2nd October is an important day in Indian history as we celebrate the Birth Anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri ji. Each one of them has taught us so much that is relevant even in the present times! It is not just important to remember these great men but also emulate their teachings and encourage the younger generations to remember them.
Gandhiji’s two philosophies of truth and non-violence are so relevant in today’s times. Truth and non-violence are not just words that he taught and preached but also practiced himself. In fact, getting swaraj through non-violence was unimaginable. Many people criticised him but in today’s times if one looks at what is happening in the geo-political scenario the hatred, animosity and greed between people, nations, continents that have crept in make the philosophy of non-violence stand tall. Therefore, the world today appreciates Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings ever more than before.
In the present day, global challenges extend far beyond internal conflicts. Issues like border management, environmental crises, nuclear threats, and the deepening moral crisis of humanity have become prevalent. We find ourselves in a world increasingly divided by global unrest, fear, anger, hatred, discontent, and despair. The intensity of ethnic and religious conflicts continues to escalate worldwide, highlighting the growing divide among nations and cultures.
History has shown us that resorting to war and violent means to resolve such conflicts is not a viable solution. Instead, it leads to unnecessary bloodshed, loss of human lives, and depletion of vital resources, ultimately hindering our overall development as a society. As we face these complex challenges, it becomes imperative to seek peaceful, sustainable resolutions that promote understanding, cooperation, and unity among nations.
He and Lal Bahadur Shastri, showed patriotism in its truest sense. They not only showed patriotism for their own country but also to show love and respect for other countries and nationalities. I feel so happy and proud that our motto of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam also rests on this philosophy of non-violence. It rests on the principals of the need to respect other cultures, ethnicities, traditions and religions and believing that the whole world is one family.
Gandhiji’s teaching are so relevant that even the G20 motto for India was Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, One Earth, One Family, One Future, which is exactly what was spoken by the man who believed in truth and non-violence. It has found so much relevance during the discussions in G20 Conferences. Mahatma Gandhi’s five pillars of nonviolence: respect, understanding, acceptance, appreciation and compassion are basic to our existence. These teachings are most relevant and important for youth who prepare to find robust careers for themselves, become global citizens and be part of diverse cultures.
Each of these words, if followed and practiced can lead each one of us to become and emerge as a malleable and adjusting person. Attributes such as respect for every other human being irrespective of his caste, creed, colour, ethnicity, religion and other differentiating factors will make us more open to interaction with them. All of the attributes mentioned by Gandhiji such as understanding, acceptance, appreciation and compassion are interlinked. Even if we follow one or two the rest will follow without much effort.
It is widely acknowledged that the essence of Gandhi’s legacy for humanity lies in his teaching that truth surpasses all material possessions. He emphasized that practices such as violence, injustice, and disparities are fundamentally incompatible with truth and should be rejected in favour of honesty, compassion, and equality. If we are able to imbibe these attributes and also encourage our younger generations to pursue them, I am sure we can create a better and peaceful world.