Posted by While many concern Gandhi Jayanti as a silent affair, it is one of the most iconic events in the history of India and the world as celebrates the birth of Mahatma Gandhi who was also known as the “Father of the Nation”. With 2nd October not for away, the festivities are in order and make one think about how a person could change the world with a set of ideas that hold relevance till now. Born in the late 1800s, in Porbandar, Gujarat, the young Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi went on to pursue his education in London as a barrister which lead him to his political and humanitarian pursuits in South Africa.
It is in South Africa, that Gandhi came to be known for his revolutionary ideas that are adopted and esteemed by individuals, communities and even nations. With his extraordinary ideas and humble lifestyle, Gandhi was a living example of “Simple Living, High Thinking”. His ideas and the man itself lead to the freedom and birth of a nation and also a movement and sect, known as Gandhism. Thus, borrowing from the Gandhian philosophy, make sure to check out these ideals on his 15Oth birth anniversary, which hold a lot of value.
The Need for Ahimsa or Non-Violence
Popularized by Gandhi, the statues of ahimsa or non-violence is the foundational stone of Gandhian principles. Borrowed from the Biblical verse which means turning the other cheek, the idea is to resist violence by counterattack it with non-violence. Gandhiji lived by this ideal and encouraged others to do the same. The many movements like civil-disobedience and non-cooperation which serve as milestones in the Indian freedom struggle revolved around this idea for which Gandhiji and his followers had to go through a lot of adversity at the hand of Britishers, including imprisonment. Carrying out these very ideals, are many famous personalities like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela who were instrumental in freedom struggles in American and South America.
The Religion of Humanity
With an Indian origin and a Hindu by birth, Gandhiji is well known for his secular belief and the greatest religion according to him was humanity. Not only did, Mahatma Gandhi confirmed to any one religion but claimed himself to be a Christian, a Hindu, a Muslim, and a Jew. His belief was and that every religion is equal and that none is greater than humanity was monumental in India’s policy of secularism and cost ultimately cost his life, just months after India got its independence while continuing to be promoted and propagated even after his death.
Individual Contribution
Mahatma Gandhi stressed the notion of an individual and his/her action is responsible for oneself and others who are affected by it. Gandhiji believed that one’s mindset determines his actions and ultimately contributes to his/her personality. Stressing on mental health, personal hygiene, sanitation, and even the popular phrase “Work is Worship“; many of his famous quotes revolve around the idea of the individual contribution of which he is a prime example for this century and even year to come. One of the famous Gandhian quotes people draw upon refers to “Be the Change You Wish to See in the World” and stands to be one of the most inspiring and thought-provoking Gandhian ideals.
Thus, the Gandhian ideals listed above are some of the most notable ones among many others and can be found in his journals and the books – “My Experiments with Truth“. A paragon of virtue and quiet strength, Mahatma Gandhi’s most fascinating qualities was that he practiced what he believed in and left behind a legacy that continues to inspire many while being drawn upon as the whole world prepares to celebrate his 150th birth anniversary.