“A man is but the product of his thoughts; what he thinks, he becomes.” – M K Gandhi
The image of Mahatma Gandhi is etched forever in our memories as a spokesman for the human conscience. Be it his lesson of peace, empathy and non-violence, or his insistent belief in the value of independence, individuality and self-sufficiency, we presently find most of his beliefs moulded into every student’s character through value-based training and moral education in school.

The Nobility of Truth and Non-Violence
Truth and non-violence were at the core of all his ideologies. He believed that “man as animal is violent, but as spirit is non-violent.” The moment he awakens to his inner spirit, he does not remain violent.

Make In India
Gandhiji conveyed the essential message of Make In India way before it became mainstream. By simply dressing as a peasant with his loincloth, wooden sandals and walking stick, he personified India’s miseries and stressed upon the need to manufacture things at home and discourage exports.

Achieving Self-Sufficiency
Mahatma Gandhi was against the idea of absolute industrialisation. He believed that this could eventually lead to the concentration of wealth in very few hands. To avoid such a scenario, he advised his countrymen to spin their own cloth, thus bringing more employment to villages and encouraging self-sufficiency by promoting cottage industries.

Elevation of Consciousness
For humanity to progress, it is imperative for us to understand Gandhian ideals in current times and evolve with them in the future. After all, not only was his perception of love distinct and pure, even his brand of progressive non-violence could express itself best through service, suffering and, if necessary, total sacrifice.

Practical Idealism
All said and done, Mahatma Gandhi was a practical idealist who never forgot that humans are social being with many weaknesses. What makes his story appealing, however, is his unrelenting efforts in conquering those very weaknesses.

Rise and Prosper
He chalked out a social philosophy which is a synthesis between the aspirations and urges of an individual, and of that society which he or she is an inseparable part of. He named it Sarvodaya – to signify the well-being and rise of all, and called it a societal duty to plan the overall development of every individual. Likewise, he also considered it equally necessary for each person to give back to the society as much as they can.

Old but undeniably relevant, in all fairness, the flame of Gandhian ideals is still alive and burning. If only we could learn and act upon his teachings in our everyday life, the Mahatma’s glory will live on till the end of time.