GANDHIJI- AN INSPIRATION

GANDHIJI- AN INSPIRATION

October 2 is Gandhi Jayanthi, the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation. His method of winning Independence for India was unique. He preached and practiced non-violence and non-cooperation to achieve his goal. He campaigned to uplift the downtrodden, to ease poverty, expand woman’s rights, build religious and ethnic amity, end untouchability.What Gandhi achieved in his life was a miracle. He lived in the hearts of millions of Indians and was respected by all. He laid great emphasis on banishing untouchability, promoting Hindu-Muslim unity, promoting literacy and in the development of a great nation —India. He moved the people with his sincerity and sacrifice. At his behest, they were ready to lay down their lives for the freedom of the country from foreign powers. His name lives on. Even after all these years, his principles, dedication and mission continue to inspire the country.

The main reason why people are inspired by Gandhiji is his philosophy of non-violence. He used non-violence to free India from British. His manner of dressing shows us his unwillingness to use foreign products. He always told the people to do their work on their own without depending on others. He tried to eradicate the evil existing at that time — untouchability. These are the reasons why I am inspired by Gandhiji. Though he is not with us today, his great sayings and doings will go on inspiring many people.Gandhiji known as the Father of the Nation and for students like me as Bapu, is the inspiration for millions of people not only during the freedom movement, but even today. He used tools like upavas, satyagraha, ahimsa and non- cooperation to achieve his goal. His most endearing qualities were his insistence to always tell the truth and his disciplined way of life.He admitted his mistakes and never blamed anyone. He was just another simple Indian, and his methods could be easily understood by both the educated and the poor. His humility and depth of understanding in the simplest of actions has made him the “Mahatma”.Gandhiji has shown us how to live by setting an example. He was an ordinary man with an extraordinary will to live his life according to the principles of truth and nonviolence. What he preached he first practised.

Gandhiji believed in non-violence and peace. He was a freedom fighter but differed from other freedom fighters because of his determination. He never gave up and he never lost hope, even when his struggle met with failure. He didn't let go of his belief in non-violence.His life itself is a textbook. He never asked anyone to do anything, but showed everyone how to do it. He is also a true role model for the new generation since he was himself an ideal example for everything he spoke and taught. He inspires because his life still shows the most beautiful picture of love, peace, honesty and truth.He was an intellectual and turned negative things to positive. I am inspired by his sense of sacrifice. He experienced joy in giving and uplifting the masses.Gandhiji led a simple life. He helped people in need without expecting anything in return. He played a significant role fighting against the British rule and making India an independent nation. He encouraged the people of India to fight for freedom and bring peace and harmony to the nation. Gandhiji himself was a peace-loving human being and detested any kind of violence. He did not believe in wars and conflicts as solutions. It is these qualities that Gandhiji exhibited that inspired people to follow him.He practiced simplicity. He was fearless in speaking the truth and he practised non-violent methods to put across his point of view. These principles were first practised by him in his day-to-day life before he asked others to follow them. He gave value to the lives of untouchables, naming them children of God. His nature of feeling the pain of his brethren and fasting for their cause shows his empathy towards human beings.

Mahatma Gandhiji had a large following of people from the villages because he said “Graamraajya hi Raamraajya”. It means that if villages live in prosperity with adequate agriculture and irrigation, the village would flourish as if god himself was ruling the village. He meant that the growth of cities and towns depended on the growth of the villages. He believed in “Graamraajya”. So, he told them that this would be the root of India's glorious independence.Many people struggled for Indian independence and many people lost their lives during the freedom movement. But, when we talk about Indian Independence, Gandhiji's name comes to our mind first and he is regarded as the “Father of our nation”. What is the reason for this? Gandhiji's simplicity and love towards others made him closer to the common man. At all stages during the freedom movement, he preached and practised only Ahimsa or non-violence.It was Gandhiji's simple way of living and his strong, determined character that influenced millions of people to rally in support. His concepts of Satyagraha and Ahimsa sparked interest and enthusiasm in many Indians. He inspired patriotism in every single Indian.Gandhiji never told people to follow him or regard himself as a leader. He never intended to lead but he chose to follow. He followed the truth and what brought happiness to his people. His simplicity, self confidence, truthfulness and empathetic nature made people admire him. He became a leader not because of the false promises he gave to the people like today's politicians but because of the belief nurtured by the people in his deeds. (Ref: Young world)

Prof. John Kurakar