During the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement, Mahatma Gandhi undertook several constructive programmes aimed at empowering the masses and building a stronger nation. Some of these programmes were:

1. Promotion of Khadi: Gandhi believed that weaving and wearing hand-spun Khadi (traditional Indian cloth) could serve as a symbol of self-reliance and resistance against British goods. He encouraged people to spin their own yarn and weave Khadi as a means to develop cottage industries, generate employment, and promote economic independence.

2. Emphasis on Swadeshi: Gandhi advocated the use of Indian-made goods and boycotting British products. He aimed to strengthen the Indian economy and reduce dependence on foreign goods. This involved encouraging the production and consumption of Indian products, thereby promoting indigenous industries.

3. Education and Nationalism: Gandhi believed that a strong education system was necessary for the nation's development. He promoted the idea of basic education that would combine vocational training with academic knowledge, enabling people to become self-sufficient and active participants in the independence movement. This emphasis on education aimed to foster a sense of nationalism and unity among the masses.

4. Women's Empowerment: Gandhi emphasized the importance of women's participation in the freedom struggle. He encouraged women to join the movements and actively participate in various constructive activities. Gandhi's constructive programmes focused on improving the status and rights of women through education, skill development, and advocating for their equality within society.

5. Village Development: Gandhi strongly believed in the power and potential of Indian villages as the foundation of the nation. He actively promoted the idea of Gram Swaraj or self-sufficient villages. He encouraged villagers to engage in productive activities like agriculture, animal husbandry, handicrafts, and cottage industries to develop local economies and create sustainable livelihoods.

6. Social Welfare: Gandhi was deeply committed to social equality and justice. He undertook various constructive programmes that aimed at uplifting marginalized communities and addressing issues like untouchability and caste discrimination. He encouraged Harijan (untouchable) upliftment, promoted communal harmony, and advocated for equal rights for all.

These constructive programmes were crucial to Gandhi's nonviolent approach to freedom struggle, emphasizing self-sufficiency, grassroots empowerment, and socio-economic development. They played a significant role in mobilizing the masses and building a strong foundation for the struggle against British colonialism.

Constructive Programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements:

Mahatma Gandhi believed that achieving independence was not just about political action, but also about social and economic transformation. He emphasized the importance of constructive programs to build a strong foundation for an independent India. These programs aimed to empower the people and address the root causes of social and economic injustice.

Here are some of the key constructive programs undertaken during the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience movements:

1. Swadeshi and Khadi Movement:

• Promoting self-reliance and boycott of foreign goods: Gandhi encouraged the use of Indian-made products, particularly Khadi (handwoven cloth), to promote economic independence and support the Indian textile industry.
• Empowering weavers and spinners: Khadi production generated employment opportunities for rural communities, empowering them economically and fostering a sense of self-sufficiency.
• Symbol of national unity: The Khadi movement became a symbol of national unity and resistance against British colonialism.

2. Removal of Untouchability:

• Promoting equality and social justice: Gandhi strongly advocated for the abolition of untouchability, considering it a moral and social injustice.
• Uplifting Dalits and creating awareness: He encouraged people to interact with Dalits, break down social barriers, and provide them with equal opportunities.
• Establishing institutions for upliftment: Organizations like the Harijan Sevak Sangh were set up to provide education, housing, and employment opportunities for Dalits.

3. Basic Education:

• Promoting literacy and education for all: Gandhi believed in the importance of basic education for everyone, irrespective of caste or class.
• Emphasis on practical skills and self-reliance: He advocated for an education system that emphasized practical skills, self-reliance, and moral values.
• Establishing Ashrams and schools: He established ashrams and schools across the country to promote his educational philosophy.

4. Removal of Illiteracy:

• Promoting literacy campaigns: Gandhi recognized the importance of literacy for empowering people.
• Utilizing local languages: He encouraged the use of local languages for education and communication, making it accessible to a wider population.
• Promoting adult literacy programs: He organized campaigns and programs to teach literacy to adults, particularly in rural areas.

5. Improvement of sanitation and hygiene:

• Promoting public health and cleanliness: Gandhi stressed the importance of sanitation and hygiene for public health.
• Encouraging personal hygiene practices: He advocated for practices like handwashing, maintaining cleanliness, and proper waste disposal.
• Promoting sanitation campaigns: He organized campaigns and programs to improve sanitation and hygiene in villages and cities.

6. Village development:

• Empowering rural communities: Gandhi believed in the importance of rural development and self-sufficiency.
• Promoting self-governance and local initiatives: He encouraged village communities to take ownership of their development through local initiatives and self-governance.
• Focus on sustainable agriculture and local industries: He advocated for sustainable agriculture, promoting indigenous methods and encouraging small-scale industries in villages.

7. Promotion of Hindu-Muslim unity:

• Building bridges between communities: Gandhi recognized the importance of inter-communal harmony for a unified India.
• Promoting dialogue and understanding: He actively promoted dialogue and understanding between Hindus and Muslims to address grievances and foster peace.
• Combating communalism: He vehemently opposed communalism and violence and advocated for a shared future based on mutual respect and cooperation.

8. Satyagraha and Non-violent resistance:

• Promoting peace and non-violence: Gandhi’s Satyagraha, a philosophy of non-violent resistance, formed the backbone of the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience movements.
• Building moral strength and inner peace: He believed that non-violence was not just a strategy but a way of life, requiring moral strength and inner peace.
• Empowering people through peaceful protest: Satyagraha encouraged people to resist oppression and fight for justice through peaceful means, empowering them to act as agents of change.

Impact of Constructive Programmes:

Gandhi’s constructive programs were not merely ancillary to the political struggle; they were integral to the vision of a free and prosperous India. They aimed to build a strong foundation for a just and equitable society by empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and fostering economic self-reliance. While achieving independence was the immediate goal, Gandhi's constructive programs laid the groundwork for a future where India could truly thrive.

Mahatma Gandhi's constructive programs played a significant role in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) and the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934). These programs aimed to bring about social, economic, and political change in India through non-violent means. Here are some of the key constructive programs implemented during these movements:

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)

1. Khadi movement: Gandhi promoted the use of handmade cloth (khadi) to boycott British-made cloth and encourage self-sufficiency. This movement helped to reduce India's dependence on British goods and created employment opportunities for spinners and weavers.
2. Swadeshi: This program encouraged Indians to use homemade goods and boycott foreign-made products. This helped to promote Indian industries and reduce India's economic dependence on Britain.
3. National education: Gandhi advocated for an indigenous system of education that would focus on Indian culture, history, and values. This movement aimed to promote national pride and self-reliance.
4. Social reform: Gandhi worked to eradicate social evils like untouchability, child marriage, and dowry. He also promoted inter-caste marriages and women's empowerment.
5. Village industries: Gandhi encouraged the development of village industries like spinning, weaving, and pottery to promote self-sufficiency and economic growth.

Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934)

1. Salt Satyagraha: Gandhi's famous march from Ahmedabad to Dandi to protest the British salt tax and promote the use of indigenous salt. This movement was a powerful symbol of resistance against British rule.
2. Prohibition: Gandhi advocated for the prohibition of liquor to reduce the social evil of alcoholism and promote temperance.
3. Khaddar: The promotion of khadi continued during the Civil Disobedience Movement, with Gandhi encouraging Indians to wear khadi as a symbol of national pride and self-sufficiency.
4. Village reconstruction: Gandhi worked to reconstruct villages and promote rural development through the establishment of model villages, known as " gram swaraj".
5. Basic education: Gandhi introduced the concept of basic education, which emphasized the importance of education in promoting social and economic development.

Common constructive programs during both movements

1. Spinning: Gandhi promoted spinning as a way to encourage self-sufficiency and economic growth. He believed that spinning could become a major industry in India, providing employment opportunities for millions of people.
2. Cow protection: Gandhi advocated for the protection and care of cows, which he saw as essential for India's agricultural economy and cultural heritage.
3. Health and hygiene: Gandhi promoted public health and hygiene through the construction of latrines, promotion of sanitation, and advocacy for cleanliness.
4. Community service: Gandhi encouraged community service through the establishment of organizations like the Harijan Sevak Sangh, which worked to promote social welfare and community development.

These constructive programs played a crucial role in promoting social, economic, and political change in India during the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements. They helped to build a sense of national identity, promote self-reliance, and prepare Indians for independence from British rule.