“150 Years of Celebrating Mahatma: Relevance of Gandhian Principles”

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on 2nd October 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. He is popularly known as the “Father of the Nation” for his role in the Indian Independence movement.

Almost 150 years later, Gandhiji was such a visionary that his ideas are still relevant today. In this essay, we shall look at some of them and see how they are applicable in the modern world. Probably the biggest contribution of Gandhiji was his philosophy of non-violence, through which he led the successful national movement from 1915 onwards. With countries increasingly getting aggressive like China across borders, this philosophy holds relevance.

One of the ideas that flow through non-violence is that of compassion for the living. Cases of brutality against animals, illegal hunting of endangered species have made this principle ever more relevant today. Gandhiji advocated for compassion towards the downtrodden as well. He believed untouchability has to be abolished to create a welfare state. The practice of manual scavenging is humiliating and should be abolished too.

He believed that everyone is born equal and such distinctions between people are artificial and man-made. Therefore, his principles of equality and their relevance are shown in free India’s constitution. He also rejected the inequalities between men and women that have been imposed on women. While he said men and women are created differently, they complement each other and have their own strengths. He even supported Sarojini Naidu in Dharasena Salt raid during the 1930s.

Thus, the state should ensure that there is equality and equity to realize the goals of Sarvodaya. This principle is reflected in our objective of inclusive growth and eradication of poverty, which is the worst form of violence. He also believed that the state and its people should not involve in politics without principle. The criminalization of politics and crony capitalism has highlighted the relevance of this principle.

Crony capitalism results in the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. This fuels the greed of the rich and eats on the needs of the poor. As per Gandhiji, this world has enough for the needs of people, not enough for greed. Therefore, there should be sustainable allocation of resources. The fulfillment of needs can be ensured via promotion of traditional industries and handicrafts. Since around 70% of our population lives in rural areas, this principle becomes a guiding light for rural transformation.

Successful rural transformation can occur via the establishment of Gram Swaraj. For this, effective devolution of powers and functions, principles of subsidiarity, and participation of people at the grass-root level is key as per Gandhiji. This idea was ahead of its time and still finds relevance. His ideas were not just limited to rural regions but also apply to larger society. With cases of religious divides and communal disharmony, Gandhiji’s idea of tolerance becomes important. For him, there is only one God and to connect with him, all you need is to serve the poor.

Spirituality lies in losing yourself to the service of others. Gandhiji said that our actions should be determined by thinking of the poorest person and then deciding whether our actions will help them. Such ideas are reflected in public service. Humanity has progressed over the years, and science has played a major role in it. However, inventions like nuclear bombs, cyber attacks, and biochemical weapons threaten peace and stability. In this context, we should remember that science without humanity is a sin.

Scientific innovations should work to improve quality of living and betterment of life. One such example is robot Bundikoot that replaces manual scavenging and restores the dignity of individuals. In the international realm, Gandhiji’s principles give solutions to modern-day problems. According to him, war dehumanizes men of gentle nature; thus, it should be avoided at all costs. Countries should work together and cooperate to create a global village.

Countries should also work together to preserve the environment or Prakriti as it is our moral responsibility. With the increasing pace of climate change and countries like the USA pulling out of the Paris Agreement, importance of this principle is ever-increasing. The Government of India has been taking inspiration from Gandhiji since Independence. Passing of 73rd Amendment to constitution, abolition of manual scavenging, adoption of goals of inclusive growth promotion of Khadi Village Industries by KVIC are some of the steps taken to provide welfare for people.

While the structures and framework have been designed along the lines of Gandhiji’s ideas, their functioning also has to be along the same lines. Moving forward, it is imperative that we should all take inspiration from Gandhi ji and work tirelessly to build a nation that we have inherited to the best of our abilities.

Whatever challenges may come our way, the ideas and principles of Gandhiji will act like a beacon of light that will guide us in our paths of establishing a participative, representative, and fully vibrant democracy.