Gandhi

From the Hindu on 30th September 2007

Debate on relevance of Gandhian philosophy

SRINAGAR : This year Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary will be celebrated with a difference in Jammu and Kashmir as the culmination of a month-long debate in schools and colleges on the relevance of the Gandhian philosophy. The finals of the debate will be telecast live by Doordarshan. The idea to involve the younger generation in analysing the relevance of Mahatma's philosophy of non-violence in a violence-ridden State was conceptualised by Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.

It is a cliche to talk about 'how Gandhi inspired me !' etc. Cannot deny that his writings and his story is a big influence on most of us. His biggest success is political - but, to most people, his conviction and strong views on many personal issues are more important. In fact, he did not distinguish between his public life and personal life.

His personal traits are the most inspiring to me than the political philosophy of non-violence and satyagraha - may be, because I am not a 'political' person. He had the courage to do what he thought is right - irrespective of what others felt or what will happen to the movement etc. You must have guts to do something like this. Just look at me - where do I stand in this respect ?


I am part of one miniscule organisation with less than 100 people. Even then, I do so many things for the sake of 'organisation'. I don't want to show our weaknesses to others, who do not agree with me - either within the team or outside. I take care not to express publicly my convictions and reservations. I tell myself - "for the long term benefit of the organisation, I need to play this role". But, Gandhi had the conviction even to drop national movements, if it differed from his standards. When the whole party was willing to compromise, he stayed alone. And, of course, when India became independent, he had the courage to be away from the scene of action.

This issue is bothering me more and more. I don't want to be bound by any organisational boundaries. I pray for courage to do things which I feel is correct at this point in time. And, if these convictions were found to be wrong later, to have the courage to accept my failure. Gandhi didn't find any merit in Consistency and he was not a big fan of saying the same thing for years to come.
The next thing which amazes me is how much he wrote. It takes lot of energy and motivation to continue to communicate to others, when you don't know what is the response. It is possible only if you have enormous strength and positive feeling to everyone around. On all sorts of things, he wrote so much. In such simple language. He had a view on everything and didn't hesitate to say it openly - not bothered about what the specialists will say etc.

Again, looking at myself, where do I stand ? I postponed starting this blogging for more than 4 months, because I was 'busy'. Where is my miniscule responsibility compared to his leadership to a national movement ! It shows his sheer hardwork. I must try to be inspired by him and do a bit more writing - irrespective of whatever is the feedback.

There are hundred things about Gandhi which people do not agree with. I also have reservations on some issues. But, that is immaterial. There are thousand things which I agree with and want to do. Let me see whether this thinking gets translated into action.

I wonder, how will be the finals of the 'Relevance of Gandhian philosophy' debate in J & K schools. I am interested to know. I hope it gets covered in 'The Hindu' or in internet.