"A lawyer who advocated justice without violence, a leader who motivated millions without aspiring for power, and a saint who befriended the sinners without judging them."
Mahatma Gandi, fondly known as the Father of the Nation in India, was a remarkable figure who promoted justice without resorting to violence. He inspired millions without seeking power and befriended even those deemed as sinners without passing any judgment.
Gandhi's life, evolving from a young attorney to a global symbol of harmony, symbolises great tranformative power vested in all humans alike. Gandhiji’s life story is filled with anecdotes that highlight his unyielding spirit and his unique approach to tackling hardships.
His formative years in South Africa, marred by racial discrimination, shaped his dedication to justice and equality. The episode of his expulsion from a train carriage because of his skin colour portrays his direct exposure to injustice. Rather than succumbing to anger, he redirected his energy into nonviolent protests, laying the cornerstone for his doctrine of 'Satyagraha'. This story reveals the possibility of converting anger and rage into positive action, a lesson that diligently embodies in life.
Even in serious matters, Gandhi infused humor, this can be understood, by his famous quote, "I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet." This behaviour of his, emphasizes the importance of safeguarding one's thoughts and emotions from negativity, and serves as a valuable lesson in today's fast-paced world.
His philosophy of nonviolence, or "Ahimsa," strikes a cord with all who put an effort to understand it.
The Salt March of 1930, where he along with his followers walked 387 kilometeres to produce salt in defiance of the British salt tax, showcased the transformative potential of nonviolent protest. This teaches and encourages the idea that even small actions contribute to significant positive change, but also underscored his unshakable faith in the nonviolent struggle of millions. He jestingly asserted, "My faith in the nonviolent struggle of the millions is as unshakable as the Himalayas."
His emphasis on self-reliance and simplicity, encapsulated in the concept of 'Swadeshi,' remains relevant today. "Swadeshi" refers to the idea of self suffiency; it quite literally meant use of goods produced in India by the Indians only. Swadeshi and boycott were the 2 sides of a same coin and together these movements contributed greatly to the developent of Indian nationalism.
A lesser-known yet insightful story involves Gandhiji guiding a boy with a sugar problem. Rather than scolding the lad, he asked the boy to come back after two weeks, along with a list of the exact amount of sugar he had consumed daily during that time. Confused yet curious, the young boy followed the instructions given to him. When the boy returned, Gandhiji looked at the list and, proposed that the boy spend the next two weeks noting the acts of kindness he performed daily for others. After two weeks, the boy showed his new journal of good deeds. Gandhiji carefully read the list and asked the boy to compare bith the lists he had made. As the boy examined his records, he noticed that the list of kind deeds was much longer than the list of sugar consumption.
Through this simple yet profound exercise, Gandhiji had taught the boy the transformative power of shifting attention from self-indulgence to selfless acts.
Gandhi's commitment to living in accordance with principles, reflected in his personal choices of simplicity and authenticity, is a lesson in itself. His famous message, "Be the change that you wish to see in the world," highlights individual responsibility for positive transformation.
Gandhi's unwavering fight against British colonial rule in India, manifested in movements like Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience, all of which exemplify his principles of nonviolence and civil resistance. These acts of passive resistance underline his unshakeable spirit and commitment to justice and freedom.
In conclusion, Mahatma Gandhi's life and teachings serve as timeless inspiration. His journey and philosophy encourage us to initiate positive changes within ourselves, contributing to a world infused with love and nonviolent determination.
His words and deeds embody values that resonate deeply, fostering a vision for a more peaceful and harmonious world.