The nation commemorates the 75th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on 30th January 2023, which is also observed as Martyrs’ Day. Gandhi’s ideologies and their relevance in contemporary times hold immense significance in today’s society.
Gandhi’s Vision for India
Mahatma Gandhi envisioned an India that was not only politically independent from colonial rule but also achieved social emancipation, economic empowerment, and solidarity beyond language, religion, or cultural differences.
Gandhi’s Advocacy for Non-Violence
Gandhiji espoused non-violence as the strongest weapon in the struggle for freedom and justice. He argued that non-violence should extend beyond a political tactic and should serve as a way of life, cultivating lasting peace and social harmony.
Equality and Anti-Discrimination
A well-traveled individual, Gandhi appreciated India’s cultural diversity and was instrumental in highlighting commonalities that brought people together, irrespective of their faith or caste. He staunchly opposed any form of discrimination, including the practice of untouchability.
Gandhi’s Secular Outlook
Despite being a devout Hindu, Gandhi espoused a secular India where all religions could coexist peacefully. His ideals of peace, inclusivity, and harmony still hold relevance, especially in the light of the religious partition of India.
Communal Harmony
Gandhi believed in the unity of all communities and tirelessly worked to foster communal harmony. He argued that India’s strength lies in its diversity and that this diversity should be celebrated rather than feared.
Importance of Self-Reliance
Gandhi emphasized the essence of self-reliance, urging Indians to become self-sufficient. He advocated for the use of local resources, enhancement of traditional skills, and the growth of cottage industries. According to him, Indian citizens should spearhead their development without external dependency.
Gandhi’s Ideals in Today’s Context
Gandhi’s core principles of truth and nonviolence are relevant across all humanity and considered universal by Gandhians. Today, amidst rampant greed, widespread violence, and uncontrolled consumption, Gandhi’s teachings provide a fresh perspective. His methods of mobilizing people have been replicated by leaders such as Martin Luther King in the United States, Nelson Mandela in South Africa, and Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar. These instances reaffirm the continued relevance of Gandhi’s principles in contemporary times.
In the words of the Dalai Lama, “We have a big war going on today between world peace and world war, between the force of mind and the force of materialism, between democracy and totalitarianism.” And it is precisely these colossal conflicts that necessitate the application of Gandhian philosophy in modern times.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
There are some interesting questions from previous years’ UPSC Civil Services Examinations related to Gandhi that illuminate his impact and significance, including a question about his translation of ancient Indian religious lyrics into English under the title ‘Songs from Prison’ and his role in abolishing the system of ‘indentured labour’ during the British colonial rule in India.
Gandhi’s constructive programs during the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement also contributed immensely to the independence movement and had profound socioeconomic impacts that are still felt today.