“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind” – Mahatma Gandhi
It is the time of the year again when we look back at our emphatic freedom struggle over British rule and celebrate the birth of the great icon, Mahatma Gandhi who led us through this remarkable victory. Born on 2nd October, 1869 this day is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti in India and also observed by the United Nations as the International Day of non-violence.
Undeniably, words fall short to admire the determination, principles and ideologies of Gandhi that led India to independence and also inspired a nation brimming with potential leaders. Born in Porbandar, Gujarat to a middle class upbringing, he went on to study law at London’s University College. He lived his life as a regular youngster reflecting no keen interest to contribute in the freedom struggle. However it was in South Africa while practicing law did he face racial discrimination that awakened him to social injustice and turned the events in his life. Gandhi evoked a number of movements for civil rights that weakened the British rule and finally stirred them out of India.
For the children today, Gandhi may just be another freedom fighter they have to learn about in their history books. But have we really forgotten him? Look closely around you and may find his presence in all matters around us. Our country is standing at the threshold of communal violence fuelled by party politics. The country was shocked during the recent rape cases but people yet chose to silently protest against it following his path of non-violence. Corruption is ripping the country economically but our civil mass disobedience movement staged by us during the Anna Hazare uprising demanded answers from the government for it reinforcing yet again his beliefs.
Besides adorning the walls of the offices he definitely has left his footprints behind. People may rebuff his philosophies, but to fight the rising global issues his ideologies will continue to influence society. Gandhi dreamt of a progressive India, so let us all unite and commit ourselves in harmony to be the change we want to see in the world. He truly is a great leader and after all on a lighter note else who is privileged enough to have dry day declared in their remembrance.
Bande mein tha dum Vande mataram!
(Note- This article was published in the Times of India supplement Times Neighbourhood, Viman Nagar Pune, Dated 04th Oct 2013 – excerpts from it)
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