JUST AN OPINION!

“GANDHISM MEANS NOTHING TO THE MODERN GENERATION”

‘Gandhism’, is an informal reference to the vision, core inspirations, principles, beliefs, philosophies of Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi who was a major political leader of India and Indian freedom Movement. This doctrine preaches the principles of ‘Truth’, ‘Non-violence, and ‘Self Sacrifice’, ‘Self-suffering’. The philosophy of ‘Gandhism’ aims at vindication of truth, not by inflicting of suffering on the opponent but one’s own self. All this seems soothing to the ears but is seldom implemented by the Youth. And it pains my heart to speak in favor of this statement which is unfortunately “The Truth”. For us, Gandhism are simply some values that were preached by a bespectacled young man clad in white dhotis and chappals and Gandhiji, ‘the forgotten Hero.’ The question is why the new Generation is apathetic towards these values? Why only Lage Raho Munnabhai made us think about Gandhi beyond our history textbooks? Well I think simply because in this high tech, revolutionized, competitive world the youth has one motto- accomplishment of their goals. Beg, Borrow and steal is their mantra for success. It is futile to even imagine the Gen-X connecting with this very term ‘Gandhism’. It had its importance years ago, and also has it today but the youth does not dare to accept it as their way of life. Or I would rather say they can’t afford to. The berserk youth is opportunist. Their perception of values is different. For them words like ‘Truth’, ‘self sacrifice’ and ‘Non Violence’ are anachronistic. Take a little example. Ask yourself, will you ever sacrifice a good job for the person who is needier? Is it possible to silently tolerate embarrassment? Or readily offer your face for another slap? Well, the answer is straight, A big NO for most of us. And, who cares about truth and nonviolence as far as the purpose is being served? In today’s times the moolah rules, youth has become materialistic, ostentation is considered as a virtue therefore Gandhism is a buried past.
They think and act differently. For them, Non-violence is a word only confined to the dictionaries. This is proved by the recent beating of Professor Sabharwal of Ujjain who was manhandled by unruly students, allegedly belonging to the ABVP, after college union polls were cancelled following allegations of irregularities. They chose the path of violence over Non-violence. They could have easily avoided all the mayhem and heinous results which resulted in the death of the professor. This was the consequence because, the youth today welcomes violence with open arms and are not reluctant to follow their instincts. To suffice one’s own desires is the topmost priority for the youngsters.
If still you feel there is any room for doubt, I will give you yet another very good example. I ask you all one question, answer it honestly. How was the movie ‘Rang de Basanti’? ………………..
Appealing, Fantastic, amazing…and here we are, staunchly supporting violence. This movie impressed the youth and also managed to derive their sympathy for the four revengeful youngsters who ultimately used the weapon of violence as a means to reach their aim, when all other doors were closed. They shot the defence minister, and then surrendered. And how can we forget it was appreciated by our unpredictable Modern Generation.
The youth is too much invested in the fabrics of society. The complexities of life and the environment leave no other alternative for them but to embrace victory at any cost. I won’t claim values have lost its significance, but would definitely say they have acquired some new meanings keeping in tune with the vacillating times.