As the world observes the first International Day of Non-Violence, India the birth place of the Mahatma and its billions of citizens should feel embarrassed at the muted silence of the world’s largest democracy to the happenings in neighbor Burma where the military regime has cracked down on peaceful pro-democracy protestors. Besides, the killing of several innocent civilians, close to 1,500 Buddhist monks, nuns and other protesters have been arrested since taking to the streets in peaceful demonstrations two weeks ago. Going against the tide, India’s Foreign Minister on his visit for the UN General Assembly officially declared New Delhi’s opposition to imposition of sanctions and in the process made a weak attempt to placate global public sentiment by urging the military junta to set up an inquiry into the use of force against peaceful protestors.
Back home, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in what can be termed as paradoxical, send out the message hoping the global community will rediscover the relevance of the eternal message of Mahatma Gandhi for fighting conflict, violence and terrorism. The question that begs an answer is whether Gandhi’s message of non- violence and satyagraha, of the equality of all people is a message meant solely for public consumption or is it likewise an inspiration for the democratic ideals that the country stands for? Unfortunately, New Delhi’s stand on Burma is something, which the people of India cannot be proud of although the State may lap in the euphoria of the international community declaring October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Likewise, in the context of India and the world community at large, non violence has become a metaphor to be cherished and desired only during such commemoration. Gandhi, the prophet of non-violence must surely stand defeated. As such, remembering Gandhi on his birthday is one thing but today one must reflect on his teachings. Gandhi was a philosopher of the politics of peaceful protest. His basic aim was to find out how a law abiding citizen or group should resist constitutional authority and provided a definite guide for peaceful conflict resolution. Gandhi was aware about history where fighting evil with evil only accentuated evil and violence. If ever our purpose is to put an end to violence then it surely cannot be done through the use of violent methods, was his underlying message.
Another powerful message of Gandhi was his notion of satyagraha that no one is wholly right or wrong. Such an attitude leads to the conversion of enemies into friends and resolution of points of conflict into points of agreement acceptable to both. It is therefore of immense importance to start relating to this profound message. Gandhi’s teaching has become more relevant today. The values of freedom, equality and fraternity as practiced today have been distorted to a large extent. Arms and violence cannot ensure freedom and peace just as consumerism cannot eliminate poverty. Corrupt money certainly cannot bring prosperity and happiness to society. Hegemony cannot foster fraternity or the equal respect for one’s rights. In the crisis that we find ourselves grappling with, Gandhi’s politics and principles deserve a prominent place not only in our hearts but more importantly in our actions.
