From Mahatma Gandhi’s transformative leadership during the freedom struggle to modern global movements tackling social and environmental crises, voluntary action has remained a cornerstone of change
For centuries, India’s socio-cultural tapestry has been interwoven with volunteerism, a practice deeply rooted in the ancient ideal of seva, or selfless service. This act, driven by empathy and a profound sense of collective responsibility, transcends personal gain, embodying human solidarity and a desire to uplift society.
At its heart lies ‘servant leadership’, a philosophy championed by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and coined by Robert K Greenleaf in 1977, which prioritises the needs of others, fostering sustainable social change through humble, compassionate action. Volunteerism acts as a cornerstone of civic engagement, building vibrant communities and promoting social cohesion. As recognised by the United Nations, it addresses critical humanitarian and economic challenges, cultivating leadership qualities grounded in humility and service (UNV, 2021).
True volunteers, motivated by a genuine commitment to making a difference, embody Greenleaf’s vision of a “servant first,” seeking no recognition or material reward, but rather finding fulfilment in contributing to the greater good. It is through voluntary service that individuals cultivate leadership qualities grounded in humility, compassion, and a commitment to others — key traits that define a servant leader.
Mahatma Gandhi, one of history’s greatest proponents of servant leadership, believed in the transformative power of volunteerism.
His life exemplified the principle of Sarvodaya — the welfare of all — through selfless service. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”, was Gandhi’s mantra. Gandhi further emphasised that “Service can have no meaning unless one takes pleasure in it. When it is done for show or for public opinion, it stunts the man and crushes his spirit. Service, which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served. But all other pleasures and possessions pale into nothingness before service which is rendered in a spirit of joy.”
Mahatma Gandhi’s commitment to voluntary service was evident in his efforts to eradicate untouchability, improve rural education, and uplift marginalised communities.
His approach to leadership was not one of command and control but of serving the needs of the people first, ensuring that the weakest in society were uplifted. The Dandi March of 1930, spanning from March 12 to April 6, stands as a powerful testament to the spirit of collective voluntary action. Mahatma Gandhi, leading 78 followers, embarked on this 385-kilometer journey from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, protesting the oppressive British salt tax. Along the way, thousands of people, including women, voluntarily joined this fight for freedom. Despite facing extreme British brutality, the marchers maintained unwavering nonviolence, a defining characteristic of this 24-day padayatra. Upon reaching Dandi on April 6, Gandhi’s act of picking up a handful of salt resonated across India, igniting widespread civil disobedience. This historic march not only challenged colonial rule but also demonstrated the enduring power of volunteerism. Even 95 years later, this spirit continues to thrive, significantly contributing to social progress both in India and beyond, proving the lasting impact of unified action.
Historian Judith M Brown notes, “The salt march was a brilliant tactical move which galvanised the Indian population and caught the British government off guard.” This act of volunteerism transcended social and economic barriers, uniting millions in the fight for independence. It demonstrated how individuals, driven by a shared vision of freedom, could volunteer their time and resources, and even risk their lives to achieve collective goals. It further exemplified, how volunteerism can catalyse social and political change. Brown further writes that “The salt satyagraha was designed to dramatise the way in which the whole system of British rule was based on exploitation and control, and to demonstrate that Indians could take independent action.” The success of such movements hinged on the willingness of individuals to act selflessly for the greater good, reinforcing the idea that volunteerism is a powerful tool for societal transformation. Gandhi himself emphasised the importance of self-reliance and voluntary service in achieving Swaraj (self-rule). In his writings, he stressed the importance of seva (service) as a means of personal and societal transformation: “True Swaraj will come not by the acquisition of authority by a few, but by the acquisition of the capacity by all to resist authority when abused.” Participants, from seasoned freedom fighters to ordinary villagers, provided food, shelter, medical assistance, and logistical support, ensuring the movement’s success.
Mark Engler and Paul Engler in their article “How did Gandhi Win? Lessons from the Salt March” in Dissent Magazine (2014) write that “Gandhi’s act defied a law of the British Raj mandating that Indians buy salt from the Government and prohibiting them from collecting their own.
His disobedience set off a mass campaign of non-compliance that swept the country, leading to as many as 100,000 arrests. In a famous quote published in the Manchester Guardian, revered poet Rabindranath Tagore described the campaign’s transformative impact: “Those who live in England, far away from the East, have now got to realise that Europe has completely lost her former prestige in Asia.”
For the absentee rulers in London, it was “a great moral defeat.” Dennis Dalton in his book, “Mahatma Gandhi: Nonviolent Power in Action,” highlights the march’s role in mobilising mass participation and fostering a sense of shared purpose. He states that the march was a perfect example of Gandhi’s ability to use nonviolent action as a method of political and social change. The very fact that on May 5, 1930 — when incidents of nonviolent protests continued in several parts of British-dominated India — Gandhi was arrested with 60,000 of his supporters, shows the power of voluntary spirit in action.
The Dandi march, more than a simple act of defiance, was a living embodiment of Gandhi’s philosophy of Swaraj (self-rule) and Seva (service). He transformed the mundane act of salt-making into a potent symbol of self-reliance, empowering millions to reclaim their agency against oppressive British rule. Through the selfless dedication of countless volunteers, he demonstrated the transformative power of service, uniting a nation in a collective act of resistance.
In the contemporary world, the intersection of volunteerism is more relevant than ever. Global challenges such as climate change, poverty, biodiversity conservation and social inequality demand leaders who serve with a vision beyond personal ambition. Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan once noted that “Volunteerism is an essential element of any strategy to foster social inclusion, build social capital, and promote active citizenship.” The spirit of volunteerism that fuelled the independence movement continues to thrive in the modern-day world. These selfless acts underscore the power of unity, demonstrating resilience and solidifying volunteerism as a force for positive change.
(The writer is programme executive at Gandhi Smriti Sansthan. Views expressed are personal)
