Dharna

/ˈdɑːrnə/ noun

Definition

A form of nonviolent protest in which someone refuses to move from a location until their demands are met, commonly used in South Asian activism.

Etymology

From Sanskrit dharana, meaning to hold or maintain. The term was adopted in modern Indian activism and became famous through Gandhi and other nonviolent resistance movements.

Kelly Says

Dharna inspired some of the most powerful protest moments in modern history—Gandhi used it as part of his independence campaign. It shows how ancient Sanskrit concepts of 'holding firm' became the foundation for nonviolent resistance that changed the world.

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