Decline of Gandhian Values in Modern Indian Democracy

Recent political developments in India, notably the 2025 Bihar elections, show a worrying erosion of Gandhian principles in democratic practice. Despite the nation’s rich legacy of moral and humane values, political discourse increasingly reflects divisiveness and self-interest. This trend challenges the foundational ideals of democracy and social harmony that India once symbolised.

Historical Roots of Indian Moral Philosophy

India’s civilisation has long emphasised spirituality and morality as unifying forces. Swami Vivekananda’s 1893 Chicago address introduced the world to the idea that spirituality transcends religious divides. Gandhi’s global influence further spread Indian civilisational values centred on peace, non-violence, and social justice. These ideals were integral to India’s freedom struggle and constitution.

Gandhian Values and Their Constitutional Embodiment

The Constitution of India reflects commitments to equality, fraternity, and protection of the vulnerable. Leaders like Gandhi, Dr Rajendra Prasad, and Dr B.R. Ambedkar ensured the rights of marginalised groups were enshrined. These values aim to encourage social cohesion and justice for all citizens, especially the last man in the line.

Contemporary Political Reality

Modern Indian politics often contradicts these ideals. Election campaigns frequently involve divisive rhetoric and vote-bank politics. Politicians claiming Gandhian legacies sometimes undermine social harmony. Promises to the poorest are often hollow or politically motivated. Genuine accountability and vision during elections remain rare.

Challenges to Democracy and Social Trust

Democracy faces moral dilution. Distrust between communities and leaders is growing. Materialism and competition overshadow humane concerns. The bond between humans and nature is weakening. These factors threaten the ethical foundation necessary for democratic governance and peaceful coexistence.

Role of Education and Moral Consciousness

Education is key to reviving moral values. Gandhi foresaw the need for widespread education to develop qualities like purity, love, and justice. Albert Einstein emphasised making morality a conscious force in individual actions. Strengthening ethical education can restore inner balance and social harmony.

Significance of Voter Awareness

Despite political disillusionment, voters are becoming more discerning. They increasingly see through false promises and divisive tactics. This awareness offers hope for democratic renewal if matched by genuine political will and moral leadership.

Lessons from Gandhi’s Vision

Gandhi warned that independence alone would not ensure happiness without moral governance. His vision included not only political freedom but also social justice and ethical conduct. The ongoing challenge is to align democratic practice with these enduring values.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Point out the role of spirituality and morality in shaping India’s freedom struggle and constitutional values.
2. Critically analyse the impact of vote-bank politics on social cohesion and democratic governance in India with suitable examples.
3. Estimate the significance of moral education in strengthening democratic institutions and reducing social conflicts.
4. Underline the challenges faced by modern democracies in balancing material progress with ethical governance and environmental sustainability.

Answer Hints:

1. Point out the role of spirituality and morality in shaping India’s freedom struggle and constitutional values.

1. Spirituality, as emphasized by leaders like Swami Vivekananda, united diverse religious communities under shared moral ideals.
2. Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence (Ahimsa) and truth (Satya) rooted the freedom struggle in ethical principles.
3. The freedom movement focused on uplifting the marginalized, reflecting deep moral concern for social justice.
4. Constitutional values of liberty, equality, and fraternity embody these spiritual and moral ideals.
5. Leaders like Dr Ambedkar ensured constitutional safeguards for vulnerable groups, reflecting moral commitments.
6. Spirituality helped create a vision of India as a pluralistic, inclusive society beyond mere political independence.

2. Critically analyse the impact of vote-bank politics on social cohesion and democratic governance in India with suitable examples.

1. Vote-bank politics often exploits caste, religion, and regional identities, deepening social divisions.
2. Politicians sometimes use divisive rhetoric to consolidate narrow electoral support, undermining unity.
3. Example – Bihar elections 2025 revealed polarization and erosion of Gandhian values like fraternity.
4. Such politics prioritizes short-term electoral gains over long-term social harmony and justice.
5. It leads to neglect of genuine development and accountability, weakening democratic institutions.
6. Marginalized groups are frequently used as political tools rather than empowered stakeholders.

3. Estimate the significance of moral education in strengthening democratic institutions and reducing social conflicts.

1. Moral education encourages qualities like empathy, integrity, and respect for diversity, essential for democracy.
2. It helps citizens critically evaluate political promises and resist divisive propaganda.
3. Gandhi emphasized education to develop pure conduct and love, prerequisites for Swaraj (self-rule).
4. Albert Einstein brought into light morality as key to inner balance and social stability.
5. Ethical education can reduce corruption, intolerance, and social conflicts, strengthening governance.
6. It nurtures responsible citizenship, enabling informed participation in democratic processes.

4. Underline the challenges faced by modern democracies in balancing material progress with ethical governance and environmental sustainability.

1. Materialism and competition often overshadow moral and humane considerations in policy-making.
2. Economic development sometimes comes at the cost of environmental degradation and loss of social cohesion.
3. Modern democracies struggle to integrate long-term sustainability with immediate electoral pressures.
4. Distrust and weakening human-nature bonds threaten ethical governance and peaceful coexistence.
5. Political incentives often favor populist measures over responsible stewardship of resources.
6. Balancing growth with ethics requires strong moral leadership and informed, conscious electorates.