His teachings offer timeless guidance

The "Father of the Nation" in India, continues to be highly relevant in the 21st century due to his enduring philosophies of non-violence, truth and simplicity. At a time when the world faces numerous challenges like political unrest, social injustice, environmental degradation, and rising inequality, Gandhi's teachings offer timeless guidance.

His principle of Ahimsa demonstrates that real strength lies in moral courage and peaceful resistance, not in physical force. This lesson resonates today in global movements for social justice, such as Black Lives Matter and climate activism, where peaceful protests continue to demand equality and sustainability.

Gandhi's vision of a world where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and understanding rather than violence is especially pertinent in the context of ongoing conflicts like the war in Ukraine, civil unrest in places like Manipur, and the Israel-Palestine conflict. His philosophy offers an alternative approach that could foster more lasting peace in today's world of constant turmoil.

In the modern era, Gandhi's concept of Satyagraha is also incredibly relevant. We live amidst widespread misinformation, fake news, and political manipulation. His emphasis on the power of truth and integrity serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty in leadership and governance. While leaders around the world talk about treaties and publish reports, the willingness to accept the truth and act upon it is often lacking. Gandhi's insistence on the moral power of truth invites people, politicians and institutions to commit to transparency and ethical governance, particularly when addressing global issues like human rights abuses and systemic corruption.

Moreover, Gandhi's commitment to simplicity and sustainability is vital in today's world, which is grappling with climate change, depleting natural resources, and unsustainable consumption patterns. His advocacy for self-sufficiency, mindful consumption and living in harmony with nature offers a pathway for addressing these global environmental crisis.

Gandhi believed in minimising one's needs and living in a way that had the least impact on the planet, an idea that directly addresses our current over consumption of resources and environmental degradation. His teachings continue to provide a moral compass, reminding us that peace, integrity and sustainability are the keys to creating a more equitable world.

The writer is a student of Class XII, Yadavindra Public School, Patiala