Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in 1869 at Porbandar. Considered as the greatest leader of Indian freedom struggle against the British imperialism he is also hailed for his conviction in attaining Swaraj. In an essay published in Navjivan in August 1921, Gandhi elucidated his idea of swaraj in simple words for the common people.
Written during the height of the Non-Cooperation Movement, Gandhi lays out his concept of Swaraj in 12 points. Swaraj to Mahatma Gandhi means Self-rule or Self-restraint. It calls for freedom for the weakest person in the society and provides for basic necessities of life for all and not as the prerogative of few. It does not include majoritarian rule but emphasizes justice for all. Gandhi viewed Swaraj for the country as not merely political freedom from the clutches of the British rule but is more substantive including freedom of each individual to regulate their own lives without harming others. Swaraj is government by many and not acquisition of power of a handful few.
Realization of Swaraj is a difficult path to tread as it requires fearlessness, patience and perseverance of the people wherein patriotism and sacrifice reigns supreme. It empowers the masses through education to regulate and resist the authority when required and encourages freedom of speech. Swaraj is never granted but has to be earned through morality and sacrifice.
Source: Indian Culture Portal