Relevance of Gandhi’s Conscientious Politics

October 2, 2024, marked the 155th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Despite ongoing conflicts, human rights violations, and widespread violence, there is a pressing need to engage with Gandhi’s teachings on nonviolence, which offer a path toward peace and moral leadership.

Relevance of Gandhi’s Conscientious Politics

Nonviolence as a Moral Imperative

• Gandhi’s politics were rooted in the principle of nonviolence (Ahimsa), emphasising that peaceful resistance to injustice is not only a strategic choice but a moral necessity.
• In a world marked by wars, terrorism, and civil unrest, Gandhi’s teachings on nonviolence offer a framework for peaceful resistance.

Promoting Social Justice

• Empowerment of the Marginalised: Gandhi’s philosophy emphasises the empowerment of the powerless and the importance of educating individuals about their capacity to resist authority when it is abused.
  • This aligns with modern movements advocating for human rights and social equity.
• Swaraj (Self-rule): His idea of politics encourages people to take responsibility for their own governance rather than authoritarian control.
  • This principle encourages active participation in democracy and civic life.

Fostering Dialogue and Understanding

• Pedagogy of Dialogue: Gandhi’s approach promotes a “pedagogy of dialogue,” where nonviolent struggle fosters understanding and opens pathways for new perspectives.
  • This is essential in today’s polarised societies, where constructive dialogue can resolve conflicts.
• Living Together: The challenge of coexisting peacefully while respecting individual identities is central to Gandhi’s vision.
  • His emphasis on empathetic plurality encourages societies to embrace diversity while working towards common goals.

Sharing is caring!