Ram Krishna, government employee: Gandhian ideas, I think, are relevant in this modern world, but who is following them? Even the youth is concerned only about cricket and such things. The idea of Gandhigiri shown in the film Lage Raho Munnabhai was good. If we can bring any positive changes using Gandhiji’s principle, then it will be useful for society. Gandhiji’s opinion on religion is extremely relevant. Religion must take the policy of live and let live. Non Violence is, was, and will be, the best principle in the world. The world is full of terror. It is better to opt for negotiations than fighting.
Sylvia Fernando, homemaker: I think Gandhian principles are not relevant in today’s times. It is applicable in some cases, not everywhere. There is violence everywhere and nobody is going to practise these principles. The idea of Gandhigiri in the movie ‘Lage raho Munnabhai’ was appealing. Many got attracted to it. I heard that in the US, an Indian protested in this method and won. Satyagraha is a different and appealing method of protest, but I reiterate it cannot be universally applied. The principle has worldwide acceptance, but we can practise it only if others are ready to listen.
Amruthesh, engineer: I think everyone must follow Gandhiji’s ideas. Violence must be tackled diplomatically. Gandhiji’s principles are the best to handle violence. But the idea of satyagraha is outdated. We have to assimilate Gandhian ideas with the experiences of the youth of this generation and new principles must be created to tackle modern dilemmas. The idea of Gandhigiri practised in the film Lage raho was good. I believe 80 per cent people will do anything to avoid defamation. So that kind of Gandhigiri is practical. It will bring power to the people.
Anand Korati, publisher: I think Gandhiji’s principle is relevant only to a certain extent in today’s world. Nowadays, there is violence all over. We can’t practise non-violence under all conditions. Violence to some extent is necessary in today's world. Take the case of Osama Bin Laden who is creating terror worldover. When it comes to such individuals, we can’t follow Gandhiji’s path of non-violence. Also, violence exists in the name of religion. I believe truth is the most important idea preached by him. If everyone decides to tell the truth, then all other problems including violence can be avoided