The relevance of Gandhi’s nonviolence in today’s world

Source: The post the relevance of Gandhi’s nonviolence in today’s world has been created, based on the article “How Gandhi’s politics resonates in a world torn by conflicts” published in “Indian Express” on 3rd October is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 4 – Ethics – Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world

Context: The article emphasizes the importance of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence, especially in a world filled with violence. It calls for a deeper understanding of nonviolence, highlighting Gandhi’s teachings on moral leadership, self-rule, and the power of peaceful resistance to injustice.

Why is Gandhi’s Non-violence relevant today?

1. Global Violence: The world faces conflicts like the war in Ukraine and daily killings in Gaza. Violence, human rights abuses, and civil liberty violations show the ongoing relevance of Gandhi’s nonviolent message.
2. Moral Leadership: Gandhi’s teachings offer a path for moral leadership in a world searching for figures like him. Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote, “The choice today is no longer between violence and nonviolence; it is either nonviolence or nonexistence.” emphasizes this need.
3. Swaraj and Self-Realization: Gandhi’s concept of swaraj (self-rule) teaches empowerment of the masses to resist authority when it is abused. It’s a model for self-governance and civic responsibility, vital for creating a just society.
4. Nonviolent Struggle: Nonviolence fosters empathy and civic friendship, offering a way to resolve tensions without violence. Gandhi’s emphasis on “common humanity” helps bridge the divide between “we” and “they”.
5. Historical Impact: Gandhi revolutionized modern politics by making it a process of self-examination and nonviolent resistance. His philosophy reshaped the political landscape, proving its lasting relevance in today’s world.

How did different philosophers around the world view Gandhi’s idea of nonviolence?

1. Martin Luther King Jr.: The article indeed mentions Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous quote: “The choice today is no longer between violence and nonviolence; it is either nonviolence or nonexistence.” He is directly linked to Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence and how it shaped the civil rights movement in the West.
2. Paul Ricoeur: The article references Paul Ricoeur’s question from 1949: “Under what conditions can the nonviolent individual be something other than a pure person on the margins of history?” This is directly connected to Gandhi’s influence on how nonviolence can reshape history and society.
3. Vaclav Havel: The article also cites Vaclav Havel’s words, where he aligns with Gandhi’s ideas, advocating for values like love, solidarity, and tolerance to shape the human community. He emphasizes acting based on conscience, similar to Gandhi’s principles of moral leadership and nonviolent resistance.

How Relevant is Gandhi’s Legacy Today?

Despite skepticism among the youth, Gandhi’s impact on modern Indian history and global politics is undeniable. His teachings continue to offer a framework for reimagining politics away from force and towards self-reflection and nonviolent action.

Question for practice:

Discuss how Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence remains relevant in addressing global conflicts and moral leadership challenges today.