#TGLife
The date of January 30 remains a poignant day in Indian history as it reminds us of the passing of our nation’s leading political and social thinker, Mahatma Gandhi. However, even though he was assassinated, his ideas continue to live on. One question that is asked often today is how relevant are the ideas of Gandhi in today’s world?
There are diverse views on this question. As we witness increasing violence and instability in today’s times, some say that we need the ideals of truth and nonviolence more than ever in today’s world, others point out that Gandhi’s view on industrialisation might not work in the 21st century globalised world.
Major Gandhian ideologies
Truth and non-violence
They are the twin cardinal principles of Gandhian thoughts.
For Gandhi, truth is the relative truth of truthfulness in word and deed, and the absolute truth - the ultimate reality. This ultimate truth is God (as God is also Truth) and morality - the moral laws and code - its basis. Nonviolence, far from meaning mere peacefulness or the absence of overt violence, is understood by Mahatma Gandhi to denote active love - the pole opposite of violence, in every sense. Nonviolence or love is regarded as the highest law of humankind.
Satyagraha
Gandhi ji called his overall method of non-violent action Satyagraha. It means the exercise of the purest soul-force against all injustice, oppression and exploitation.
It is a method of securing rights by personal suffering and not inflicting injury on others.
The origin of Satyagraha can be found in the Upanishads, and in the teachings of Buddha, Mahavira and a number of other other greats including Tolstoy and Ruskin.
Sarvodaya
Sarvodaya is a term meaning ‘Universal Upliftment’ or ‘Progress of All’. The term was first coined by Gandhi ji as the title of his translation of John Ruskin’s tract on political economy, “Unto This Last”. The term envisions simple living and high thinking and establishment of self-supporting communities.
The relevance of Gandhi’s ideals can never really be called into question. Non-violence, truth, and upliftment for all, are indeed necessary ideas for today’s world. But when you talk about non-violence, one must consider the aspect of regulation. To illustrate, a protest for one’s rights against the government should certainly be in a nonviolent manner. However, you cannot practice nonviolence during circumstances such as terrorist attacks, robbery attempts, assaults against women etc. We need to understand where and how much to apply Gandhian principles
” Pramod Kandolkar,
businessman, Dhargal
I sincerely feel that Gandhi is always relevant. In his times. There were people who opposed his ideology, but that does not demean his stature. In today’s times, there may not be another Gandhi, but there would definitely be Mandela, who replicate Gandhi in some manner. Gandhi’s concept of non-violence is probably based on his thinking of how society would be thousands of years later. Today, when violence has become the norm, Gandhi needs to be taught to children so that they follow his principles. I will be sitting on Satyagraha at Azad maidan along with Nagesh Karmali on January 30, the day Gandhi was assassinated. It is because we feel Gandhi needs to be revived and imbibed in today’s times.
” Gurunath Kelekar, convenor, MARG
I respect Gandhi’s views when looking at society, that truth and non-violence are essential to maintain a balance in society, provided its citizens are conducting themselves responsibly. I feel that some thought is needed to Gandhi’s view on industrialisation. He considered industrialisation a curse, and advocated state control of key industries and self-sustaining cottage industry in villages. Here, I feel that he talked more about sustenance rather than aspirations. In Gandhi’s time, farming was the main occupation of the people. Now, various other sectors have opened up in industry and economy, and it has lifted millions out of poverty.
” Sen Bandodkar,
engineer, Ponda
