Inspiring change

Mahatma Gandhi was a pivotal figure who led the country to independence through non-violence and his other philosophies. He was a true icon of peace, love and non-violence. His selfless dedication to India's independence and his unwavering commitment to peaceful resistance have left an indelible mark in the history. Mahatma Gandhi's principles remain highly relevant in the 21st century, thus offering valuable lessons. Today, the problems in the world are not limited to internal conflicts and matters. We are living in a world that is divided by global unrest, fear, hatred, anger, jealousy etc. and the number of ethnic and religious conflicts seems to grow with each passing day. However, the principles given by Gandhi continue to shine as a ray of hope in the 21st century.

Gandhi's unwavering commitment to non-violence (Ahimsa) goes beyond physical harm. It emphasises on resolving conflicts through conversations rather than aggression. Movements like 'Black Lives Matter' are examples of the power of ahimsa. Truthfulness (Satya) forms the bedrock of the Gandhian philosophy. In today's world, where misinformation and fake news proliferate, Gandhi's emphasis on truth is more relevant than ever. Responsible journalism, with its rigorous fact-checking standards, embodies the commitment to truthfulness.

As we navigate through the problems of the 21st century, Gandhi's principles not only remain relevant, but also essential. His commitment to peace, love and non-violence continues to inspire generations.

Dilnaaz Walia, Class XII, Shemrock Senior Secondary School, Mohali