Le di hamein azaadi bina khadag bina dhaal
Sabarmati ke sant tune kar diya kamaal
On this day today, I would like to spend a little more time in reflecting on the legacy left behind by the man we call Mahatma Gandhi. He has been loved and hated, followed blindly and ignored blatantly, revered and reviled, and many a times misunderstood.
The most famous legacy that he left behind was his message of non-violence. He not only followed it in his personal life, not only preached it in words, but raised it to an unprecedented level by turning it into an active and successful strategy for gaining freedom. That he could do it with such great results was only possible because of his conviction in himself and his beliefs, his commitment towards his ideals and his undaunted spirit of perseverance.
Attributing the success of our freedom struggle only to one man and one strategy would be unfair to the multitude of people who had significant roles to play in this long drawn struggle. But judging just on its own merits, the novel concept and the unique strategy worked in a way that was second to none.
The efficacy and relevance of non-violence in the present times has been increasingly debated and questioned. It might not be easy to follow or guarantee quick results but is surely sustainable and effective in the long run. But its success will depend on the level of commitment and perseverance that is put into it. The battle for abolition of apartheid in South Africa, fought by Nelson Mandela on the principles of non-violence, forgiveness and peace is sufficient testimony to the relevance of these ideals in present times. The only hindrance in its path is the extra-ordinary amount of will-power and an ability to stay committed to it even in times of adversity that it requires.
Though Mahatma Gandhi’s name has become synonymous with non-violence, there are various other noteworthy characteristics of the man that attract attention. His personality was such that it was prone to be misunderstood, mostly by those wanting to be judgmental but on no sound basis and without trying to get to know about the various facets of his life. I also belonged to the same category of people for some time. But it rattled my peace of mind because I believed something without having any real reasons for my beliefs. Then, one day, my father suggested me to read Mahatma Gandhi’s autobiography – “My Experiments with Truth”. I am thankful to my father today for his timely advice, for I am much the wiser today.His autobiography is not about “Mahatma” Gandhi, but the man who was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, and his journey from the man to the Mahatma. I might still not agree with all his ideals and beliefs, and the means he used to reach his goals, but all the same, I have heartfelt respect and reverence for the man today. The sheer grit, will power and courage of conviction with which he overcame all his weaknesses, is nothing short of unbelievable and is truly inspiring. His ability to stand by what he believed in the face of all resistance was exemplary.
Mahatma Gandhi died a disillusioned man. On the eve of India’s independence, he was fighting his lone battle in the village of Noakhali, trying to bring some order into the chaos. His dream of Hindu-Muslim unity had been brutally crushed by the creation of Pakistan. He could-not prevent it even with all the weight and influence that he had, and considered it his greatest failing.
His efforts towards abolishing untouchability bore fruit with the legal abolition of untouchability as per our Constitution. But the eradication of this ill from the hearts and minds of people still needs a lot of work to be done.
We might not concur with all that he said and did, but our real tribute to this great man will be if we at least make a sincere effort to understand and accept him for the man he was, with all his positives and negatives, and try to walk on the path he showed, if it appeals to our convictions.
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