Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of Non-violence, Truth, Equality, Freedom and Self Reliance will always remain relevant
Mahatma Gandhi is among the most revered world leaders of the 20th Century. Even though he is not with us today, his thoughts and life lessons are a constant source of inspiration for us. His ideals of Non-violence, Truth, Equality, Freedom and Self Reliance, often referred to as Gandhian principles or ‘Gandhism’, will always remain relevant for people of all generations across the world. In fact, many countries outside India have also incorporated Gandhian Philosophy as part of their educational curriculum.
According to Douglas Allen, professor of philosophy at the University of Maine, US, and distinguished chair in Gandhian philosophy at IIT Mumbai, Gandhi’s concepts and definitions of truth and non-violence as absolutes are values to be aspired for not just for better co- existence but also enhanced quality of life for all and a strife-free world. Gandhi may not have the whole answer to today’s world but it can be complemented with other ideas to great success, he states in an article published in The Hindu. “One has to approach Gandhi in a dynamic, open-ended, and selective way. We need to reinterpret his basic principles in a new creative voice…”
Besides his role in India’s freedom movement, Mahatma Gandhi also contributed immensely in the political awakening and freedom movement in different parts of the world. Asia and South Africa particularly benefited from his initiatives for social change. His advocation of non-violence strategies, peaceful dialogue and respect for opposing groups are similar to UNESCO’s message of tolerance for humanity survival. The entire world today recognizes Gandhi as a social innovator and revolutionary leader.
Mahatma Gandhi learnt a lot from different religions, thinkers and philosophies. He always advocated for a society that was respectful of people of all castes, creeds or religion. He envisioned the future of India as a more inclusive, tolerant and pluralistic democracy. The way religious extremism, terrorism and aggression are growing all around us, the entire world probably needs to revisit Gandhi’s teachings of peace and non-violence.
Despite so much industrialization and progress in science and technology, today millions of people are still struggling to make their basic ends meet. Mahatma Gandhi also warned against this unequal distribution of wealth. He believed in more sustainable approach of economic development that takes a holistic view of the country and its inter-connectedness. He always emphasized the need for social parity and self-reliance.
If we have to work towards creating a more socially just society, where basic human rights are not denied to innocent people and powerful nationals do not continue to exploit the powerless ones, we may need to draw some lessons from Gandhian philosophy and thought.
Gandhism can be an important source of learning and inspiration not just for India but the whole world.