Teachings offer timeless wisdom

The 21st century is fraught with conflict, with the spectre of intolerance looming like an axe poised to fall. Humanity faces a unique predicament rooted in this intolerance as the current geopolitical landscape starkly reminds us how conflict undermines the cherished values of peace, harmony and love. ?

Mahatma Gandhi, revered as the architect of India's independence, left a legacy that remains relevant today. His principles of non-violence, truth and self-reliance hold immense value in our contemporary world.

In a landscape marred by violence, Gandhi's philosophy of ahimsa provides a compelling answer. His belief that change can be achieved through peaceful means stands in stark contrast to the brutality of modern warfare. From conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine to violence in Manipur, his commitment to peaceful resistance underscores the futility of violence. Contemporary movements like Extinction Rebellion and Fridays for Future employ non-violent civil disobedience to advocate for climate action, echoing Gandhi's methods and relying on the moral force of peaceful protests. In this age of artificial intelligence, the significance of privacy and information dissemination has gained global attention. Gandhi's commitment to Satyagraha serves as an antidote to sensationalism and misinformation. The manipulation of facts through deep fakes and social media polarisation has eroded public trust, making his insistence on truth a guiding principle for transparency and ethical leadership.

His vision of Swadeshi, promoting local industries and self-reliance, aligns with today's emphasis on circular economies and zero-waste lifestyles. Movements like the Khadi revival and organic farming in Sikkim reflect Gandhi's ideas of eco-friendly living. The call for Atmanirbhar Bharat in the face of global supply chain challenges further exemplifies his belief in self-sufficiency.

Gandhi's emphasis on social equality and inclusivity, especially his fight against caste discrimination, provides a model for addressing modern economic and social inequalities. His efforts to uplift Dalits resonate with ongoing struggles for caste equity in India, inspiring initiatives like the reservation system in education and public employment, as well as the Right to Education Act and MGNREGA.

Gandhi's values are not only morally enriching but also practically applicable. In confronting India's 21st-century challenges-communalism, misinformation, environmental degradation, and social inequality-Gandhi's teachings offer timeless wisdom and a framework for fostering a more just, peaceful and sustainable nation.

Bhavnoor Kaur Cheema, Yadavindra Public School, Mohali