Following the Mahatma

As another ‘Gandhi Jayanti’ arrives, one flips through the pages of the past and pays silent respects to the ‘Father of the Nation’. 

   While the world passes through troubled times, his message of non-violence has become more significant than ever.

For most young people, October 2 is more than just a holiday or waking up to Vaishnava Janato and watching a movie on Gandhi.

 Kshitiz Goliya, a student, says, “Gandhi’s message is more relevant today than before. At a time of violence, terrorism, drone assassins and international incursions, it is his formula of truth and non-violence that stands out.” 

He considers Gandhi as an apostle of peace and feels that the India he had envisioned is a far cry from what it has become. 

“Our country has become the fourth largest importer of arms. Today is a day for reflection on how much we have progressed and how much more we can do in the sector of peace.” Deepu Nagarajan, a final-year student, also shares the same sentiments as he feels that the concept of ‘growth and development’ that is present today is opposite to what Gandhi had thought. 

“To develop India, the government should carry out Gandhi’s message of developing the villages. No doubt that the Mars mission was successful but we should have a reality check on the state of anganwaadis, farmers’ suicides, child labour and school drop-out rate.
”  Aarti, a student of CMRIMS, who considers Gandhi as her role model says that the Mahatma tag has rightly been given as he encompasses the characteristics of a true leader. 

Saranya, another student, says, “Bapu was ahead of his times, followed unconventional methods and was driven by determination to bring us freedom.” 

“He inspired people all over the world like Martin Luther King and Einstein. Most people hardly know how much of a change he brought to the country.”  She feels that citizens should take his message of social service and help the underprivileged. 

“What we can learn from him is to be always humble and down to earth just like him.”  Aarti says that people take pride that they are born in a country with a legacy of great leaders. 

“However, that is not enough. As citizens, we should try to blur the lines between caste, creed, race and religion which Gandhi tirelessly fought for. 

October 2 is a day for introspection.”