Gandhi Jayanti 2024: Today, i.e 2 October , India is Paying Homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth Anniversary. Mahatma Gandhi has been a warrior for truth and non-violence that made India fight for independence remarkable and continues to be a light in the quest for peace at global levels. His teachings are not mere historical experiences but do resonate deeply with modern-day issues., Through the novel practice of Satyagraha—non-violent resistance— Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi led the India struggle into freedom from the British. In this article we will learn about Mahatma Gandhi’s global impact and the importance of his philosophy in our quest for a peaceful and inclusive world.
Geopolitical Tensions in 2024
This year too, while ratcheting up the tensions between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Iran, thus turning the geopolitical scene in modern times darker on the globe, the sense of unease regarding more flare-ups from these conflicts is palpable. Both the conflicts have their roots deep in history, and the intensification of these conflicts leads to a belief in the shift from diplomatic resolution toward war, thereby questioning the modernity of Mahatma Gandhi’s message of peace and non-violence.
Historical Background: Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Iran
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which started as annexation by Russia over Crimea in 2014 and turned full-scale war in 2022, has divided Europe and the world. International sanctions and diplomatic efforts have had little to no influence. The fighting continues, and both sides are suffering heavily in terms of casualties. The battle is a continuation of the desire of Russia to maintain its kind of influence in the Eastern European region while the other side seeks resistance and support from the West. The long, almost six-year conflict has led to large-scale destruction, displacement, and a tendency to reject peaceful negotiations. As with the case of Israel-Iran, this situation has its beginning and origin from the Iranian Revolution, after 1979. The erstwhile good friend turned into an arch-nemesis of Israel, and Iran shot up as an antagonist to Israel, loudly siding with Palestinian causes. Decades and years saw them fighting each other by proxy wars in Syria and Lebanon. The recent activities occurred during 2024 when Iran fired ballistic missiles into Israel.
Role of the United States
In the Russia Ukraine war, America has supported Ukraine militarily, along with other NATO allies, while taking severe sanctions against Russia. In the Israel-Iran conflict, Washington has supported Israel through both diplomatic and military means. The strategic interests of Washington in the Middle East, particularly to counter Iran’s rising influence, have kept it engaged in the region, which however, did nothing to reduce the tension.
Why Gandhi’s Peace Message Resonating in Today’s Time
For the UPSC aspirants and students of Indian history, the life and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi present a very important insight into India’s modern identity. The approach he applied to combating social and political change through peaceful resistance is not merely history but the living philosophy of the 21st century. The fact that justice, equality, and communal harmony are the hallmarks of Gandhi inspires the political and social discourses of this world at large today.
It was on that tragic day of January 30, 1948, when Nathuram Godse, tragically assassinated Mahatma Gandhi. India and the world were left silenced and shocked at the loss of the voice that pressed unceasingly for non-violence and brotherhood. However, his ideas never disappeared, inspiring giants like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, who imitated Gandhi in their civil rights movements.
Quotes By Mahatma Gandhi
Here are some Mahatma Gandhi Quotes.
- Be the change that you wish to see in the world
- Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever
- The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong
- An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind
- Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony
The eternal teachings of non-violence, truth, and social upliftment of Gandhi now appear to be a timeless roadmap for resolving the latest set of modern conflicts. Celebrating Gandhi Jayanti in 2024 is a great moment to reflect on how this vision of peaceful co-existence and sustainable living can also guide us towards an increasingly harmonious and just future. Thus, on Gandhi Jayanti 2024, we are reminded of the relevance of Gandhi’s philosophy in our quest for a peaceful and inclusive world.