Satyagraha is still an important part of the Indian psyche: Youth for Gandhism

Ruchita Misra, author
Gandhi’s principles are still relevant in today’s fast-paced, cut-throat, hectic and competitive world, attest youngsters.Amongst the various teachings of Gandhiji, the one that is most dear to me is the Gandhian principle of Satyagrah (literally translated it means holding on to the truth). I have realised how powerful and liberating it is to speak the truth. Given the demands, expectations and norms of society, I also know that sometimes it is wiser to not speak the truth. However, speaking the truth to yourself and accepting your own shortcomings or mistakes is a massive first step in making yourself a bigger, better person. As they say, when you know better, you do better. It is amazing how difficult it is to be brutally honest to yourself. It is equally amazing how much peace acknowledging the truth can bring to you.

Riya Chakravarty, media professional
The one Gandhian value that is still as relevant and strong as ever is non-violence. However aggressive and intolerant a race we might be, at the end of the day what attracts Indians the most is peaceful co-existence. Irom Sharmila, Anna Hazare and the India Gate candlelit marches during Jessica Lal murder case, are examples of this belief. Also, movies and artworks which depicted this Gandhian element have been widely accepted. Gandhi may be a figure of the past but his Satyagraha is still an important part of the Indian psyche.

Devika Mittal, student, LSR College
We may not agree with everything Gandhiji advocated but there some things which are still relevant. I admire Bapu for his stance on non-communal, secular nationalism. I do try to follow some of his principles in my life, sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. Gandhiji’s ideal worked for Anna but did it work for Irom Sharmila? His views on strengthening economy by promoting traditional industries is very relevant today.

Satyajit Rastogi, IT professional
Whatever I have learnt or known about Gandhi is by reading about him. I gathered that even in extreme situations he remained calm. I was short-tempered during my childhood but as I grew up and read more about Gandhi and the way he handled situations, I tried to emulate his calm and composed nature. Now, I can control my anger. I am able to easily weather even acute situations of trouble and anxiety. I think this is the best lesson that Gandhi has taught me.

Neema Sharma,
student
The Gandhian principle of honesty is often ignored in the world today. But being honest and standing up for what is right makes one a better person and the world a better place.
In my earlier years, I often felt that honesty was overrated, yet you somehow realise its worth over the years. I make genuine efforts to be true... if not to others, then at least to myself. Nothing good will happen to you if you don’t feel or do good. Life is as good as you make it.
I now strongly believe in being true to myself. If I don’t think something is right, I won’t do it. I will take a stand and fight for it. I may not win a gold medal but at the end of the day I feel good about myself.
How many of us thank God and not crib to Him? How many of us can control our reactions? Even if someone talks to you rudely, and you don’t answer in the same vein, it will make that person think. Life is too short to be rude and selfish. Also, it’s not about living in extremes but finding a middle path.

Pooja Gulati, professional
Mahatma Gandhi was a strict vegetarian and I admire this quality about him. He loved animals and always believed in treating them right. He was a devotee of Ahimsa (Non-Violence) and followed that rule for animals too. He consumed goat’s milk, and showed the world that he followed what he preached. His ideals have changed the world and I feel his philosophy on vegetarianism has the potential to further change the world.