THE GOAN
PANAJI
“We may never be strong enough to be entirely non-violent in thought, word and deed. But we must keep non-violence as our goal and make progress towards it.” Attributed to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, these words remain relevant as protests and resistance over various issues take place across the state and country. On Gandhi Jayanti, people from different generations shared what these principles mean to them and how they apply to today’s agitations. To make sense of these varying perspectives, the voices can be understood across three distinct lenses: political leaders navigating the system, veteran activists who have lived the philosophy, and the youth who are redefining resistance for the modern age.
Political voices
For those in public office, Gandhi’s ideals remain the bedrock of a functioning democracy, emphasising patience, dialogue, and non-violence. Deputy Speaker Joshua De Souza views Satya, Ahimsa, Swaraj, and Sarvodaya as principles that guide public life, pointing to Gandhi’s methods as an example of non-violence and Satyagraha challenging powerful systems. Opposition Leader Yuri Alemao observes that peaceful resistance continues to shape movements for rights and justice. “The weapons of democratic dissent continue to be subjects of study and research in universities,” he says. Sharing a similar sentiment, RGP MLA from St Andre, Viresh Mukesh Borkar, believes peaceful resistance rooted in truth, non-violence, and perseverance can bring change. “Gandhian movements may take time, but they are built on truth, patience and the strength of people standing together,” he notes. Adding to this, M K Shaikh, Working President of the GPCC, defines Gandhism simply as living peacefully while allowing others to do the same, cautioning that those in power should not respond to dissent with force, but should instead seek an amicable solution.
Veteran perspective
Scholars and longtime activists argue that while the core philosophy is timeless, true Gandhism requires more than just an absence of violence, and occasionally, methods must adapt to the era. Kumar Kalanand Mani, a Gandhian practitioner and activist for 53 years, stresses that numbers alone do not move Gandhian. “The real Gandhian test is whether a movement combines non-violence with truth, self-restraint, dialogue, sacrifice and constructive action, while respecting the dignity of all,” he says. Justice Ferdino Rebello echoes this need for depth but adds that the tools of protest must respond to changing circumstances. “The tool of protest has to evolve to meet the challenges of the present,” he observes. Meanwhile, senior activist Govind Shirodker maintains his belief in Satya and Ahimsa, but warns of governments attempting to suppress citizens’ voices. “One day, people will have to break all barriers to save democracy,” he says.
Youth rethink dissent
Among younger voices, Gandhism is less about following a rigid historical blueprint and more about the courage to respond to modern injustices. Young lawyer Sakshi Naik Gaonkar believes in having the courage to stand for truth and resist without violence, while acknowledging its limits. “A protest is not Gandhian merely because nobody throws a stone. It is Gandhian when people can fight injustice without losing their humanity,” she says. PhD researcher Tahir Noronha agrees, pointing to recent land and development protests to emphasize that peacefulness is not enough. “A protest does not become Gandhian simply because it is peaceful and sustained. Discipline and consistency between the means and ends sought also matter,” he says. Dr Shoaib Sayed (Daniyal), a youth leader, highlights how recent protests utilise traditional methods like hunger strikes alongside modern tactics like "meme warfare." Noting that today's issues cannot be directly compared to Gandhi's time, he states, “This generation in their own way has kept Gandhism alive.”
Students’ views
Other students focus on the balance between patience, the law, and the need to be heard. Sachit Bhagat, a law student, believes modern social issues should primarily be addressed through awareness and respect for the rule of law. College Representative Reesha sees the core principle as standing up for what is right, recognizing that different situations require tailored, peaceful approaches to raise concerns. For student Shravani Govind Gaude, recent Gen Z-led protests shifted her perspective. “Peaceful protest takes time, but it is the most democratic way of putting our demands before the government,” she says. Offering a counter-perspective, student union member and activist Raghoba Shet Narvenkar argues that stronger forms of agitation are sometimes required to draw attention. “Sometimes explosions are necessary to make the deaf hear,” he says, warning that movements can begin with a few people, gain support, and later be divided or hijacked by political parties.
Changing methods
Across these varying views, the language and tools of protest have undoubtedly changed, but the fundamental questions of truth, dissent, and justice remain. Gandhi’s principles continue to be interpreted dynamically, with some seeing strict non-violence as central to meaningful dissent, while others believe changing times require more forceful, evolved methods of demanding to be heard.
