the transformative message is (B).

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