How Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings help in tackling radicalism and intolerance

In Focus

Mirror Now Digital

Updated Oct 02, 2021 | 06:09 IST

As we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti today, let us resolve to commit ourselves to follow the path of truth and non-violence to build a better and peaceful world.

Mahatma Gandhi [Photo courtesy: @INCIndia] | Photo Credit: Twitter

Key Highlights

Bapu's teachings remind humankind of the true values of peaceful co-existence in a plural world.

Gandhiji gave immense importance to morality.

New Delhi: "Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.," the Indian nation’s Bapu, Mahatma Gandhi, had once said. Today is his 152^nd birth anniversary.

Armed with his principle of non-violence, Bapu made vigorous efforts for achieving independence from British imperial rule, removing untouchability, improving the condition of the country’s farmers, and empowering women. Bapu's vision continues to resonate and he is revered as the peace icon across the world.

We are in troubled times. The world is suffering due to intolerance, radicalism and terrorism. There are endless lists of banned groups, extremists, wanted criminals, smugglers, or petty offenders like pickpockets. We witness violence in the name of cow protection, jihad, caste, race, religion etc. With all this unrest, Bapu's teachings today are more relevant than ever.

Bapu's strategy comprises truth, non-violence, sacrifice, mutual respect and cooperation. His teachings remind humankind of the true values of peaceful co-existence in a plural world and of the need to work unitedly for the equality and freedom of every individual. He firmly believed in spirituality, better social integration, and endless love for other living beings.

Gandhiji gave immense importance to morality and purity of goals and means in his endeavours. He showed the world that non-violence and truth have the power to bring down empires. He got people to absorb the true values of humanity and to involve themselves in activities for the common good. Today intolerance, radicalism and hatred are leading to violence and it is in this context we need to remember the values of Bapu. They would help us in building a better and peaceful world.

As we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti today, let us resolve to commit ourselves to the world's progress, to follow the path of truth and non-violence, and to make Bapu's dreams come true.