The world over, one of the most famous and perhaps the most unassuming leader is being remembered today. Our State is not an exception, with many organizations and voluntary bodies clamoring to get in the act with cleanliness drives, observation ceremonies and what not, extolling the leader all the while. It is no doubt a foregone conclusion that everyone would like to, and most probably is already following the ideologies and teachings ofa some prominent person, it would be relevant to try and understand how these individuals, persons like you and me, came to be what they are, rising above the normal social and mental restrictions and binds to lead by example for others to follow and experience, and Mohondas Karamchand Gandhi is one such person from which we all can learn and appreciate a lot, first and foremost, his power of conviction. It would do more justice to the leader to relive his life and follow his ideals and teachings both in the letter and the spirit in our daily life than to put up a show of respect and obeisance one day in a year amidst pomp and grandeur. Many of his observations are still relevant, enforcing the timelessness of his thoughts and ideals. A self-effacing person if there ever was one, Mahatma Gandhi undertook many experiments and self realization efforts, some of which were utterly scandalous and bordering on the absurd- his experiment of celibacy being a case in point, yet he persist, even against impossible oppositions from his closest confidants and allies, his inner strength sustained only by his conviction and his relentless pursuit for truth and his single-minded strive to overcome his mortal weaknesses. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”- a line that clearly underlines his efforts for self-improvement. He also said- An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind- a rather apt reflection of the present psychological leanings being passively endorsed by many a learned and wise preachers of various religions and sects. It is indeed not the admittance of admiration and respect for these great individuals that is needed in the present day society, but a willing embrace of the essence of the thoughts and ideals if inculcated in our daily lives would make ourselves a much more complete and better human being. “I claim to be a simple individual liable to err like any other fellow mortal. I own, however, that I have humility enough to confess my errors and retrace my steps”- words to live by.
