Civil Disobedience in Indian Tradition, with Some Early Nineteenth Century Documents c5.s3.9

c5.s3.9

The idea of civil disobedience as the highest form of patriotism that is being implanted among a large number of semi-educated people is perhaps the most mischievous feature of the present extremist propaganda. Under the names *satyagraha*, non-cooperation or civil disobedience, it is being sedulously advocated all over. The deleterious effects are already being seen...It inevitably leads to outbursts of violence whether on one side or the other...It may perhaps provide occasionally a suitable handle against government but the effect on the people is permanent. Respect for law and order disappears once for all and all the criminal elements in the population are led to think that they are becoming patriotic by imitating the so-called patriots in their actions. It must be remembered that this want of respect for law and order on the part of the masses will continue even if all the ideas of the Mahatma, Maulvis, or Deshbandhus are fully achieved. They will find, when they are responsible for the government of the country, that these seeds that they have now sown to cause trouble to government will grow into a pest which they will be unable to get rid of. I cannot think of a policy more shortsighted than this of preparing for infinite trouble for oneself