Gandhiji’s Vision for the future of India vs its Implementation
A special story on the 152nd birth anniversary of M.K. Gandhi
The Father of India, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was born on 2nd October 1869. Hence, every year on the same date, many across the world, celebrate Gandhi. His role in the Independence of India is known to all. His thought process, ideas, and influence have been observed by many great world leaders back at the time, and can even be seen today. At the very young age of 13, he was married to Kasturba Gandhi (14), an Indian political activist.
Most of the people who know Gandhi, know about his involvement in various movements and his pivotal role in the Independence of our nation itself. But we need to look back in time and introspect what our country and its people have implemented what Gandhi has visioned and dreamt about? (A Few)
i) Gandhi demanded fair treatment for the untouchables, lower caste, and also done several fasts in support of them.
Now, in our fast developing world, with plenty of sources and resources, how difficult it has become to bring in such a change? From households to political powers, it is seen everywhere. Everyone wants to look at the change but never try to bring it in by themselves. Such discrimination further leads to poverty which again, stands as a huge problem in our country.
ii) In Gandhi’s idealized state, there would be no army or police, no industrialization, and no modern cities.
India has nearly 1.5 million active personnel to protect itself from its neighbors. Not just Gandhi, but nobody wishes to see it, but with the enemies being invasive and violent, It becomes inevitable. Development of various sectors through industrialization to mark our position in the world while also protecting our heritage is again something which needs to be seen as a boon, and isn’t something easy to entirely put aside.
iii) There would be no capitalism.
Not just in Modern India, but starting from the post-independence era itself, the top powers have a huge control on almost all, various sectors. This ensures that the rest are bound to take a toll on themselves. And the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
iv) There would be no exploitation and no religious violence.
Unfortunately, this highly sensitive issue doesn’t seem to resolve anytime soon. Since there isn’t going to be a compromise from one party, the fights, riots are unceasing.
v) Non-violence
From small riots among groups to wars, India has seen a lot of blood. And bloodshed. It isn’t as easy as talking about it, but peace certainly is the best choice, wasn’t necessarily seen as an option by anyone. In its defense, nations such as Pakistan, tend to create both political and non-political tensions, which had to be taken care of by using aggressive means. But, one would always hope just like Gandhi, to look at a peaceful subcontinent, with its people living together in harmony.
vi) Protecting the environment
This is one issue that is highly talked about all around the globe. The effects are visible. The change in our climate is noticeable, all the world leaders are doing their best to prevent further damage in the ecosystems, yet the damage has happened. Though, it can be stopped from further degradation.
vii) Indian Should not copy the West
This was thought out for firstly, employment and secondly, to not to get influenced by others and depend on them. This is both a boon and a bane. There shouldn’t be an excess of one thing. The heritage, the culture, the values mustn’t be affected or altered or influenced by others by any means. And at the same time, abandoning them too isn’t right. These views of modern civilization are logical and realistic. Many of us wouldn’t agree with it because we are blinded by the so-called modern life and living that we neither have the time to sympathize with, leave aside, share the pains of our next-door neighbor.
viii) Right to life
It’s self-explanatory.
And finally, we have a few of his most influential and all-time famous quotes.
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
“The greatness of humanity is not in being human, but in being humane.”
“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.”
“A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.”
“Hey Ram”
The Lesser-Known
“He is a most dangerous, semi-repressed sex maniac.” — Pre-Independence Prime Minister of Travancore about Gandhi.
Very few know about the deepest secrets of the world leader. It is important and it isn’t wrong for anyone who has faith in Gandhi’s ideology, to know about the unknown of the man. The fact that Gandhi himself talked about his methods out in public in front of his followers, which gradually faded away from everybody’s minds during the time of Independence and at the time of his death, comes in as a surprise.
To know more about it, refer to this: