Why Gandhi Is the Most Inspiring Indian Even 150 Years after His Birth

2 October 2020 was the 150th birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. While recent ideological narratives have tried to malign the memory of this tallest of Indians, the fact is that Bapu and his ideas continue to be a beacon for the world so many decades after his death. The man who inspired and continues to inspire revolutionaries and activists around the world is still revered. His ideas of tolerance, truth, nonviolence and empathy continue to reverberate; 2^nd October continues to be a significant event the world over.

Gandhi's ideas and his life are celebrated the world over; including by our former colonisers. He had the respect of his oppressors even; not just his followers.  There are sound reasons why the most noteworthy film about the man was made by an Englishman.

Countries all over the world observe Gandhi Jayanti; statues of the man can be found in remote corners of the world.

Revolutionaries such as Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela; world leaders such as Barack Obama and many others claim to draw inspiration from Gandhiji.

Gandhiji’s favourite song was Vaishnava jana toh, which speaks about having empathy for the less fortunate and about retaining one’s humility even when doing good for others.

Foreign leaders and heads of state from all over know of Gandhiji and his teachings and acknowledge their immense significance even today.

While many in India are losing sight of the vital importance of the man and his thoughts; his ideas continue to flourish all over the world.

Gandhi united and channelled a nation’s aspirations constructively; garnering the critical mass for our independence struggle. Confronted with cruel, unjust rulers Gandhiji used satyagraha, swadeshi, noncooperation & fasting to bend the most powerful kingdom in the world to his will.    

Gandhiji’s new and unprecedented forms of nonviolent resistant confused and frustrated India's colonial rulers. It is easy to quash a violent rebellion, but how does an oppressive force justify violence in the face of nonviolence?

Gandhiji's unique form of agitation earned him the respect of his oppressors and his thoughts continue to give courage to oppressed people all over the world to demand equal rights.

Simplicity and self-reliance have been the bedrock of Gandhian thought and his emphasis on rural cottage industry helped promote khadi, handloom and other traditional skills.

There are those who believe that the ideals of speaking the truth; especially speaking truth to power and in the face of injustice, are in danger today.

Mahatma Gandhi gave us a blueprint for life: simplicity, self-reliance, an unshakeable commitment to truth, empathy for the less fortunate and courage to speak up to power. These are values that are timeless; as important today as when Bapu fought for our independence. A real tribute to Gandhiji on his 150^th birthday would be for each of us to truly try and live up those ideals.