Guiding Influence of Gandhi in Contemporary India: A Timeless Legacy that Shapes the Nation Today
In the 155th birth anniversary year of Mahatma Gandhi, his ideologies and vision for a sustainable, self-reliant, and empowered India continue to influence the nation's development.
Mahatma Gandhi's emphasis on minimalism and responsible consumption is particularly relevant today, as we grapple with challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and resource depletion. His call for a simple lifestyle and emphasis on local production resonate in the Government's initiatives like Make in India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and Vocal for Local. These policies aim to boost local manufacturing, innovation, and self-sufficiency, positioning India as a strong and independent global player.
Gandhi's vision of rural development is reflected in modern initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and more. Each initiative aims at the development of rural areas and people, mirroring Gandhi's focus on uplifting rural communities.
The Swachh Bharat Mission, launched on October 2, 2014, is a nationwide campaign promoting cleanliness and hygiene in India. The Mission's focus on cleanliness and hygiene, and its achievements over the past ten years, including building toilets and working towards open defecation free households, are being built upon in the Sampoorna Swachhata or complete cleanliness mission. This nationwide mission involves local government bodies, women's groups, youth organizations, and community leaders.
The Swachh Bharat Mission's success is highlighted by India's achievement of significant growth in the Global South while maintaining its cultural roots. The Government's commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 is evident in the improvement of India's composite score for SDGs from 57 in 2018 to 71 in 2023-24, according to the SDG India Index 2023-24.
In the realm of renewable energy, India has announced the Panch Amrit for climate action and has made significant progress in this area. The Government is also launching sanitation and cleanliness projects worth over Rs 9600 crore to mark the 10th anniversary of SBM.
Khadi, a hand-woven natural fiber, is a key part of India's textile sector and has been supported by the government as an art form and source of employment for rural artisans. The main organization supporting the production and distribution of Khadi in India is the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), a government institution that promotes Khadi textiles as part of rural development and self-employment strategies.
Mahatma Gandhi's beliefs of non-violence, truth, and self-reliance continue to influence India, shaping its development to make it a global leader while remaining true to its rich cultural heritage. As we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, 2024, let us remember and honour the Father of the Nation and his enduring legacy.
