Human society is fast changing. With rapid and breath-taking developments in scientific knowledge and access to extensive information at the touch of a button, the quality of life of every individual is expected to get better. Unfortunately, we still struggle with a plethora of problems at all levels - social, economic, cultural, and political. In such times, wouldn’t it be ideal to have someone we can look up to, someone who can guide us? Luckily, we Indians, don’t have to look far. We have our icon, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the father of our nation, whose principles guide us even today.
Mahatma Gandhi, or Gandhiji, as he was lovingly called, had strict principles and ideas that he not only preached, but also followed. His simple life, rich values, and enriching wisdom made him a hero to all Indians, for generations to come. Even as years roll by, the Gandhian principles remain everlasting and they hold the power to enlighten the whole world. Let me elaborate…
Ahimsa- Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of Ahimsa was based on the idea of non-violence and compassion. His methodology appealed to the conscience. It is based on the assumption of the basic goodness of humanity. He never used violence to retaliate against the British. He practiced “Satyagraha” and peaceful Civil Disobedience. He was convinced that the ends do not justify the means and that violence was never justified. “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.”
It is relevant in today’s world as it is very easy to incite violence, especially with so many disturbing incidents taking place across the globe. It is very easy to start a war. Learning to deal with issues calmly, rationally and without resorting to violent means is something every person must learn. As Gandhiji said, “I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent.”
Truthfulness- Gandhiji’s principles about Truth hold true even today. Mahatma Gandhi always advocated for honesty. He not only believed in the power of truth but also condemned the act of lying. Gandhi preached three tenants of truth – truth in thought, truth in speech and truth in action. He believed that the world would be a better place if everyone was honest. “Satyamev Jayate” or “Truth Always Triumphs” was something he embodied.
Sustainable Living- In spite of Gandhiji’s popularity, he remained grounded. ‘Simple living and high thinking’ was the adage he lived by, undertaking rigorous fasts and largely depending on fruits and nuts; he showed the way of living in harmony with nature. He believed in mother earth’s capacity but cautioned, “Earth has enough for everyone’s needs, but not for their greed.’
In today’s world, plagued by pollution and global warming, where the earth is dying, remembering these words and living by it will do us a world of good.
As human society faces limits from a depleting quality and quantity of resources, ‘sustainable development’ has become the key mantra for rectifying our deeds. At the core of this concept is the Gandhian philosophy of ‘needs-based’ approach. “ We have not inherited the earth from our ancestors, we have borrowed it from our children.”
Swaraj- When Mahatma Gandhi first spoke of ‘swaraj,’ he meant it in the sense of self-rule. Swaraj meant to be free from foreign influence and external control. In today’s age, India has a self-ruling government. However, Swaraj, according to me, is not just at a national level, but also at a personal level, where every person is free from external influences and is in control of themselves.
In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, where false news and fake information is circulated, it is essential that one has the ability to be in complete control of themselves and their actions. “I cannot conceive of a greater loss than the loss of one’s self-respect.”
Make in India- Another important principle of Gandhian ideology was to boycott foreign goods, and buy from Indians. The movement emerged purely from the need of the hour to overthrow British rule, but it still rings true. Indians have to support themselves and make India a self-sustaining country. Even our current Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, has started the Self Reliant India Campaign, to support local manufacturers.
Gandhiji, even today, stands tall as a beacon for modern society. His principles and ideologies guide us in the right direction and inspire us to be the best version of ourselves.
“The purpose of life is to live correctly, think correctly and act correctly”
– Mahatma Gandhi