MGP-002 IGNOU Handwritten Assignment 2026-27

Course Scope & Syllabus Overview for MGP-002: Philosophy of Gandhi

MGP-002: Philosophy of Gandhi is a core component of the Post Graduate Diploma in Gandhi and Peace Studies (PGDGPS) under IGNOU’s School of Social Sciences. This course offers a rigorous exploration of Gandhi’s intellectual contributions, examining his philosophical foundations, ethical frameworks, and practical applications in governance, social reform, and conflict resolution. Aligned with the CBCS curriculum, it integrates primary sources, critical analysis, and interdisciplinary perspectives to equip students with a nuanced understanding of Gandhian thought—its relevance to contemporary public policy, grassroots leadership, and sustainable development. The syllabus is designed to bridge theoretical inquiry with real-world implications, fostering analytical skills and ethical reasoning. Through structured assignments and case studies, students engage with Gandhi’s critiques of modernity, his vision of Swaraj, and his methodologies for nonviolent resistance. This course prepares learners to articulate Gandhian principles in academic discourse and applied governance contexts, ensuring alignment with IGNOU’s emphasis on holistic, people-centered education.

Key Syllabus Units & Topics

• Block-1: Sources of Gandhian Philosophy: This unit traces Gandhi’s philosophical evolution, analyzing influences from Hindu scriptures, Western liberalism, and his interactions with figures like Tolstoy and Thoreau. It covers the development of his ethical axioms, including ahimsa (nonviolence) and satyagraha (truth-force), as articulated in early writings like Hind Swaraj and An Autobiography.
• Block-2: Gandhi’s Worldview: The focus shifts to Gandhi’s cosmology, where he synthesizes spiritualism with pragmatism, advocating for vasudhaiva kutumbakam (the world as one family) and truth as the highest principle. This block dissects his critiques of industrialization, consumerism, and caste hierarchies, alongside his advocacy for gram swaraj (village self-rule).
• Block-3: Gandhi on Civilisation: Here, Gandhi’s vision of an alternative civilization—rooted in simplicity, decentralization, and swadeshi (self-reliance)—is examined. The unit explores his critiques of Western imperialism, his proposals for charkha (spinning wheel) as a symbol of economic sovereignty, and his debates with Marxist and socialist thinkers on the role of technology in societal progress.
• Block-4: Gandhian Ways and Means: This practical-oriented block analyzes Gandhi’s strategies for social change, including satyagraha campaigns (e.g., Champaran, Dandi), his leadership in the Non-Cooperation Movement, and his philosophy of constructive programme (e.g., village industries, Harijan uplift). It also evaluates the limitations and legacies of his approaches in post-independence India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the marking scheme for the MGP-002 assignment, and how many questions are typically assigned?
A: The MGP-002 assignment carries 30 marks and usually comprises 3–4 questions, each requiring detailed answers. Students must adhere to the word limits specified in the question paper and ensure clarity, critical analysis, and direct reference to Gandhian texts or case studies.

Q: What are the minimum pass marks for MGP-002, and how does the examination pattern differ from other PGDGPS courses?
A: The pass marks for MGP-002 (and all PGDGPS courses) are 50% aggregate, with no sectional cutoff. The examination includes a 100-mark theory paper (3 hours) and a 20-mark assignment. Unlike some courses, MGP-002 emphasizes interpretative essays over rote memorization, requiring students to contextualize Gandhi’s ideas within contemporary social and political frameworks.