When we think of Mahatma Gandhi, two words come to our mind: Satya (Truth) and Ahimsa (Non-Violence). According to Gandhi, non-violence comes from uttermost selflessness. If anyone wants to realise themselves (or wants to search for the truth), they have to behave in such a way that others will think of them as entirely harmless. To Gandhi, non-violence was not a negative concept but a positive one used in the sense of love.
During the freedom struggle against the ‘British Raj’, Gandhi introduced the spirit of satyagraha to the world. Satyagraha means devotion to truth, remaining firm on the truth, and resisting in the name of truth actively but non-violently.
According to Gandhi, a satyagrahi must believe in truth and non-violence and therefore, should have faith in the inherent goodness of human nature. Besides, a satyagrahi must be ready and willing to give up possessions and even life for the sake of truth.
The philosophy of non-violence is the one we need to follow, because it was through non-violent activities and strategies that the freedom of India was won. Many world leaders, like Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr, etc, have appreciated this philosophy of Gandhi and have tried to adopt the same methods of action that contributed greatly to the success of the Indian freedom struggle.
In my modest understanding, the “never say die” spirit of Gandhi must be imbibed by one and all (irrespective of caste, creed/ belief, language, etc). His relentless fight against the British, despite various setbacks, is inspiring for all of us.
The need for complete unity and integrity of body, mind and soul should guide all our thoughts and actions, just as it did for its pioneering propagator.
Patience is what is required if we have to move forward. It is patience that won the day for Gandhi, too. He patiently stood by his principles and ideas and success came his way.
Gandhi’s philosophy of ahimsa/ non-violence and satya/ truth and love are the three values that will help us live a peaceful and a better life. The trio of non-violence, truth and love will always prevail.
As the future citizens of Indian we have to follow the path of ahimsa, tolerance, communal harmony, mutual respect and other such values and ideals.
According to Mahatma Gandhi, “My religion is based on truth and non-violence. Truth is my God. Non-violence is the means of realising God. The way to truth lies through ahimsa (non-violence)”.
The most important principle for Gandhi was to follow non-violence, and if we follow this principle of Gandhi, it will surely result in success of our efforts.
Gandhi was a one-man army with truth and ahimsa as his weapons. According to Gandhi, “Non-violence is the weapon of the strong and not of the weak”. He said that “A true satyagrahi will never bow before injustice”.
Gandhi was the most outspoken proponent of non-violence. The principle was relevant at that time and continues to be relevant today. Violence is only destructive and dangerous.
The philosophy of Gandhi was inspired from the ancient ideals of non-violence and truthfulness, and these ancient ideals are still relevant today. In a country like India, where there is so much diversity among the population in terms of religion, culture, languages, ethnicity etc, the philosophy of Gandhi can unite us in the best possible ways. Thus, the need of the hour is to revisit his thought and philosophy and to adopt it, as these are the values and ideals preached and propagated by almost all religions.

The writer is a BA student at Govt Degree College Sogam (Lolab) Kupwara

Rehana Imtiyaz Wani