There is no such thing like Gandhism. "I do not want to have a sect after me" said Gandbi. Gandhian thought is an open system which neither binds itself to any 'faith' nor to any 'scripture', nor any 'sacrament' or 'rituals, Gandhism is a living and revolutionary thought for solving the social economic and political problems of the day. Gandhism is becoming more and more relevant with the passing of time due to the use of non-violent method for rejecting violence for the resolution of social and political conflicts; and for trying to bring to grips the problems of the consumerism culture of the modern society. A useful book, it will prove very belpful for the students of Gandhian thought, Peace Research as well as JRF and NET.

Anil Dutta Mishra (b. 1965) did his M.A. and M.Phil, in Political Science from the University of Delhi in 1988 and 1991 respectively. He is presently working as Assistant Professor in the Department of non-violence and Peace Research. Jain Vishva Bharati Institute. Deemed University), Ladnun Rajasthan).

His areas of specialization are: Women's studies, Gandhian thought, Peace research. District administration, Decentralized planning and Indian political system.

Besides nearly a dozen research papers, Problems and Prospects of Working Women in Urban India (1994), is his major published work. He has participated in a number of Seminars and Conferences both at National and International level He is a member of leading academic organisations. Presently he is busy with his research work on Decentralized Planning: A Study of Objectives and Operational Framework.

The chief aim of this work is to elucidate the central concepts of Mahatma Gandhi. The material for this book has been drawn from a number of published and unpublished sources. I do not claim any original contribution except in matters of organization and presentation. What prompted me to collate these materials together in this form is that every beginner must get the basic concept of Gandhism in simple form in one place. This book will be very helpful for those who are appearing for JRF/NET with Gandhian Thought/Peace Studies as well as the students at undergraduate and postgraduate level. I hope that the objectives with which the book has been written will be fulfilled.

I would like to place on record my indebtedness to persons who directly or indirectly helped me in bringing out this book. First of all, I am immensely grateful to Prof. R. P. Misra, former Vice-Chancellor, Allahabad University, who introduced me in the field of Gandhian Studies.

I am grateful to Prof. Susheela Kaushik, Head of the Department of Political Science, Delhi University, Delhi, for her kind co-operation and motherly treatment. I am equally grateful to my teachers Prof. R. B. Jain, Prof. Mahendra Kumar, Prof. Manorajan Mohanthy, Prof. M. P. Singh, Prof. M. M. Sankhdher, Dr. A. S. Narang, Dr. Subrato Mukherjee and Dr. M. S. Verma for their advice and support.

Within the family, I owe my hearty appreciation, affection and loving gratefulness to each and every member, who not only encouraged me to carry out and complete this book, but also provided me with congenial environment to bring this work to fruition.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages