I believe that "Gandhi’s views were the most enlightened of all the political men in our time. We should strive to do things in his spirit: not to use violence in fighting for our cause, but by non-participation in anything you believe is evil"
-Albert Einstein
Mohandas Karamchand known as Mahatma or "Great-Souled" Gandhi was born in Porbandar, the capital of a small principality in what is today the state of Gujarat in Western India, where his father was prime minister. His mother was a profoundly religious Hindu. She and the rest of the Gandhi family belonged to a branch of Hinduism in which non-violence and tolerance between religious groups were considered very important. His family background has later been seen as a very important explanation of why Mohandas Gandhi was able to achieve the position he held in Indian society.
In the second half of the 1880s, Mohandas went to London where he studied law. After having finished his studies, he first went back to India to work as a barrister, and then, in 1893, to Natal in South Africa, where he was employed by an Indian trading company.
In South Africa Gandhi worked to improve living conditions for the Indian minority. This work, which was especially directed against increasingly racist legislation, made him develop a strong Indian and religious commitment, and a will to self-sacrifice. With a great deal of success he introduced a method of non-violence in the Indian struggle for basic human rights. The method, satyagraha "truth force" was highly idealistic; without rejecting the rule of law as a principle, the Indians should break those laws which were unreasonable or suppressive. Each individual would have to accept punishment for having violated the law. However, he should, calmly, yet with determination, reject the legitimacy of the law in question. This would, hopefully, make the adversaries first the South African authorities, later the British in India recognise the unlawfulness of their legislation.
When Gandhi came back to India in 1915, news of his achievements in South Africa had already spread to his home country. In only a few years, during the First World War, he became a leading figure in the Indian National Congress. Through the interwar period he initiated a series of non-violent campaigns against the British authorities. At the same time he made strong efforts to unite the Indian Hindus, Muslims and Christians, and struggled for the emancipation of the 'untouchables' in Hindu society. While many of his fellow Indian nationalists preferred the use of non-violent methods against the British primarily for tactical reasons, Gandhi's non-violence was a matter of principle. His firmness on that point made people respect him regardless of their attitude towards Indian nationalism or religion. Even the British judges who sentenced him to imprisonment recognised Gandhi as an exceptional personality.
Further, on October 2 Gandhi Jayanthi,is celebrated (the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation). and the world celebrates 2nd October as the International day of non-violence.His method of winning Independence for India was unique. As he preached and practised non-violence and non-cooperation to achieve his goal. He campaigned to uplift the downtrodden, to ease poverty, expand woman’s rights, build religious and ethnic amity, end untouchability and more.
Further, Understanding Gandhian Philosophy...Gandhi, it is true, was not concerned with constructing a system of philosophy, but mainly with applying the ideals and principles that had become a part of his life. Therefore, we do not find the distinction between the ideal and the actual explicitly stated. One discovers this only when studying his ideas in the context of his background, which was essentially that of Hindu philosophy. Cut off from this source, his ideas sometimes produce the impression of inconsistency; read in the context, they form a coherent whole. He may, therefore, not appear to be consistent with his previous statements, but he is, in his own words, consistent with truth as it may present itself at a given moment. He explains it further:
“Whenever I have been obliged to compare my writing even fifty years ago with the latest, I have discovered no inconsistency between the two. But friends who observe inconsistency....should try to see if there is not an underlying and abiding consistency between the two seeming inconsistencies.”
Although for understanding Gandhi’s philosophy it is necessary that the concepts be understood in the context of Hindu philosophy, it is equally important to bear in mind that Gandhi’s connotations of terms are different from the prevalent ones. Quite often they sound national or geographical, when in fact they are universal. He never seems to have realised that this could sometimes have the effect of damaging his own purpose.
The ultimate ideal for Gandhi, as he repeated several times, is unrealised and unrealisable; its value consists in pointing out the direction. According to him, there must always be an unbridgeable gulf between the ideal and its practice. The ideal will cease to be one if it becomes possible to realise it. He argues: “Where would there be room for that constant striving, that ceaseless quest after the ideal that is the basis of all spiritual progress, if mortals could reach the perfect state while still in the body?” Striving after the ideal is the very essence of practising Gandhi’s philosophy. To the extent we make this effort, to that extent we realise the ideal.
What Gandhi achieved in his life was a miracle. He lived in the hearts of millions of Indians and was respected by all. He laid great emphasis on banishing untouchability, promoting Hindu-Muslim unity, promoting literacy and in the development of a great nation —India. He moved the people.
with his sincerity and sacrifice. At his behest, they were ready to lay down their lives for the freedom of the country from foreign powers. His name lives on. Even after all these years, his principles, dedication and mission continue inspire the country.
Further, the main reason why people are inspired by Gandhiji is his - philosophy of truth and non-violence. He used non-violence to free India from British. His manner of dressing shows us his unwillingness to use foreign products. He always told the people to do their work on their own without depending on others. He tried to eradicate the evil existing at that time — untouchability.
Moreover, Gandhiji known as the Father of the Nation and for students like me as Bapu, is the inspiration for millions of people not only during the freedom movement, but even today. He used tools like - Upavas, satyagraha, ahimsa and non- cooperation to achieve his goal. His most endearing qualities were his insistence to always tell the truth and his disciplined way of life.
I believe that the people of India were inspired to follow Gandhiji because he never claimed to be a God or a super human. He admitted his mistakes and never blamed anyone. He was just another simple Indian, and his methods could be easily understood by both the educated and the poor. His humility and depth of understanding in the simplest of actions has made him the “Mahatma”
Further, with his extraordinary will Gandhiji has shown us how to live by setting an example. He was an ordinary man with an extraordinary will to live his life according to the principles of truth and nonviolence. What he preached he first practised.
Moreover, the main reasons why people still today followed Gandhiji :-
- He led a simple life
- He was kind to others
- He always spoke the truth
- His vision of an independent India was based on religious pluralism.
- He fought the British and gave us freedom etc...
Further, he was freedom fighter but differed from other freedom fighters because of his determination. He never gave up and he never lost hope, even when his struggle met with failure. He didn't let go of his belief in non-violence. Mahatma Gandhi's life itself is a textbook. He never asked anyone to do anything, but showed everyone how to do it. He is also a true role model for the new generation since he was himself an ideal example for everything he spoke and taught. He inspires because his life still shows the most beautiful picture of love, peace, honesty and truth.
Thus, Gandhiji's truthfullness inspires us the most. He was human like us, but he tried to overcome his weaknesses and succeeded in it. Liberating the country was his true desire and not for any other motive or self interest. Unlike today's politicians, he didn't have dual personality. He didn't crave publicity. People who came in contact with him felt his positivity. Gandhiji practised simplicity. He was fearless in speaking the truth and he practised non-violent methods to put across his point of view. These principles were first practised by him in his day-to-day life before he asked others to follow them. He gave value to the lives of untouchables, naming them children of God. His nature of feeling the pain of his brethren and fasting for their cause shows his empathy towards human beings.
Moreover, he was a brave and confident person who followed the path of non-violence (ahimsa). He sacrificed his life for the sake of the country. He was a great leader and is my favourite hero. He showed me simple living and high thinking.
He, never told people to follow him or regard himself as a leader. He never intended to lead but he choose to follow. He followed the truth and what brought happiness to his people. His simplicity, self confidence, truthfulness and empathetic nature made people admire him. He became a leader not because of the false promises he gave to the people like today's politicians but because of the belief nurtured by the people in his decisions.
"Seek the truth and it will set you free". This was the principle of Gandhiji. The reason why people followed him is because each and every action of his was rational and beneficial to the common man.Today not only we, Indians, but the whole world try to follow his philosophy.
Moreover, his greatest contribution to sustainable development was two fold. Firstly his experiments in simple living and high thinking.
He believed that with simple living the resources of the planet earth can sustain us comfortably and his famous saying that earth provides us enough for our needs but not for our greed is extremely apt today. Secondly his insistence on all inclusive growth of the society and hence his focus on rural development.
Unfortunately, the great saint was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on 30th January, 1948. “If I’m to die by the bullet of a mad man, I must do so smiling. God must be in my heart and on my lips. And if anything happens, you are not to shed a single tear.”— Gandhiji, January 28, 1948.
Gandhi’s philosophy lays down moral ideals for individuals and groups to strive for - their value consists in pointing out the direction, not in their realisation. They cannot be enforced from above but depend upon their voluntary acceptance. Unavoidable use of force he considers to be a necessary evil - but an evil all the same. The extent to which these ideals can be practised depends on the ethical capacity of individuals or groups.
And it can be said that he was both a saint and a practical leader of his compatriots. He was a simple, pure, unselfish and religious person. He did most of his personal jobs of his own. He fought for the freedom of India through non-violent and peaceful methods. He tried hard to raise the distressed sections of the society. He fought against illiteracy. He dreamt of providing mass employment through Charka and Khaddar. He always felt for the poor and untouchables people. He wanted to abolish untouchability from Indian society.
And thus the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi were so glorious that people around the world still pay homage to him especially with his philosphy of humanity...and in his own words "You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty" and thus we will always remember him and his belief in our hearts.
Pratik Verma
M.A. Political science, Final Year,(2016-18).
ST.Xavier's College Ranchi Jharkhand.
