If we see closely, we will find that on the one hand we have rising knowledge economies, increasing youth population and globalisation. On the other hand, we are also facing significant challenges - violent internal conflicts, deteriorating global peace and climate change, pandemics among others. In this scenario, this is perhaps the best time to remember and implement the Mahatma’s teachings in our lives.
Ahimsa
Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of non-violence is very relevant as the world faces terrorism and other forms of violence. Mahatma Gandhi’s policy of non-violence was based on the concept of compassion.
Against colonial violence, he proposed a non-violent response. In his view, a calm, non-violent response reduces the attacker’s anger and causes frustration. This weakens his violent instincts and triggers a self-transformation.
India at present faces a threat to its peace from foreign and domestic forces. Communal hatred is at its peak today. Friends have turned foes, neighbourhoods have become battlegrounds and blood is being spilled on the streets. Even after 76 years of Independence, Gandhi’s ahimsa policy holds ground.
Devolution of power
The Gandhian idea of decentralisation of power and local self-governments at the grassroots level was propagated during British rule. Today this concept is seen in the form of Panchayati Raj and Municipality system in rural and urban areas respectively.
But we can see that even now the Centre and State governments tend to come out with policies without public discussion. The funding for panchayats has become centralised and are forced to depend on the MLAs in Goa. Thus we can see that this ideology of Gandhi is still relevant and plays a vital role in India’s grassroot development.
Satyagraha
Satyagraha, a peaceful protest against British rule launched by Mahatma Gandhi as part of the civil disobedience movement, is the expression of the purest spiritual power against all injustice, oppression, and exploitation.
In present India, we have seen Satyagraha used as a weapon in the Anna Hazare movement against corruption to force the then Congress government to introduce the Lok Pal Bill. The farmers protesting against the Farm Laws also resorted to non-violence for demanding withdrawal of the Farm Bill. More recently, our wrestlers sat on a peaceful protest demonstration, demanding removal of the then Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan on charges of sexually assaulting women wrestlers, including a minor.
Self-reliance
Gandhi’s thought of swadeshi or self-reliance is still prevalent in our society. During the Covid times, when India was witnessing a severe economic crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’.
But the clarion call for self-reliance was given much earlier by Gandhi to counter dependence on British goods. In order to free the country from the shackles of hunger, unemployment, poverty, swadeshi is the best path to unshackle these.
Cleanliness
Gandhi paid great attention to purity, or cleanliness and was a staunch advocate of ‘Swachhata’. He used to say, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.”
This is the most common phrase we hear. Hygiene and cleanliness is directly linked to good health. At a time when infectious diseases are taking a toll on our society, Gandhi’s call for cleanliness. This cleanliness is also connected to the quest for inner purity.
Therefore, for a clean India, with clean roads and toilets, we need a corruption-free society with a high degree of transparency and accountability, which is the need of the hour.
Sustainable Environment
Gandhi always spoke of a nature-friendly society. Gandhi believed that “there is enough on earth for human needs but not enough for human greed.”
These lines from Mahatma Gandhi show how human behaviour destroys nature, and there is a need for a sustainable lifestyle in our times.
The world is now reeling under the impact of global warming, climate change, and resource depletion. In this scenario, sustainable development, as envisaged by Bapu, needs to be implemented in Toto.
Women Empowerment
Gandhi played a vital role in bringing women out of their domestic work and involved them in public life. He was against the patriarchal form of society.
With glass ceilings still far from being shattered in the public sphere, the Gandhian thought of women’s emancipation remains relevant, although women are making positive strides in asserting themselves.
Gandhi’s thought was and remains an inspiration for society. Nathuram Godse killed M K Gandhi, the man. But no bullet can kill Mahatma Gandhi, the ideology.
The Gandhian philosophy is eternal and remains a guidebook for the society, which is sinking in a quicksand made of greed, lust and hate. One may love him or hate him, but you can’t ignore his thoughts.