<p>Truth, peace, non-violence, respect — these are some facets one associates with Mahatma Gandhi. <br /><br />His principles of non-violence have trickled down over the years and even the youngsters today, remember his lessons. <br /><br />But are Bapu’s thoughts practical considering the turbulent times that we are living in? Agreed that a number of movies like Lage Raho Munnabhai and Gandhi My Father have done a lot to reinforce his thoughts in the lives of people. <br /><br />But with people competing everyday to win the race of life, and not thinking twice about putting others’ lives on stake, do his principles have takers in the modern society? On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi, Metrolife speaks to some youngsters about the ‘Father Of The Nation’. <br /><br />Neeta Paul, a fifth year student of architecture at UVCE strongly believes in the teachings of Gandhi. She quotes one of his sayings, ‘Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.’<br /><br /> “Violence is something the weak and insecure resort to and there is so much of violence prevalent in society today,” she says. <br /><br />“Non-violence is needed for the social, political and moral good of the society. It never fails,” she answers. “And if at the end of it, you are going to achieve your goals, then why not follow it? After all, violence only leads to more violence and can never do any good.” <br /><br />However, Abhilash, a final year engineering student of CMRIT, feels that Gandhi’s principles aren’t applicable in the present society. <br /><br />“These days, everyone is in a hurry and wants things to happen fast. So his ideas require a lot of patience,” he says. “But some of his thoughts can be followed by everyone, like his views on speaking truth and respecting elders,” Abhilash notes. <br /><br />“All he wanted was a peaceful nation and why can’t we attain it by pushing away all the religious barriers?” he asks. <br /><br />Dhruva, a class 12 student of Clarence High School and a believer of Gandhi’s ideologies, feels people don’t have faith in non-violence these days. “They are waiting to create trouble,” he notes. <br /><br />“If only people followed his principles, there would be no trouble in society.” According to Dhruva, there isn’t much awareness amongst people on Gandhi. “So, more people should be taught about his principles,” he says. “It’s heartening to see movies like Lage Raho Munnabhai being made on the Mahatma. After all, the best way to promote him amongst youngsters is to show him in an entertaining light.”</p>
<p>Truth, peace, non-violence, respect — these are some facets one associates with Mahatma Gandhi. <br /><br />His principles of non-violence have trickled down over the years and even the youngsters today, remember his lessons. <br /><br />But are Bapu’s thoughts practical considering the turbulent times that we are living in? Agreed that a number of movies like Lage Raho Munnabhai and Gandhi My Father have done a lot to reinforce his thoughts in the lives of people. <br /><br />But with people competing everyday to win the race of life, and not thinking twice about putting others’ lives on stake, do his principles have takers in the modern society? On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi, Metrolife speaks to some youngsters about the ‘Father Of The Nation’. <br /><br />Neeta Paul, a fifth year student of architecture at UVCE strongly believes in the teachings of Gandhi. She quotes one of his sayings, ‘Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.’<br /><br /> “Violence is something the weak and insecure resort to and there is so much of violence prevalent in society today,” she says. <br /><br />“Non-violence is needed for the social, political and moral good of the society. It never fails,” she answers. “And if at the end of it, you are going to achieve your goals, then why not follow it? After all, violence only leads to more violence and can never do any good.” <br /><br />However, Abhilash, a final year engineering student of CMRIT, feels that Gandhi’s principles aren’t applicable in the present society. <br /><br />“These days, everyone is in a hurry and wants things to happen fast. So his ideas require a lot of patience,” he says. “But some of his thoughts can be followed by everyone, like his views on speaking truth and respecting elders,” Abhilash notes. <br /><br />“All he wanted was a peaceful nation and why can’t we attain it by pushing away all the religious barriers?” he asks. <br /><br />Dhruva, a class 12 student of Clarence High School and a believer of Gandhi’s ideologies, feels people don’t have faith in non-violence these days. “They are waiting to create trouble,” he notes. <br /><br />“If only people followed his principles, there would be no trouble in society.” According to Dhruva, there isn’t much awareness amongst people on Gandhi. “So, more people should be taught about his principles,” he says. “It’s heartening to see movies like Lage Raho Munnabhai being made on the Mahatma. After all, the best way to promote him amongst youngsters is to show him in an entertaining light.”</p>
