Gandhism refers to an amalgamation of Mahatma Gandhi’s views and actions, which revolved around two basic ideologies: truth and non-violence. Today, our country is reeling under several socio, economical and political problems. To bring feasible solutions to all such problems, collective efforts are essential, which can be backed by Gandhian techniques. Let us analyse how Gandhism can help our country overcome various challenges, which are posing a serious threat to its growth and integrity.
Gandhism to eradicate conflicts
Since its independence, India has been rattled by several conflicts within and outside the country. On the one hand, it has border disputes with its neighbouring countries like Pakistan, China and Bangladesh and on the other; it is rife with a number of separatist movements within the country. Now, the question is – how can Gandhism help us solve the problem.
Ahimsa or non-violence is the nucleus of Gandhism, which is a value and present in human nature but in different forms. This value, along with its many supplementary forms, shows us how to overcome the situation of conflicts and transform conflicts into cooperation. Gandhian non-violence theory accords solutions to all kids of problems, only if it is applied as per the demands of time and present circumstance. The Gandhian way to resolve conflicts is very simple and based on some principles, including sincerity, sacrifice, high morality, courage and most importantly, non-violence. Unfortunately, we have been habitual of not implementing this simple method to eradicate all conflicts.
Gandhism in the context of terrorism
The problem of terrorism is looming large on our country threatening country’s integrity and progress. Can Gandhism provide any solution to the problem? In this context, we can say that every act of terrorism derives its legitimacy from a moral basis in perceived injustice. Once the moral force is reinforced and all wounds heal, the power of gun will automatically be muzzled.
Woman and progress
Even after 63 years of Independence, women in India are living in distress. There is a growing disparity between men and women. Besides, female foeticide, an increasing rate of women illiteracy and dowry death are still prevalent in modern India. To change the situation and acquaint common people with the problem, Gandhism can also come into play. Gandhiji strongly believed that intellectually, mentally and spiritually, a woman was equivalent to a male and she could participate in every activity. Shedding light on the role of women in various social activities, Gandhiji once said, “Only when the woman is liberated from the slavery of the kitchen, that her true spirit may be discovered”. According to him, as long as we don’t consider girls as natural as our boys, our nation will be in a dark eclipse.
To improve the standard of living
Poverty is one of the greatest challenges faced by our country. India has the unique distinction of having the richest man in the world, while at the same time, about 30 per cent of its population lives in poverty. Besides, villages in India are lagging far behind the cities when it comes to basic infrastructure and standard of living. Gandhiji used to say, “If India is to attain true freedom, then sooner or later the fact must be recognised that people will have to live in villages, not in towns, in huts not palaces”.
To improve the situation, the Gandhian concept of ‘Sarvodaya’ can be effective enough. The term ‘Sarvodaya’ refers to the ‘universal upliftment’ or ‘progress of all,’ reaching the masses and the downtrodden. No doubt, this concept is still relevant for the country’s development.
Gandhism to quell religious clashes
Gandhi opined that no religion had a monopoly on the truth. He always encouraged amicable relations across religions. His famous lines, “Iishvar Allah tero naam, sab ko sanmati de bhagavaan,” still can inspire every Indian to think beyond religions and instill a feeling of solidarity and oneness.
The legacy of Gandhi has been adopted by eminent personalities across the world, including Martin Luther King, Desmond Tutu, Dalai Lama and Aung San Suu Kyi. Various feminist and human rights movements in our country have been inspired by Gandhism. Several instances show that many doctors and teachers, inspired by Gandhism, have left their city homes and started running clinics and schools in the countryside. It is time to adopt Gandhism as the fabric of our society, which will ultimately pave the way for progress and peace.
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