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Gandhian Values in Today’s World: Relevance and Challenges

Introduction.

Mahatma Gandhi’s values and principles continue to resonate in today’s world, offering insights and guidance in addressing the challenges we face. Gandhian values, such as nonviolence, truth, simplicity, and social justice, remain relevant as we strive for a more peaceful, just, and sustainable society. However, applying these values in the modern context presents its own set of challenges. By examining the relevance and challenges of Gandhian values in today’s world, we can gain a deeper understanding of their significance and how we can embody them in our lives.

Relevance of Gandhian Values

1. nonviolence in conflict resolution.

Gandhi’s principle of nonviolence, or Ahimsa, is as relevant today as it was during his time. In a world marked by conflicts, violence, and oppression, the practice of nonviolence offers an alternative approach to conflict resolution.

Nonviolence encourages us to seek peaceful means of resolving conflicts, engaging in dialogue, and promoting understanding. It emphasizes the power of empathy, compassion, and respect for human dignity in addressing differences and finding common ground.

2. Truth and Integrity in the Era of Disinformation

In the age of digital media and information overload, Gandhi’s emphasis on truth and integrity is more important than ever. The spread of disinformation and “fake news” has eroded trust and deepened divisions in society.

Gandhian values call for truth-seeking, critical thinking, and responsible dissemination of information. It reminds us of the importance of upholding integrity, being discerning consumers of information, and promoting transparency in public discourse.

3. Simplicity and Sustainable Living

Gandhi advocated for a life of simplicity and self-sufficiency, prioritizing needs over wants. In today’s consumer-driven culture, embracing simplicity and sustainable living has become increasingly relevant.

By adopting sustainable practices, reducing consumption, and minimizing waste, we can mitigate the environmental impact of our lifestyles. Gandhi’s emphasis on self-reliance, local economies, and ecological preservation inspires us to live more consciously and harmoniously with nature.

4. Social Justice and Equality

The pursuit of social justice and equality remains a pressing issue in contemporary society. Gandhi’s fight against discrimination and his vision of an inclusive society are still relevant in the face of ongoing inequalities based on race, gender, caste, and socioeconomic status.

Gandhian values encourage us to challenge systems of oppression, advocate for marginalized communities, and work toward a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. They remind us of the importance of solidarity, empathy, and active engagement in addressing social injustices.

Challenges in Applying Gandhian Values

1. violence and conflict.

One of the significant challenges in applying Gandhian values is the prevalence of violence and conflict in today’s world. Nonviolence requires immense courage, self-control, and a willingness to endure suffering, which can be difficult to uphold in the face of aggression and oppression.

Addressing this challenge involves a collective commitment to de-escalating conflicts, promoting dialogue, and fostering a culture of nonviolence. It requires cultivating empathy and finding constructive ways to address grievances, both at individual and societal levels.

2. Technological Advancements and Information Overload

Technological advancements and the rise of social media have transformed the way information is disseminated and consumed. While these developments have the potential for positive change, they also pose challenges to Gandhian values.

The rapid spread of information and the ease with which false narratives can be propagated present challenges to truth and integrity. It requires a conscious effort to discern reliable sources, critically evaluate information, and combat the proliferation of disinformation.

3. Materialism and Consumerism

The dominance of materialistic and consumerist values poses a challenge to Gandhian principles of simplicity and sustainable living. The relentless pursuit of material wealth and the culture of instant gratification hinder efforts toward a more equitable and sustainable society.

To address this challenge, individuals can strive to prioritize needs over wants, practice mindful consumption, and advocate for policies that promote sustainable development. Promoting awareness about the environmental and social impacts of consumerism is crucial in shifting societal values towards sustainability and simplicity.

4. Deep-Rooted Systems of Inequality

Gandhi’s vision of social justice and equality faces the challenge of deeply entrenched systems of inequality and discrimination. Overcoming these systemic barriers requires sustained efforts, collective action, and policy changes.

Addressing this challenge involves challenging discriminatory laws and practices, advocating for inclusive policies, and promoting dialogue and understanding among diverse groups. It requires recognizing privilege, amplifying marginalized voices, and actively working towards dismantling oppressive structures.

The values espoused by Mahatma Gandhi continue to hold relevance and offer guidance in today’s complex world. Nonviolence, truth, simplicity, social justice, and equality are timeless principles that can inspire individual and collective action toward a more peaceful, just, and sustainable society.

While challenges exist in applying Gandhian values, they can be overcome through collective efforts, conscious choices, and a commitment to personal and societal transformation. By embracing Gandhian values and embodying them in our lives, we contribute to the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and pave the way for a more compassionate and equitable world.

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Gandhi in the Twenty First Century pp 3–16 Cite as

Gandhi in the Twenty-First Century: Ideas and Relevance

  • Anshuman Behera 3 &
  • Shailesh Nayak 3  
  • First Online: 11 February 2022

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This is an introductory chapter of this edited volume. This chapter reflects on the relevance of Gandhian ideas in dealing with the contemporary societal challenges. Departing from a body of literature that confines Gandhi and his ideas to a specific time, this chapter holds the view that Gandhian ideas transcend time. Accordingly, the chapter stresses on the critical need for revisiting Gandhi’s ideas keeping in mind the challenges that the society is witnessing. To blur the distinction between Gandhi as a philosopher, an activist, and a freedom fighter, this chapter highlights the surplus element in Gandhi in his multiple personality and roles. The first part of the chapter reasons with the need for and importance of revisiting and engaging with Gandhi’s ideas. And the second part briefly explains the fourteen critical themes pertaining to Gandhi’s ideas around which the book has been compiled.

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Gandhi defined his understanding of Ramraj during Indian National Congress (INC) session in Faizpore, 1936. He mentioned that: ‘By this I do not mean a mere imitation of the British House of Commons or the Soviet rule of Russia or the Fascist rule of Italy or the Nazi rule of Germany. They have systems suited to their genius. We must have systems suited to our genius. What that can be is more than I can tell. I have described it as Ramraj , that is sovereignty of the people based on moral authority’ (cited in Pandey, 1988 ).

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Behera, A., Nayak, S. (2022). Gandhi in the Twenty-First Century: Ideas and Relevance. In: Behera, A., Nayak, S. (eds) Gandhi in the Twenty First Century. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-8476-0_1

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The Relevance of Gandhi in Contemporary Times

In 'Why Gandhi Still Matters', Rajmohan Gandhi helps us understand the Mahatma’s legacy and analyses his ideas of ahimsa, Hindu-Muslim unity as well as his changing stand on the issue of caste.

The Relevance of Gandhi in Contemporary Times

In ‘a polarised nation and a violent world’, how relevant is the idea of non-violence? For a post-truth society, what relevance can compassion have? These questions lead us on a search for an ideal that can show us the path towards a better society. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi continues to be such a figure to people across the globe even after nearly seven decades of his assassination. What makes Gandhi an interesting figure?

Rajmohan Gandhi’s book Why Gandhi Still Matters  seems to suggest the framework for understanding the relevance of Gandhi in contemporary times, particularly during the year that marks the 100th anniversary of Gandhi-led Champaran Satyagraha and ahead of his 150th birth anniversary in 2019.

Structurally divided into nine chapters, the book captures several interesting and less discussed aspects of Gandhi’s life. Being a collection of revised versions of the author’s lectures on Gandhi, the book is different from any other existing work on him, as it provides the formula for understanding his legacy. The author states that Gandhi’s legacy has various constituents, including non-violence as a weapon of struggle and the independent nation of India.

In examining Gandhi’s weapon of non-violence, the author discusses the struggle of five individuals who successfully used it with ‘compelling powers’: Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., the Dalai Lama and Aung San Suu Kyi. For instance, the author traces the anti-racism movement in the US in brief and highlights the impact of Gandhi on Martin Luther King Jr.

essay on relevance of gandhian principles in today's world

Rajmohan Gandhi Why Gandhi Still Matters: An Appraisal of the Mahatma’s Legacy Aleph Book Company, 2017

On March 22, 1959, King had read a sermon about Gandhi: “[He] was able to achieve for his people from the domination of the British Empire without lifting one gun or uttering one curse word.” Four years later, in 1963, King delivered his famous ‘I have a dream’ speech. Subsequently, because of the movement, the blacks in the US   won two battles – the Civil Rights Act came into existence in 1964 and the Voting Rights Act came into being in 1965.

For King, to quote the author, “Gandhi had shown a way both moral and practical for oppressed people to fight injustice”. For the African-Americans, it was a historic win when the US got its first black president in 2009, and one who takes inspiration from Gandhi . Regarding the other constituents of Gandhi’s legacy, the author aptly invokes Gandhi’s following words from January 12, 1948 : “The loss of her soul (Hindu-Muslim unity) by India will mean the loss of the hope of the aching, storm-tossed and hungry world.”

This work on Gandhi also answers several interesting questions – What was Gandhi’s dominant passion? How did Gandhi hit upon satyagraha or non-violent resistance, which was his gift to the world? Who or what was Gandhi’s god? According to the author, ‘ ahimsa ’ (non-violence) became ‘an explosive yet constructive force’ in Gandhi’s hands. While highlighting that “driving the British out was Gandhi’s primary if not sole goal”, the author presents that removal of caste hierarchy and untouchability, and Hindu-Muslim unity were also major driving forces for him.

The author quotes Gandhi’s radical proposal to Hindu women on January 3, 1947: “Invite a Harijan every day to dine with you. Or at least ask the Harijan to touch the food or the water before you consume it. Do penance for your sins”. The author calls this a ‘bold suggestion’. Apart from these, compassion for others, sanitation and punctuality also were Gandhi’s lifelong passions. The book also traces and discusses, in detail, Gandhi’s relations with Winston Churchill and Muhammad Ali Jinnah respectively. The author also compares Gandhi’s ‘ahimsa’ with Western pacifism.

Further, the book expands our understanding of Gandhi and captures his far-sightedness. Gandhi was the first one, as evident in the book, to propose to independent India to appoint a Dalit/tribal president as a ‘strong symbolic move’ towards eradication of caste differences.

The book also breaks myths around Gandhi. The author suggests that Gandhi’s famous work Hind Swaraj was a ‘challenge above all to [British] Empire, rather than to modernity’.

essay on relevance of gandhian principles in today's world

Mahatma Gandhi and Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

I found the most interesting aspect to be the author’s analysis of Gandhi’s changing stand on the issue of caste and his relationship with a powerful figure of contemporary India, Bhimrao Ambedkar. The author calls the question of caste ‘the most discussed Gandhi-related’ issue in present India. Many proponents of social justice convey that we must choose between Gandhi and Ambedkar . However, I consider that to be a false debate. Even though they had differences on some issues, their goal was the same. A combined reading of Ambedkar’s and Gandhi’s ideas is the need of the hour. The critics of Gandhian philosophy often invoke the famous Poona Pact  (1932). Interestingly, shortly after signing the pact, Ambedkar had said that he had been ‘surprised, immensely surprised’ to find ‘so much in common’ between Gandhi and himself. Rajmohan has punctured the myth of the rivalry between Gandhi and Ambedkar and has aptly summarised the relation between the two in the following words:

“[History] shows that Gandhi and Ambedkar had much in common. Both understood the inevitability of conflict between sections of a diverse and at times sharply divided people. Both agreed, however, that struggle had to be resolute, fearless, passionate but also peaceful, for killing damaged a struggle’s goal.” “For Ambedkar, and also for Gandhi, Dalit solidarity, Dalit education and the Dalit vote were weapons far superior to the lathi or the gun; when used by a vulnerable Dalit, the latter only played into the hands of the better armed enemy.” “Both realized that the culmination of a struggle for justice was usually negotiation and settlement rather than surrender by the foe and complete triumph for one’s side. Despite harsh experiences, both knew that the adversary in a struggle, the Other, was a human being too, and that justice seldom endured with reconciliation.”

The book also contains an interesting exchange:

“When two months after Gandhi’s death, Ambedkar married Sharada Kabir, a Brahmin doctor, (his first wife, Ramabai, had died in 1935), Vallabhbhai Patel wrote to him, ‘I am sure if Bapu were alive he would have given you his blessings’’ Ambedkar replied, ‘I agree that Bapu, if he had been alive, would have blessed it’.”

It is true that though Gandhi was always against untouchability, he had some reservation about the annihilation of the caste system. However, his ideas on caste evolved with time and as independence neared, he became more critical of the caste system.

Quite often, the critics of Gandhi have often pointed out his inconsistent stand on a number of issues. In this regard, it would be apt to quote one of his greatest and closest disciples, Ram Manohar Lohia, who stated that:

“A great man, if he is connected for half a century or more with public life, must have made contradictory statements. Mahatma Gandhi, with his rare insight, made nevertheless certain conflicting assertions on the British Empire, the caste system and capital and labour relationships. From his belief that the caste system was a part of religion, he went on to say that it was a sin.”

I, therefore, have a small suggestion for the author. I believe that in the future, he should also present a work on the undiscussed relationship between Gandhi and Lohia. This is because despite being a Gandhi loyalist, Lohia was always getting Gandhi to reflect on his thoughts and views.

Rajmohan Gandhi. Credit: Twitter/@RajMohan_Gandhi

Rajmohan Gandhi. Credit: Twitter/@RajMohan_Gandhi

At a time when extremism is on the rise  and so are the number of  hate crimes against India’s minorities and depressed classes, Gandhi’s ideas are more relevant than ever. As mentioned earlier, Hindu-Muslim friendship was Gandhi’s lifelong passion. Two incidents from Gandhi’s life, as can be read in the book, underline contemporary India’s obligation to stand and fight for its freedom fighters’ ideals.

First, while others were celebrating independence, Gandhi was trying to bring peace in riot-hit areas after the Partition. Second, during post-independence riots in Delhi, Gandhi openly confronted the then Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief M.S. Golwalkar regarding the reports that RSS was involved in the Delhi violence. In reply to a question by Gandhi, Golwalkar denied the allegations and had said that RSS did not stand for killing of Muslims. Thereafter, Gandhi had asked him to state so publicly.

Rajmohan’s book has been brought at the right time. It is a small but complete package about Mahatma Gandhi for anyone who has not read him yet. The book comprehensively covers the key issues around Gandhi and presents a number of not-so-popular facts and incidents related to him. I would say that this is a must-read book not only for all admirers of Gandhi, but also for those who seem to have formed prejudices against him.

Anurag Bhaskar is law clerk-cum-research assistant to Justice D.Y. Chandrachud at the Supreme Court of India. He tweets @anuragbhaskar_. 

Relevance of Gandhian Principles in Today's World

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The moment the mighty character of Gandhi rises before us, the question presents itself: What is his significance today and for the future? What inspiration can we take from his life? What light can his thought and wisdom shed on our complications? How does his way of life disturb our course of action in private and public affairs? That Gandhi is significant today and for centuries to come is not in hesitation at all. The words which Nehru uttered almost instantly after Gandhi’s sudden exit from this world are found to prove prophetic. Nehru said, the light is gone and yet it will shine for a thousand years. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Nobel Peace Prize winner of America, came to India as a pilgrim in 1959. After a month’s sojourn in the land of Gandhi, on the eve of his departure, he was questioned a cynical question at a press conference in Delhi. Where is Gandhi today? He was asked: we see him nowhere. Dr. Martin Luther King ’s reply was that Gandhi was inevitable. If humanity is to growth, Gandhi is inescapable. He lived, thought and acted, inspired by the vision of a humankind evolving towards a world of peace and harmony. We may ignore him only at our own risk.

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Relevance of gandhianism in today’s world.

Om Prakash Parida

Om Prakash Parida

Omprakash Parida is working as Assistant Collector in the district of Ganjam, Odisha after clearing the Odisha Civil Services Examination. He has completed his masters degree from Delhi Technological University, Delhi. He is a person who loves to play Football. He writes on socio- cultural and current issues observing the surroundings vividly. Working for people in public life and mixing with them fascinates him. He is fun loving person of an attitude of never giving up. LESS ... MORE

2nd October 2019 is a great day for India, as the country celebrates 150th birth anniversary of the father of nation Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi. Not only that, but the world celebrates the auspicious day as international day for non-violence to pay respect and acceptance to the true spirit of non- violence promoted by Gandhiji throughout his life.

Gandhianism starts with the famous line – ‘ Simple living and high thinking’.

This itself is also suggestive of the fact that thoughts of an individual have a great role in shaping his/ her life. That’s why gandhianism appears to be simple to everyone but in real sense practicing it in day to day life is difficult. For instance, remaining truthful, tolerant, non-violent and respecting others in difficult circumstances of life require a great degree commitment.

Truth, the core values of Gandhian philosophy, has been given a special importance by Gandhiji as he himself has tried to remain truthful throughout his life. The autobiography of this great saint – ‘ My experiments with Truth’ testimonies the love of Gandhiji for truth. Gandhian view of truth was irreversible in different contexts irrespective of the urgency of the situation similar to the path followed by Immanuel Kant. This was why in the mid of Non-Cooperation movement Gandhiji cancelled the movement after the satyagrahis deviated from the path of truth and violent incident of Chaurichaura took place where British officers were burnt alive by the satyagrahis. Further, Gandhiji believed that truth empowers an individual whereas lies weaken a person from within. This principle of truthfulness to self and to the world is essential for students in the current context to excel in future life.

Another key component of Gandhianism is non-violence of Gandhiji which was the great weapon used by him during the freedom movement of India against British Raj. Normally, people say that non-violence is the weapon of weak but in reality non-violence and tolerance require a great level of courage and patience. In world that is moving through the phases of war marred by violence and naked dance of death of common people due to the menace of terrorism there is a significant requirement of Gandhian idea of Non- violence more and more today than the past days.

Gandhiji used to respect all religions. The secular ideologies of Gandhiji are not only there in Indian constitution but also there in Indian society as a core value system. That is why so many people of diverse religions coexist in India. Gandhianism was tolerant towards all religions and the world today needs more and more religiously and faith wise tolerant people in societies where violence is committed in the name of religion. Tolerance in the society will help in neutralizing the ethnocentric bias in the globe that is taking place day by day on the basis of religion, caste, ethnicity and region etc.

Gandhian idea of decentralization of power can be implemented in democracies through empowered local self governments at grass root level. Indian government, for instance, have implemented local self government by adopting to Panchayati Raj and Municipality system in rural and urban areas respectively.

Gandhi was against the caste system which is still a taboo in India and that was why he was in favour of Vedic system of Varna where people were assigned to certain varnas on the basis of their work not birth as followed in the rigid and oppressive caste system. The term Harijana was coined by Gandhiji to pay respect to the lower caste people and he did not enter the premises of the temples where lower caste people were not allowed. Thus, the Gandhian philosophy is useful create a casteless society where everyone is treated equally irrespective of their caste.

Socialism is another basic philosophical entity of Gandhianism. Although Gandhian view of socialism is not radical in its approach but it aspires for a classless society with no poverty, no hunger, no unemployment and education and health for all. These Gandhian ideologies have become the lighthouse for Indian policy makers over the years. Starting from poverty alleviation to Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and universal health care( Ayushman Bharat) to skill India programs everywhere the core inspiration comes from Gandhianism. National food security act of India to Obamacare policy of the United States of America Gandhian concept of socialism holds the key as a guiding principle.

Gandhiji was giving great emphasis upon cleanliness or Swacchta. He used to say- ‘ Swacchta Hin Seva’ . The recent Swacchta Bharat Abhiyaan, the biggest cleanliness drive of India, is to fulfill the dream of Bapu by making India clean. This cleanliness drive is more than physical cleanliness as Gandhiji used to emphasize upon the internal cleanliness of the individual. Thus, along with clean roads, toilets for a clean India we require a corruption free society with greater level of transparency and accountability too.

The world is whirling under the burden of global warming, climate change and resource crunch. The world, including the United Nation has recognized Gandhian idea of sustainable development and the recent inauguration of Gandhi Solar Park at the headquarters United Nations(UN) is a testimony to that. Behind all the climate deals, environmental conservation treaties and sustainable development goals of the UN Gandhian view self sustenance operates as driving philosophy.

‘Earth has enough for Human needs, But not for Human greed’s’

These lines of Mahatma Gandhi reflect upon how human behaviour destroys nature and how a sustainable way of living is the need of the hour. Gandhian idea of trusteeship holds relevance in the current scenario as people live lavish lifestyle and destroy the resources recklessly indebting future generations.

On ethical and behavioural part Gandhianism has much significance today because society is witnessing the degradation of values. Gandhian virtues of self control is much needed in a materialistic world driven by the desire to achieve and acquire more. Societal values have degraded to such an extent that people don’t hesitate to kill someone for the gratification of their own needs. Respect for women is one of the major ideas of Gandhian philosophy and the world is witnessing the increased level of violence, subjugation women face nowadays in society. Gandhian dream of a safe country necessities safety for women and that will come from the virtue of self control. Adding more to this list of moral qualities of Gandhiji are punctuality, duty boundness and honesty etc and all these have to be the essence of administration for good governance and perfect service delivery to the last person standing in the queue as proposed by the antodaya philosophy of Gandhiji.

Gandhiji and Gandhianism are always more than what we know. Gandhiji’s political contributions offered us Independence but his ideologies enlighten India as well as the world even today after so many years. Perhaps this was known to Nobel prize winner Rabindranath Tagore in those days and he had rightly called Gandhiji as Mahatma. Every individual, thus, should follow the key Gandhian ideologies in their day to day life for a happy, prosperous, healthy, harmonious and sustainable future.

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Home / Essay Samples / History / Mahatma Gandhi / Relevance Of Gandhi’S Principles In Today’S World

Relevance Of Gandhi’S Principles In Today’S World

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