Another Gandhi Jayanti came and went. The government offices, banks and other establishments enjoyed yet another holiday. Politicians who were not busy blowing their own trumpet, mouthed a few platitudes about the greatness of the Mahatma. Pictures will appear in the newspapers tomorrow about how our corrupt leaders paid their respects at Rajghat. I wonder what the Mahatma is thinking as he looks at all that is happening in this beloved nation of his, for which he fought relentlessly against the British.
Gandhiji believed in simple living, high thinking. He spun the charkha and clad himself in coarse cotton. He eschewed all creature comforts and exhorted others to do likewise by setting an example. He was concerned about housing, clothing and feeding the poor. He felt that if we cut out wasteful expenditure there would be enough for all our countrymen. Today however, the rich are growing richer and the poor, poorer. The divide between the haves and have-nots has widened alarmingly. This in turn has lead to dishonesty and frustration giving rise to increased crime rate. The rich flaunt their wealth shamelessly. Extravagant weddings, opulent homes, consumerism are at an all-time high…if that excess income was diverted to educating the poor, making available sanitation and nutritious food for the needy, our country would be a better and safer place to live in. People would respect each other and live in harmony.
Gandhiji believed in non-violence. Today, when you look at a news channel or read a newspaper, the only news reported is that of violence. Murders, riots, frenzy and everything unpleasant in the land of Gandhi! He sent the British packing with his non-violent movement and here we are busy eliminating each other in the most gruesome manner. Is this what he struggled for? People are fighting over religion, over caste, creed…this was not what he taught us. He had said “It is easy enough to be friendly with one’s friends. But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion.” Gandhiji had launched the Quit India Movement, to drive the British away. Today youngsters have been quitting India as they are dissatisfied with conditions here and prefer to use their energies to enrich other nations. This is indeed very sad.
On this solemn day, we need to renew a pledge, we owe it to the Mahatma.
There is a need for a peaceful revolution in this country. The darkness of ignorance has to be dispelled. We have to weed out corruption. We should raise our voices against injustice. We should address the needs of the poor. Above all, we need to shake our apathy and elect leaders of merit who will help steer this wonderful land of ours to its former glory. Let us live in peaceful coexistence. Gandhiji always sang, “Ishwar Allah tero naam, sabko sanmati de Bhagwaan.”
