Relevance of Gandhian Philosophy in Present Times

In today’s rapidly evolving world, timeless wisdom often gets overlooked. However, the principles championed by Mahatma Gandhi, widely regarded as the Father of the Indian Nation, still serve as guiding lights of hope and insight in the 21st century.

Grounded in simplicity, non-violence, truth, self-reliance, and compassion, Gandhian values offer crucial perspectives on addressing modern global challenges. This detailed exploration will highlight the enduring importance of these principles and how they can help foster a more peaceful and sustainable world.

Gandhi’s ideology

Non-Violence (Ahimsa): Gandhi’s commitment to non-violence extends beyond physical harm to encompass emotional, psychological, and societal violence. It stresses resolving conflicts through dialogue and understanding rather than aggression.

Truthfulness (Satya): Truth forms the foundation of Gandhian philosophy. By practicing honesty and transparency in both personal and public life, we can build trust and encourage genuine dialogue.

Simplicity: Gandhi’s call for simplicity reminds us to lead lives with fewer possessions and a smaller ecological footprint, reducing stress and promoting more meaningful experiences.

Self-Reliance (Swaraj): Gandhi championed self-reliance as a path to empowerment, encouraging individuals to take control of their own lives and remain resilient in the face of challenges.

Compassion and Service (Seva): Compassion and service to others are central to Gandhi’s teachings, promoting empathy, unity, and social harmony.

Relevance of Gandhi in present time

From Surankote in Jammu and Kashmir to the hilly borders of Nagaland and Myanmar, and from Madurai in Tamil Nadu to Patkura in Odisha, various regions across India have produced leaders whose actions and values inspired people to honor them with the title “Gandhi” as a symbol of political admiration.

1. M.R. Subbaraman, widely recognized as “Madurai Gandhi,” was a dedicated freedom fighter who embraced Gandhian principles in his political activism. He organized a Salt March, engaged in picketing, and willingly faced imprisonment. Subbaraman also became involved in the Bhoodan Movement, donating a significant portion of land, and established multiple hostels for those marginalized as untouchables in Tamil Nadu.
2. Natwar Thakkar, fondly known as the “Gandhi of Nagaland,” settled in the Naga Hills District around 1955, a time when the region was experiencing violent insurgency. When the area came under the direct control of the Indian Army, Thakkar played a crucial role in fostering dialogue between the army and the local community, helping to ease tensions.
3. Raj Kishore Nayak of Odisha, fondly called “Patkura Gandhi,” was known for his selfless service to victims of natural disasters, particularly floods, in the undivided Cuttack district during the early 20th century. Later in life, he turned to teaching, believing that education was the key to building a more compassionate and humane society.

These figures were three among many across India who have been honoured as the Gandhis of their localities.

What make Gandhi special ?

• Most prominent political leaders in early 20th century India were known for their exceptional intellect and unique personalities, which left a profound impact on their fields. However, they were also characterized by their inimitability—meaning they were “too exceptional or distinctive for others to replicate with the same effect.”
• In contrast, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi appeared rather ordinary. He lacked an imposing presence and did not possess a powerful voice. He wasn’t a brilliant student, an exceptional writer, a skilled orator, a crowd-rousing leader, or a man of versatile talents.
• While Subhas Chandra Bose famously disguised himself and used cars, steamers, submarines, and planes to bring India’s cause to global capitals, Gandhi opted for the simplest modes of travel. He walked through villages and towns across the subcontinent and traveled in crowded, often unpleasant trains.
• Despite this, Gandhi managed to foster a political culture that went beyond adventure and meritocracy. He rooted politics in the everyday lives of people, addressing practical concerns and encouraging small but meaningful sacrifices.
• Gandhi was one of the rare political leaders of national and international stature who fixated on practical matters like affordable nutritious food, proper sanitation habits, and detailed household accounting.
• For instance, Gandhi promoted the inclusion of soybeans, papayas, and sugarcane in the Indian diet. He advocated eating raw vegetables for their nutritional value and was notably concerned with the issue of flatulence after meals. Zac O’Yeah, the author of a well-regarded book on Gandhi, revealed an interesting fact: Gandhi’s health manual, A Guide to Health, was his best-selling book during his lifetime.
• People instinctively connected with Gandhi’s politics, which had an inclusive and relatable nature. His ideas addressed personal, household, and community-level challenges while engaging with broader political and societal questions. Ordinary individuals could participate in Gandhi’s movement without drastically altering their lives. Simple practices like waking up early, cleaning one’s home and village, and spinning cotton were imbued with political significance.
• One didn’t need to be a disciple or follower to adopt Gandhi’s principles. For example, Chowdhary Ghulam Hussain Lassanvi, known as the “Gujjar Gandhi” of Jammu and Kashmir, was not a Gandhian by ideology. Yet, he earned this title due to his relentless efforts to reduce the grazing tax on tribal, livestock-rearing communities like the Gujjars and Bakarwals. He also established a food bank to support the poor in these communities.

As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, truth, simplicity, self-reliance, and compassion remain not only relevant but indispensable. They provide a guiding framework for creating a more peaceful, sustainable, and harmonious world. Both historical events and contemporary examples illustrate that these values are not relics of the past, but continue to influence our present and future.

Gandhi’s timeless wisdom echoes through generations, encouraging us to pursue a better, more just world. We should heed his call to action by embracing these principles as beacons in our journey toward progress and unity. In doing so, we honor the legacy of a visionary whose ideals transcend time.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

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