Freedom Through Disobedience By: C. R. (Chittaranjan) Das (1870-1925)
Freedom Through Disobedience by C. R. (Chittaranjan) Das has the power to challenge and reshape our understanding of civil disobedience as a potent weapon for social change. Published in 1924, this book offers a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the philosophy behind civil disobedience and its potential implications on the struggle for freedom. Das, an Indian politician and one of the key figures in the Indian independence movement, presents a passionate and well-reasoned argument throughout the book. He delves into the historical context of civil disobedience, drawing upon examples from India's fight against British colonial rule. In doing so, Das highlights the transformative power of nonviolent resistance and its ability to disrupt the established order. What sets this book apart is how Das connects civil disobedience with personal freedom. He argues that individuals must first achieve spiritual freedom within themselves before they can effectively challenge external oppression. Das emphasizes that disobedience is not just a political act, but a deeply personal and spiritual commitment. The author's writing style is both accessible and engaging, making it suitable for a wide range of readers. Das effectively balances historical anecdotes with philosophical reflections, providing a comprehensive understanding of the principles underlying civil disobedience. His eloquence and conviction are evident in every chapter, reinforcing the urgency and importance of this struggle. One notable strength of this book lies in its universal relevance. While rooted in India's independence movement, the principles discussed can be applied to any struggle for freedom against oppressive systems. Das's analysis transcends borders and speaks to the enduring power of civil disobedience as a tool for social change in any context. However, the book is not without its limitations. Written nearly a century ago, some of the language and references may feel outdated for contemporary readers. Additionally, a more nuanced analysis of the potential drawbacks and challenges of civil disobedience would have further enriched the discussion. Overall, Freedom Through Disobedience is a timely and compelling work that prompts readers to critically consider the power of civil disobedience in the pursuit of freedom. Das's insights, combined with his own experiences in the fight for independence, serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement for those grappling with oppressive systems. This book is a valuable contribution to the literature on civil disobedience and a testament to the enduring legacy of those who dared to challenge authority for the greater good. First Page: FREEDOM THROUGH DISOBEDIENCE by C. R. DAS President of the 37th Indian National Congress, Gaya, 1922. Arka Publishing House, George Town, Madras. 1922 Imperial Book Depot, Delhi. Printed at the Manoranjini Press, Sowcarpet, Madras. FREEDOM THROUGH DISOBEDIENCE The following is the full text of the Presidential Address of Desabhandhu C. R. Das at the thirty seventh session of the Indian National Congress held at Gaya on 26th December 1922: SISTERS AND BROTHERS, As I stand before you to day, a sense of overwhelming loss overtakes me, and I can scarce give expression to what is uppermost in the minds of all and everyone of us. After a memorable battle which he gave to the Bureaucracy, Mahatma Gandhi has been seized and cast into prison; and we shall not have his guidance in the proceedings of the Congress this year. But there is inspiration for all of us in the last stand which he made in the citadel of the enemy, in the last defiance which he hurled at the agents of the Bureaucracy. To read a story equal in pathos, in dignity, and in sublimity you have to go back over two thousand years, when Jesus of Nazareth, "as one that perverted the people" stood to take his trial before a foreign tribunal. "And Jesus stood before the Governor: and the Governor asked him saying, Art thou the king of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayëst... Continue reading book >>

Freedom Through Disobedience By: C. R. (Chittaranjan) Das (1870-1925)

Freedom Through Disobedience by C. R. (Chittaranjan) Das has the power to challenge and reshape our understanding of civil disobedience as a potent weapon for social change. Published in 1924, this book offers a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the philosophy behind civil disobedience and its potential implications on the struggle for freedom.

Das, an Indian politician and one of the key figures in the Indian independence movement, presents a passionate and well-reasoned argument throughout the book. He delves into the historical context of civil disobedience, drawing upon examples from India's fight against British colonial rule. In doing so, Das highlights the transformative power of nonviolent resistance and its ability to disrupt the established order.

What sets this book apart is how Das connects civil disobedience with personal freedom. He argues that individuals must first achieve spiritual freedom within themselves before they can effectively challenge external oppression. Das emphasizes that disobedience is not just a political act, but a deeply personal and spiritual commitment.

The author's writing style is both accessible and engaging, making it suitable for a wide range of readers. Das effectively balances historical anecdotes with philosophical reflections, providing a comprehensive understanding of the principles underlying civil disobedience. His eloquence and conviction are evident in every chapter, reinforcing the urgency and importance of this struggle.

One notable strength of this book lies in its universal relevance. While rooted in India's independence movement, the principles discussed can be applied to any struggle for freedom against oppressive systems. Das's analysis transcends borders and speaks to the enduring power of civil disobedience as a tool for social change in any context.

However, the book is not without its limitations. Written nearly a century ago, some of the language and references may feel outdated for contemporary readers. Additionally, a more nuanced analysis of the potential drawbacks and challenges of civil disobedience would have further enriched the discussion.

Overall, Freedom Through Disobedience is a timely and compelling work that prompts readers to critically consider the power of civil disobedience in the pursuit of freedom. Das's insights, combined with his own experiences in the fight for independence, serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement for those grappling with oppressive systems. This book is a valuable contribution to the literature on civil disobedience and a testament to the enduring legacy of those who dared to challenge authority for the greater good.

First Page:

FREEDOM THROUGH DISOBEDIENCE

C. R. DAS President of the 37th Indian National Congress, Gaya, 1922.

Arka Publishing House, George Town, Madras. 1922

Imperial Book Depot, Delhi.

Printed at the Manoranjini Press, Sowcarpet, Madras.

FREEDOM THROUGH DISOBEDIENCE

The following is the full text of the Presidential Address of Desabhandhu C. R. Das at the thirty seventh session of the Indian National Congress held at Gaya on 26th December 1922:

SISTERS AND BROTHERS,

As I stand before you to day, a sense of overwhelming loss overtakes me, and I can scarce give expression to what is uppermost in the minds of all and everyone of us. After a memorable battle which he gave to the Bureaucracy, Mahatma Gandhi has been seized and cast into prison; and we shall not have his guidance in the proceedings of the Congress this year. But there is inspiration for all of us in the last stand which he made in the citadel of the enemy, in the last defiance which he hurled at the agents of the Bureaucracy. To read a story equal in pathos, in dignity, and in sublimity you have to go back over two thousand years, when Jesus of Nazareth, "as one that perverted the people" stood to take his trial before a foreign tribunal.

"And Jesus stood before the Governor: and the Governor asked him saying, Art thou the king of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayëst... Continue reading book >>

eBook links
Wikipedia – C. R. (Chittaranjan) Das
Wikipedia – Freedom Through Disobedience

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac