Why Gandhi is relevant today

When asked whether he was a Hindu, Mahatma Gandhi’s answer was, “I am a Hindu, a Christian, a Muslim, a Jew.”  Gandhi’s vision transcended the narrow boundaries defined by religions though he was deeply religious.  One of the primary functions of religion is to make one a better human being.  A genuinely religious person cannot see other human beings as enemies whatever religion they may belong to, whatever language they may speak, and whatever ideology they may believe in.  Religion is pointless if it does not make the believer compassionate towards his fellow beings.

The greatness of Gandhi lies in the inclusiveness of his vision.  He could not hate anyone, not even the British whom he fought until his country won independence from them.  “It is my constant prayer,” Gandhi said, “that I may never have a feeling of anger against my traducers…”  His religion enabled him to overcome such vices as anger and hatred.

Religion has a very pragmatic duty to fulfil in Gandhi’s vision,” as I wrote seven years ago on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. Religion should help people to see the divinity within each human being.  It should help us to foster that divinity.  It should make each person a god, in short.   Gandhi used scriptures, religious practices, prayers and self-disciplinary measures for that very purpose: to become a god.  That is why he could confidently say, “My life is my message.”  His life was indeed as divine as it could be for a human being.

We live in a time when religion has been converted by the political system into a highly divisive force.  Indians have become acutely conscious of their religious identity.  Too many people are using that identity and the political situation in the country to create hatred within human hearts in the name of religion.  I’m quite optimistic that the situation will change with the next general election.  There is so much discontent among the people that the present situation cannot go on for long.  Even religious sentiments won’t work beyond a limit.

But the ideal solution is not reaching the breaking point of the limits of patience.  The ideal solution is what Gandhi taught long ago: compassion, tolerance, understanding, and so on.  Gandhi will remain relevant at any time because of the profundity of his vision.