Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings of truth & non-violence remain profoundly relevant today
Tejeswar Patnaik
Never has a leader been more sincerely lamented in the annals of contemporary history than Mahatma Gandhi, the prophet of non-violence and peace, who was shot by an assassin on the fateful day of January 30, 1948. The news of his passing rocked the nation and the world. The day of his death, January 30, is now observed as Martyrs’ Day in India, honouring not just Gandhi but all those who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Prime Minister Nehru choked with emotions said, “The light has gone out of our lives and there is darkness everywhere.” He further said, “The light that has illumined this country for these many years and will illumine for many more years and thousands of years later that light will still be seen in this country and the world will see it, give solace to innumerable hearts.” He was the beacon of light and hope.
Nehru’s Tribute
It was the most fitting tribute by Nehru to the man who has shown the path of non-violence and peace, which is profoundly relevant in today‘s world of conflicts among nations. Nehru‘s use of the term ‘light’ is the embodiment of living truth, and his eulogisation of Gandhi as an eternal man espousing truth and showing the right path for the people is not an exaggeration.
US Secretary of State, George Marshall, in his tribute, said, “Mahatma Gandhi was the spokesman for the conscience of all mankind.” Other world leaders paid rich tributes to Gandhi while mourning his death.
In another fitting tribute to Gandhi, Albert Einstein said, “Generations to come will scarce believe that such one as this walked the earth in flesh and blood.” This is a vindication of Gandhi as an extraordinary man in this world. Gandhi’s principles have profoundly impacted transcending the geographical boundaries of the country.
During the colonial era, Gandhi, as a transformational leader, captivated millions of people with his mesmerizing speeches. Gandhi had no formal title or position, yet he was held in the highest esteem by both his fellow citizens and the British government—a rare trait that no other leader could match.
Throughout his life, he steadfastly adhered to the fundamental principles of truth, simplicity, compassion, morality, ethics and non-violence. Interestingly, he underwent these changes in his personal life when he was living in South Africa. He first travelled to South Africa in 1893 to fight a legal case in court.
Being a non-white person, he was subjected to racial discrimination and humiliation when, despite holding a valid ticket, he was ordered to leave the first-class cabin on a train owing to objections by another European passenger. His vocal criticism of the South African government following this incident led him to conceptualise Satyagraha (Satya stands for Truth, and Agraha for Firmness).
Liberation Struggle
Gandhi led the First Satyagraha campaign in Johannesburg in 1906 to protest against discriminatory legislation that placed restrictions on Indians. Gandhi was often jailed in South Africa for his opposition to this kind of apartheid policy. In response to his persisting efforts, the South African government passed the Indian Relief Act in 1913, establishing the rights of the local Indian population. His leadership in the protest movements in South Africa allowed him to play a groundbreaking role in India’s liberation struggle.
The divine teachings of Srimad Bhagavad Gita, the timeless scripture, deeply influenced him so much that he never deviated from moral and ethical principles.
His call for a boycott of government buildings and commodities from England during the non-cooperation movement received overwhelming support from nations all around the world. As a chief exponent of nonviolence, he abruptly ended the campaign in the wake of the Chaurichaura incident, in which a mob killed 23 police officers. He stuck to the ground that the fundamental tenet of his ideology is non-violence and that the mob’s killings of the above officials violated his principle.
His philosophy has been a subject of wide research by academicians and research scholars worldwide. Gandhi’s interpretation of nationalism is distinct from the Western concept of it. In Gandhi‘s view, Indian nationalism has its roots in the country’s long history of civilization, which includes social and cultural diversity as well as enduring traditions. Thus, he envisioned a more accommodating nation where true Swaraj could be attained.
He was a votary of the decentralization of governance that percolates to every village, which should become self-sufficient. The elites in Indian society, he could foresee, will always act in their interests, which may not necessarily align with the interests of the general public. Hence, he expressed his antipathy towards the accumulation of wealth in a few hands stating that the elite class, whether political or otherwise, seeks to accumulate wealth.
Given the growing economic and wealth disparities in Indian society, his insightful teachings seem very prescient. The darker side of India’s remarkable economic liberalisation indicates the growing wealth disparity between the rich and the poor.
The international community is currently silently witnessing two continuing wars that are producing immense human tragedy: Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine. The leaders can use Gandhi’s teachings as a magic bullet to put an end to hostilities.
Even if achieving economic equality is unattainable, everyone involved in governance should keep working to minimise the inequality gap sustainably.
Morality and Politics
Policymakers in our country have periodically launched several social welfare projects that align with Gandhi’s social justice paradigm in an attempt to address hunger and poverty. This has led to a substantial reduction in the population below the poverty line over the years.
Gandhi emphasized the inseparable link between morality and politics. For him, political actions should be shaped by ethical principles, and leaders must adhere to a high moral standard. He considered morality as the soul of politics, rejecting the notion that the end justifies the means. Gandhi’s approach, therefore, underscored the importance of ethical conduct, integrity, social harmony, and a deep sense of responsibility in the political spectrum, reinforcing his belief that morality should be integral to those in politics.
Contemporary Indian politics has a complex mix of perceptions and ideologies, with some leaders emphasising economic development while others focus on identity politics.
While Gandhi advocated for unity among diverse communities, religious and caste-based polarizations dominate the current political landscape. Despite these inadequacies, Gandhi’s principles continue to influence Indian political discourse, urging a balance between development and ethical governance.
The continuous hostilities between Israel and Palestine and Russia and Ukraine are currently creating immense human tragedy yet the international community is silently watching. Leaders can resolve problems peacefully through dialogues using Gandhi’s teachings as a guide. The enduring legacy of Gandhi, the beacon of light, will continue to impact the future generations.
(The writer is a former Dy General Manager of Bank of India. Views expressed are personal.)
