The common saying goes: “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” In real life, when our adversary faces challenges, the instinctive human tendency is to exploit their vulnerable moment for our own advantage. We see this across the world today—nations pursuing only their own interests, taking advantage of the weak spots of their opponents. A striking example is Donald Trump’s tariff policy: while perhaps justified in addressing trade deficits, it ignored the surpluses many nations enjoyed in other vital areas on which others depended.
The South African Government of Gandhi’s time was no different. They were the ones who created hardships for the Indian community and expected them to accept discriminatory “Black Acts.” In such a situation, many would have seized the government’s difficulties as a chance to press their own demands. But Gandhi responded differently—showing why he was rightly called Mahatma. He had absorbed the “Soul Force” of Satyagraha from teachings like the Sermon on the Mount and other scriptures that urge us to “resist not evil” and to “pray and bless those who oppose and persecute you.” What made him unique was that he not only preached this ethic but lived it—fully, consistently, and courageously. His first large-scale application of Satyagraha in South Africa laid the foundation for this lifelong practice.
A Case in South Africa
A vivid example came during a railway strike in South Africa. The Indian community, under Gandhi’s leadership, was ready to launch a march in protest against unjust laws. But Gandhi declared that they would not join the strikers:
“The Indians could not thus assist the railway strikers, as they were not out to harass the Government, their struggle being entirely different and differently conceived. Even if we undertook the march, we would begin it at some other time when the railway trouble had ended.”
This decision was widely noticed. Reuter cabled the news to England. Lord Ampthill sent congratulations from London, and even opponents acknowledged the Indians’ chivalry. One of General Smuts’ secretaries remarked:
“I do not like your people, and do not care to assist them at all. But what am I to do? You help us in our days of need. How can we lay hands upon you? I often wish you took to violence like the English strikers, and then we would know at once how to dispose of you. But you will not injure even the enemy. You desire victory by self-suffering alone and never transgress your self-imposed limits of courtesy and chivalry. And that is what reduces us to sheer helplessness.”
Chivalry in Action
This was not an isolated case. When Indian labourers on the north coast struck work, 1,200 of them returned temporarily to complete the cutting and crushing of cane so the planters at Mount Edgecombe would not face heavy losses. In another instance, when Indian employees of the Durban Municipality went on strike, sanitary workers and hospital attendants were sent back to their posts. Gandhi explained that if sanitation collapsed or hospital patients were neglected, disease might break out, harming the public. A true Satyagrahi would never wish for such consequences.
The Impact of Empathy
In every step, Gandhi taught that a Satyagrahi must consider the position of the adversary. These acts of self-restraint and consideration left what he called an “invisible yet potent impress,” enhancing the prestige of the Indian community and creating an atmosphere favourable for just settlement.
Conclusion
Gandhi’s approach shows that empathy toward an adversary is not weakness but moral strength. It disarms hostility, earns respect, and paves the way for peaceful resolution. His life stands as proof that non-violence—practiced in both principle and action—can turn even conflict into an opportunity for mutual dignity and reconciliation.
Ashram, August 14, 2025
M. K. Gandhi , Satyagraha in South Africa, THE SELECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI, VOLUME TWO, TRANSLATED FROM THE GUJARATI BY VALJI GOVINDJI DESAI. From
www.mkgandhi.orgp. Pp. 300-301
Summary:
Gandhi recounts an incident during a railway strike in South Africa when Indians, following the principles of Satyagraha, refused to join the strikers because their own struggle was different and not intended to harass the government. This decision, appreciated by both supporters and adversaries, reflected their commitment to non-violence, courtesy, and self-imposed moral limits. Gandhi cites other examples of such chivalry: Indian labourers in Mount Edgecombe temporarily returned to work to prevent economic loss to planters, and municipal workers exempted sanitary staff and hospital attendants from striking to avoid public health crises. Such acts, Gandhi notes, strengthened the prestige of the Indian community and fostered goodwill, preparing the ground for amicable settlements.
Leave a Reply