Seventy years since the man died and yet his discourses and decisions are accrued over time for unimaginable gains.Albert Einstein rightly said "Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth".And yes Einstein was right. I mean, seriously, shot thrice point blank and die chanting the name of God, today's so called propagandists I suppose might not hail omnipotent over one's own life.The striking feature of Gandhi is his introspection and the rightful clinging to his self truth.Gandhi from a psychological point of view is a phenomena comparatively over his political or religious stand.With that being displayed or considered a disclaimer I can present my view point about him in the safe zone of psychology to escape the wrath of so called "bhakts".
Gandhi and Self:
Gandhi ,from my point of view not only experimented with truth but also emphasised such experimentation as an essentiality for mankind.In his autobiography he mentions about his relationship with Kasturba Gandhi and the earlier jealousy that made him play the role of a strict husband.He does mention about the lustful love and what then it cost him.This man,Gandhi, stands a tall as a role model for introspecting one self in detail.It is true that not many would want to converse with the ugly face one hides within.It is this unique nature of experimentation that intrigues me whenever I read Gandhi.Not just me but any who would want to learn the act of self control should begin from the Gandhian thought.
Gandhi and Globalisation:
In this globalised world where we tend to lose our indigenous nature owing to peer pressure,Gandhi gladly accepted the worldly culture and remodelled it to his own terms based on the concept of truth.Gandhi says,"I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any. I refuse to live in other people’s houses as an interloper, a beggar or a slave".Embracing cultures without losing nativity is the first step towards globalisation leaving aside the Capitalist thoughts which unfolds on its roll towards the growth.While I applaud Gandhian thought on culture,it is true that the man failed to connect the economical prospects that culture bring with its sellable business.Yet,Gandhian thoughts stands a tall where he puts forth truth above all else.
Wit and Gandhi:
"Had I not been be able to enjoy wits I would have been dead long back" says Gandhi to a reporter.I remember reading in a book an incident that caught my nerve to write a political satire.The incident thus goes 'Gandhi and Jinnah shared a common dais on public meeting.The meeting was held on the road side and the platform was raised right in the middle of the road with two mics placed,one on the left and the other on the right.Jinnah who chose the mic on the left was witted by Gandhi saying ,"Jinnah,please be on the right.Always be on the right side."Jinnah's reply outwitted Gandhi and left him laughing happily.The reply of Jinnah was,"Mr.Gandhi,this is a public road so I will keep left".The left and right political ideologies beautifully conversed between two intellectuals is a rare event in the political arena today.Such was the man whose inclination towards humanity appreciated yet not accepted contrary thoughts.The unique blend of maintaining "self" without a selfish nature.
Gandhi and Caste:
The one particular controversial subject for any political thinker would the path of Gandhi versus Dr.Ambedkar.The fountain head of our constitution though accepted Gandhi as a leader in the front run was not inclined towards his views of religion and caste.One needs to understand Gandhian thought as a war within oneself which cannot be extended towards the society.Gandhi expected the mankind to be inherently good willed and united ,while rejecting the ideas of untouchability, violence and superiority as a folly web in the midst of which mankind was caught.This is an impractical thought for many as it goes against Darwinism and the oscillating race of man's mind.But again,Gandhi was a man who tried to make the impractical a practical thing.True that he failed and died trying.
Non violence and Gandhi:
Gandhian non violence is known world wide and has been an inspiration for many world leaders including Mr.Obama.The Bose-Gandhi scenario would lets us understand his true stand towards non violence.While many claim that Gandhi was a buffer for British in negotiations with then colonist Indian leaders, an Independence achieved via non violence have lasted until now.History gives the facts that arms rise in achieving Independence for any nation have resulted in the repeat of such event in the later years too.I have a high regard for Netaji and his ideals yet on an individual perspective I still believe in Gandhian non violence to tackle my life taking problems.The views may differ but the ideal is near Utopian and almost impossible to cling on until your death.Gandhi did that.
True reverence:
While much have been written about Gandhian thoughts ,one should also look into the penetration of such thoughts within oneself and into the society.The name Gandhi has now become a fashion symbol for many paid publicity stunts.The ideals on the first place are not read widely and on the second are completely walled as a thought of weakness.However Gandhi has become easily sellable and is considered as a priced possession by all with his untainted smile in the whirl of fiat currency circulation.I wish his thoughts and ideals too be caught and sold in that whirl wind.In the web of tangled life the only reverence to Gandhi will be to practice his ideals in one's personal life.The strange experimentation with truth shall begin.
