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Gandhian vision of humanism: Its relevance in the 21st century
It has been 52 years since Gandhi`s was assassinated. And there have been debates as to what Gandhi left for humanity and whether his teachings would survive the test of time. But Gandhi lived, thought and acted, inspired by the vision of humanity evolving towards a world of peace and harmony. Prionka Jha looks into the Gandhian legacy on the 131st birth anniversary of the great man.
Mohandas Karmachand Gandhi was born at Porbandar, a small coastal town in Kathiawar (Gujarat) on October 2, 1869. He was the fourth and the last child of his father’s fourth and last marriage. Gandhi married Kasturba at the age of twelve.
Gandhi passed his matriculation exam in 1888 and was sent to Bhavnagar for higher studies. It was here that Mavji Dave, a family friend, suggested that Gandhi be sent to England on September 4, 1888 to become a barrister. He went to South Africa to fight for a businessman in a civil suit for a year but stayed on a few breaks for about 21 years (1893-1914). The National Indian Congress was launched in South Africa on May 22, 1894 with Gandhi as its secretary.
Relevance of Gandhi in the 21st century
What is the relevance of Gandhi in this all-pervading materialistic, agnostic and consumeristic culture? It is precisely these three tendencies that Gandhi fought all his life. While queried about the relevance of Mahatma’s thoughts in today’s world, Tushar Arun Gandhi, great grandson of Mahatma Gandhi says, “His thoughts are eternal. More so in today’s world of intolerance, nuclear threats etc. --- all this is threatening us but Gandhi’s message of non-violence, satyagraha, brotherhood are more relevant than ever.”
Ashwini Shankar, lecturer of History at Delhi University says, “Gandhi’s philosophy of ahimsa and satyagraha has a great bearing on today’s world. It helps us to sustain self-esteem and freedom of thought and action. In this rapidly changing global politics of today where major political metamorphosis is happening all around us, Gandhi’s philosophy is much more relevant. Take for example China where after the Tiannamen Square violence, the masses have taken resort to Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of non-violence.”
He added, “Nuclear disarmament issue is another example that was emphasized by Gandhi many years before it became a real threat to the world. Gandhi’s philosophy of trusteeship is extremely relevant even today as it emphasized understanding between capitalists and the workers specially in the world where there is growing division between them.”
Now the question is whether independent India has adopted Gandhi’s philosophy, his thoughts and ideas etc or not? Tushar Gandhi says, “Yes, it is true that his thoughts and ideas are largely ignored. Actually, his ways are very difficult to follow. Those who are not ready to sacrifice cannot really understand and adopt Gandhian values.
Referring to the frequently asked question whether Gandhi’s ideas and thoughts provide an answer Tushar Gandhi said with confidence, “Gandhi has provided us with the way and we need to reach an answer through it.”