Mahatma Gandhi is widely known as the Father of the Nation in India. His leadership, commitment to non-violence and dedication to India’s independence struggle have left a lasting legacy.
His principles of truth, non-violence, and social justice continue to inspire not only Indians but people around the world.
Even after using the internet for about 14-15 years, I used to stay away from social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. But two years ago, I created an account on social media due to pressure from my friends.
Last year, on Gandhi Jayanti, I was shocked to see that social media was filled with vulgar jokes about Gandhi Ji. It made me think a lot and left me amazed at the disrespect.
The complex relationship between Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas and the current sentiment among the younger generation in India can be seen through various lenses.
Firstly, it’s important to recognize that Gandhi’s values—non-violence, restraint, brotherhood, and his vision of Ram Rajya—were deeply rooted in his quest for social harmony and political independence.
These principles have stood the test of time and continue to resonate with many. However, as the world and India itself have evolved, there has been a shift in the way these ideals are perceived by different generations.
For the younger generation, there are several reasons why Gandhi's popularity might be challenged, despite his monumental contributions to India's independence:
Changing Nationalism: The rise of more assertive nationalism in recent times, marked by a desire for a stronger, more self-reliant India, has led to a shift away from Gandhi’s ideas of passive resistance.
Many of today’s youth view assertive action, military strength, and national pride as more important than the philosophy of non-violence.
This shift, particularly in the context of India’s growing global influence, contrasts with Gandhi’s emphasis on peace and restraint.
Disillusionment with Politics: The association of Gandhi’s legacy with the political establishment, particularly the Nehru-Gandhi family, has led some younger Indians to question the relevance of his ideas in today’s context.
The perception that Gandhi’s legacy has been used or distorted by politicians for their gain has also affected his image, leading to feelings of disillusionment among those who feel disconnected from his philosophy.
Perception of Weakness: Some critics argue that Gandhi’s stance on non-violence made India vulnerable in certain historical moments, and this perception is often magnified in the present scenario where youth, facing contemporary challenges, might desire stronger, more direct solutions. Nationalism today often ties itself with pride in military strength and assertive diplomacy, contrasting sharply with Gandhi’s non-confrontational methods.
Economic and Technological Shifts: The focus on economic development, technological growth, and global competitiveness in India’s current narrative can sometimes overshadow Gandhi’s ideas about simple living, self-reliance, and rural empowerment.
The Appeal of Strong Leadership: The growing preference for strong leadership and decisive action in India contrasts with Gandhi’s emphasis on dialogue, gradual change, and non-violence.
As the country faces new challenges, some may feel that Gandhi’s methods of struggle no longer align with the political or social realities of the 21st century.
The younger generation may be more inclined towards rapid modernization, and the slow, deliberate pace of Gandhi’s ideas might seem out of touch with these aspirations.
The growing anger towards the Gandhi family and the Congress party in India has, unfortunately, been linked to Mahatma Gandhi's legacy.
Many people believe that the present Gandhi family, which claims to have inherited Mahatma Gandhi’s political legacy, is responsible for much of the country’s current struggles. They argue that this family was imposed on India due to Mahatma Gandhi’s influence, but rather than following his principles of simplicity, non-violence, and service to the nation, the family’s political actions have often seemed disconnected from those ideals.
This perception has fueled resentment, with a significant section of the population holding the Gandhi family accountable for the country’s political and social turmoil, which has indirectly contributed to the diminishing respect for Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy.
It is evident that in India, especially among the youth, there is no inherent resentment towards Gandhi and his ideals. However, the politicians who have built their petty political careers under the guise of Gandhi’s name have tarnished his legacy through their actions.
The principles of truth, non-violence, and service to the nation that Gandhi stood for have been compromised by those seeking personal gain, leading to a distorted view of his legacy. The disillusionment is not with Gandhi himself but with those who have misused his name for their agendas.
A very interesting article.
Especially in reporting on Nehru’s admiration for Communism and its Soviet leaders Lenin and Stalin.
In my opinion :Only due to Nehru this country could remain secular like before. Only due to Nehru the casteism, that was removed by Jesus 2000 years back was removed from India. Earlier period only people from high societies used to get enlightened. Jesus broken this link and enlightenment of people from lower section of society begun. In India Kabir, Dadu, Meera(women were said to incapable of getting enlightened too), Raidas, Laila and many more.
My knowledge on this subject is very limited, I have only read Kabir and Raidas, so I cannot say anything, I hope you will continue to tell similar informative things in the future.
Thanks for your kindness towards an unknown person like me. May Gods bless you with enlightenment ‘in this life itself’. It is going to happen in 2000years or 5000years but surely it will happen. God has eternity in store to wait for willingness of person. The matter is only that ‘is in this life I am giving enough try to achieve it?’. It happens on its own, so we can only try but every effort remains with us forever ie शुभ लाभ. शुभ वही जो मरने के बाद भी साथ रहे।
I have little understanding but I can suggest that you can begin with those mystics that you are well versed with. I added one of my favourite to the list.
Osho on Kabir in Hindi:
सुनो भई साधो, कस्तूरी कुंडल बसै, कहे कबीर दीवाना, मेरा मुझमें कुछ नहीं, गूँगे केरी सर्करा, कहे कबीर मैं पूरा पाया, होनी होय सो होय.
On Raidas :
मन ही पूजा मन ही धूप।
On Gorakhnath:
मरो हे जोगी मरो, (मरो मरण है मीठा)
Thanks a lot for taking the time to read the post
Many secrets that are kept in the museum of Kgb in Moscow, if it comes out to the world, then you can get very shocking results.
If they came to you, then they already came to the world also!
We are simple people, we see that to save old cows-young people were killed, still export of beef is growing. In the name of development, forests preserved till date (by Nehru family) are handed over to private parties, sold government institutions while we were told that money is laying in Swiss Bank- this is your Swiss bank.
Same will happen with KGB too, secret lies in new type of communism rising in India-Hindutva manuwadi communism based on 2000 year old system of cast.
Thanks Nitinji, for your very educative writeup on the life of Mahatma Gandhi!Let us remember our two great leaders Mahatma Gandhi & Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries today for their immense contribution to the nation.🙌
Nitinji Kindly find some of yr precious time to comment on my latest blog-Madhya Pradesh……..❤
चौहान जी , भगवान आप को लम्बी उम्र दे। बिल्कुल भगवान् ने आप को बहुत लम्बी उम्र दी है । दो महीने तक खराब computer जो agency से दो दिन पहले मिला । आज सुबह ही आपको लिखने की सोच रहा था कि आपकी पोस्ट मिली । 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 आपके सहयोग और समर्थन के लिए शब्द नहीं हैं, मैं खुद भी आपका ब्लॉग देखने को बहुत उत्सुक हूँ । उम्मीद करता हूँ की आपकी पोस्ट हर बार की तरह knowledge से भरपूर होगी । नवरात्रि पर्व की आपको और परिवार को बहुत बहुत बधाइयाँ और शुभकामनाएं 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Happy Navratri to you and yr family alongwith all the hearty wishes. Actually I am not a person to find any petty issues as such: only that I care about my close friends such as you❤
NAMASKAR ,
There was a problem with my computer, I was sorry for the late answer
Thanks for your reply and reading
Your post in detail on Madhya Pradesh, [best as always],
The post you have written on South India is amazing, I have visited South India many times, but I had no information about Vishwanatham Temple.
It would have been better if you had gone to Vijyanagaram in your journey to South India, there is not much information about Vijiayangaram in North India, through you, more people would get to know about Vijayanagaram from your excellent writing style.
Nitin Singhji, I like your attitude of being very much thorough about details of any destination as this is very much desirable of a writer to post authentic information related to the place!Thanks a lot Sir!I am sorry for problem in your computer though it it is so normal thing to happen.Take yr time
thanks chauhan ji,
Chauhan ji thank you very much for taking the time to read the post and give valuable advice.
Completely agree with you, a person like Lal Bahadur Shastri ji cannot be forgotten.
there was some problem in my computer, for this reason I could not write the post as per my wish.
I thought write posts on both, Gandhi ji, and Lal Bahadur Shastri ji I from Benaras, so I got chance to know Shastri’s thoughts closely but computer problems turned it over. In some way I was able to complete a post, I will write in detail on Shastri ji when I get the time ahead.
JAI JAVAN , JAI KISAN
Nitinji ,that was no issue as such !I am sorry if you realized it as an error !I was trying to add to your writeup only as I could not single out one person when the birth anniversaries of both fell on the same day !You can as well elaborate on the great life of Lal Bahadur Shastri in near future. No issue Sir !
We are yet to discover the real ‘essence’ of Gandhiji….each one has their own interpretations!
indira hope you well ,there was a problem with my computer, I was sorry for the late answer
Thanks for your reply and reading.Totally agree with your views. Gandhiji’s interpretation in today’s context is the need
Well penned
thnx
thnx, there was a problem with my computer, I was sorry for the late answer
Thanks for your reply and reading
I think I’m a member of every social media, but I barely do anything there other than privately talk to friends.
I love the rest of the article. I got no religion, but I agree with the things that were said here. Gandhi is one of the people I admired.
Why India accepted everyone? We look at the possibility of a human being, and destiny of everyone is same ie enlightenment. Then all are going to fall in God some day, that too any moment.
Kabir said :
काला नाला, हिम जल, सो फिर पानी होई।
जो पानी मोती भया, सो फिर नीर ना होई॥
Muddy or black water and snow all are water only but once a drop of water turns into a Pearl, then it leaves the cycle for ever. Pearl is used as a metaphor for Enlightenment of a human being, because the process is very similar.
काला नाला, हिम जल, सो फिर पानी होई।
जो पानी मोती भया, सो फिर नीर ना होई॥
Muddy or black water and snow all are water only but once a drop of water turns into a Pearl, then it leaves the cycle for ever. Pearl is used as a metaphor for Enlightenment of a human being, because the process is very similar.
You a very intelligent person, in very few words, such a wonderful thing explained with an example, thank you very much.
Once enlightened the person is given responsibility to serve as master for all others and free them from the cycle too. Just like it happens in film ‘Kung-fu Panda-1’.
कबीर ने कहा है, गुरु कृपा से मैं सिर्फ़ निमित्त मात्र हूँ आप तक उनकी बात पहुँचे इसका।
hi , jessica hope you well ,
There was a problem with my computer, I was sorry for the late answer
Thanks for your reply and reading
I’m well 🙂 and no problem
This is a very interesting one..!😁🙌🏻
And greatly penned too
There was a problem with my computer, I was sorry for the late answer
Thanks for your reply and reading akshita
That okay Nitin.🥰
It was my great pleasure reading the piece. Have a lovely day ❤
A wonderfully penned article.
I can only agree – Gandhi’s thinking was impressive.
There was a problem with my computer, I was sorry for the late answer
Thanks for your reply and reading. Completely agree with your views
Why India accepted everyone? We look at the possibility of a human being, and destiny of everyone is same ie enlightenment. Then all are going to fall in God some day, that too any moment.
Kabir said :
काला नाला, हिम जल, सो फिर पानी होई।
जो पानी मोती भया, सो फिर नीर ना होई॥
Muddy or black water and snow all are water only but once a drop of water turns into a Pearl, then it leaves the cycle for ever. Pearl is used as a metaphor for Enlightenment of a human being, because the process is very similar.
I wish to put my opinion and OSHO’s forecast with regard to these two statements
…Nehru was a staunch supporter of communist, imperialist ideology.
… Communists of India were all agents of Russia.
Familyism or imperialism of a certain circles of traditional families is OK in India. These families try best to stop familyism or imperialism of any new family with new thoughts. Every city has thousands of such examples be it in business, politics, films, business, art, medicine, engineering etc.
OSHO predicted that whenever Communism will setup its roots in India, it will be in the form of ‘Manuwaad’ otherwise there is no possibility of it in India.
However he was supporter of communism only for its atheist approach. Communism believes in no-God philosophy which is better because saying yes to any God without experiencing is deceiving the self, then the inner journey will never begin. Osho was against all other aspects of communism as it stands on equality by cutting roots of intelligent peoples. For that they can legally use violence of any type against them. This is where Manuwaad and communism seems meeting but actually Manuwadi people too do not believe in God, from their heart, just show others for making profit- God is their business.
There was a problem with my computer, I was sorry for the late answer
Thanks for your reply and reading
I completely agree with you, OSHO was a great philosopher and thinker, let me know his thoughts through you.
As per my little experience in this infinite and never ending spiritual journey I can only suggest you what helped me. It may not work for you but will sure encourage you to take first easiest step at least. Mahavir said that the beginning is the most difficult. Lao Tzu said that journey of 1000 miles begines with first step. He even says that then all are just repetition so not to be counted. So journey finishes in second step-the last. He surprises that after these two steps you find yourself there only from you begin but you got transformed into a totally new person like you have given birth (dwij) to yourself. So it is a path less path, you travel and reach, but bodily you remain there only the inner gets transformed.
Osho on Kabir in Hindi:
सुनो भई साधो, कस्तूरी कुंडल बसै, कहे कबीर दीवाना, मेरा मुझमें कुछ नहीं, गूँगे केरी सर्करा, कहे कबीर मैं पूरा पाया, होनी होय सो होय.
On Raidas :
मन ही पूजा मन ही धूप।
On Gorakhnath:
मरो हे जोगी मरो, (मरो मरण है मीठा)
It is my intuition that now only OSHO disciples are getting enlightened but it is very difficult to recognise them because they live very ordinary life. I trust that my visit to Allahabad Kumbh in 2012 showered blessings of some mystic there. Jesus said that God throws the net like a fisherman and only those worth eating are chosen and rest thrown into the river again. So not only it is important that one is trying hard in spiritual journey, some living mystic must shower his blessings too. OSHO foundation, Pune is such place for OSHO disciples where both, new disciples and enlightened ones, meets and enlightened one chooses the one who is putting in sincere efforts.
My favourite meditation that changed my life and lead to explore spiritual journey parallel to job, family (including independent parents), serving society and raising kids.
My favourite meditation that I am practicing last 35 years is Awareness/Mindfulness Meditation during brushing my teeth. Earlier it was a robotic act and I used to think about past or future act/activity/instances etc. By being totally aware during brushing feeling it’s abrasion on every tooth, coupled with sensation of paste etc all thoughts slowly got dissolved and only present moment remained. Miraculous it is, as it engrossed all my activities over the period of time.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2641985275825745&id=188447071179590&ref=m_notif¬if_t=feedback_reaction_generic
Ahimsa is very good idea and I wish everyone and every country can have a peace. Thank you for your educational post and following Suitcase Travel blog! Have a great weekend!
There was a problem with my computer, I was sorry for the late answer, thnx for yours reply n reading.
No problem at all!
Really laudable, amazing write up. Jai jwan jai kishan. All Bahadur sashtri my role model. 🙏
agree with you completely.
आप ऐसा समझते हैं,ये मेरे लिए बहुत इज्जत की बात है । 🙏🙏🙏
Wow very well written
I think everyone (even Social media abusers, troll army) admires and believes in gandhi ji ideology ….But they don’t like the role of Gandhi ji during partition of India 😃
Also one family tried their best to represent gandhi ji as their own family member …..
उत्कृष्ट लेख
thnx, ya , Gandhi’s name has been spoiled by the Gandhians.
it’s true that people can be so crass — & so as social media rises, so does crassness…
A good article on your thoughts and beliefs, including the history. Thank you for stopping by my site and if you ever have questions about my beliefs I would be glad to answer the best I can.
thnx, thank u v much you liked the post.
You’ve an interesting way of looking at things.
thnx kally ,
From my travels though the temples of South India this past March in South India. I observe the non – violent ideals of Gandhi remain alive and well.