Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, India. He was an Indian Lawyer, a social activist, a politician and a writer. His contributions to the freedom struggle and shaping the destiny of Independent India is something every Indian admires. He became the leader of the Nationalist Movement of India against the British rule. He is widely known for his doctrine of ‘Ahimsa’ and the non violent protest known as ‘Satyagraha’. His way of boycotting the British, incorporating nonviolent methods, won many hearts and gathered him respect from people of all spheres. He came to be known as the Father of the Nation, a title so prestigious clearly shows how important he was to the freedom struggle.

His emphasis on using peaceful methods to win our battle of freedom was inspiring to many. He believed that peace can only exist if there is equality of opportunity for all. A balance in all areas is necessary. A good social system is possible is if all people are able to access their political rights such that they choose a certain political system and representatives that they desire. Only then it is possible to maintain a social system where there are no unfulfilled aspirations.

In a balanced society there will be a possibility of a good economic system that aims for the growth and development of the country.

Similarly there is supposed to be balance in religious practices such that there is no discrimination and ensured equal status of women. This idea of balancing out the uneven status and to ensure equality of opportunity to all was Gandhi’s idea of Peace. He gave comprehensive solutions for peaceful existence. We can understand his lessons as being three fold:

The goal of peace will benefit all the people of the country rather than just the majority.

But this goal can be achieved only at the cost of some sacrifices.

Political power alone will not assure peace we all have to work for peace and democracy jointly.

It is always easy to postulate the principles but the real deal is how these can actually be put to practise. How to execute the process that leads to peace.

When Gandhiji went to South Africa he saw how people had become accustomed to the harsh treatment that they were subjected to. The workers there chose to commit suicide to run away from the contracts of their employers. The farmers in India were facing a similar situation. He tried to make them realise their rights and instilled in them a desire to resist the oppression that they suffered from. As a result the suppressed took to the streets in order to attract some attention to their plight.

This mass action was seen as violent by authorities in South Africa where as the brutality in the township and lives that were lost attracted very less attention. 

There are many peace treaties signed in the world but the basic ground level concerns remain unaddressed, which according to Gandhiji are main determinants of Peace. The negotiations seem promising but peace in South Africa and the World is a pressing issue.

Attaining political power is the first step to achieving a peaceful world. But further we have the responsibility to make it happen. We have to inculcate the Gandhian principles of peace in order to be guided by them. Redistribution of resources to maintain equality. It is only when the basic needs are satisfied we are able to focus on existential goals like Peace.

Apart from the political criteria, other factors like economic, religious, intellectual, environmental and gender also determine the status of an individual in a society.

We cannot ignore the killings and destruction of property, illiteracy, poverty, religious intolerance and gender discrimination faced by people when we talk about peace.

Thus the problem is clearly identified. The solution can be designed  accomodating  Gandhian principles :

The people equipped with resources and power of type, economic, religious, civic,political or administrative can understand a holistic view of peace. Sharing of resources and expertise and funds is important as Gandhiji said there will be cost to it. Increasing the readiness of the people to face the future challenges optimistically and responsibly.

Change of Government alone can not work wonders it is the small contributions of every institution and household to get rid of unfair practices of inequality and injustice that will make a change.

Fostering feelings of love, care, sharing, empathy, generosity and communal understanding can help in the process of building an equitable society.

Children should be taught a culture of non violence by not encouraging war toys and violent, games, media and books. But resistence to injustice, and responsibility towards community. 

See people as individuals with individual liberty to achieve their best potential. More role of government in economic spheres can help reducing the economic divide, contributing to stability.

This all-inclusive growth of the society will definitely help achieve a peaceful world. Gandhiji had a far sighted vision for the people of India and following his way to adopt stability seems very realistic and can surely do us good. He was a man with a great mind and wise principles. His principles on peace are admired by people all over the world and his greatness is the reason why we still remember and celebrate him. Along with values of non violence, peace, truth, and honesty, he has taught us the true essence of selflessness, nationalism charity, empathy and love for the fellow beings. Mahatma Gandhi is a hero in the true sense.

Aishwarya Says:

I have always been against Glorifying Over Work and therefore, in the year 2021, I have decided to launch this campaign “Balancing Life”and talk about this wrong practice, that we have been following since last few years. I will be talking to and interviewing around 1 lakh people in the coming 2021 and publish their interview regarding their opinion on glamourising Over Work.

If you are interested in participating in the same, do let me know.

Do follow me on Facebook, Twitter  Youtube and Instagram.

The copyright of this Article belongs exclusively to Ms. Aishwarya Sandeep. Reproduction of the same, without permission will amount to Copyright Infringement. Appropriate Legal Action under the Indian Laws will be taken.

If you would also like to contribute to my website, then do share your articles or poems at adv.aishwaryasandeep@gmail.com

We also have a Facebook Group Restarter Moms for Mothers or Women who would like to rejoin their careers post a career break or women who are enterpreneurs.

We are also running a series Inspirational Women from January 2021 to March 31,2021, featuring around 1000 stories about Indian Women, who changed the world. #choosetochallenge