Learning from Gandhi: A Legacy That Continues to Guide Modern India

India, as a nation, has always remained true to its roots, and in doing so, it has achieved unparalleled growth in the Global South. A guiding principle for India has been the ideologies of its visionary and historic leaders. Mahatma Gandhi and his beliefs of non-violence, truth, and self-reliance stand the test of time.

As we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti in 2024, the 155th birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, let us see the role his ideologies are playing in answering some of the biggest challenges being faced by modern India. 

Swachh Bharat and Clean India

Mahatma Gandhi famously said, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” His emphasis on cleanliness as a fundamental aspect of individual and societal well-being found place in the landmark Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) or Clean India Mission. SBM is a nationwide campaign to have a cleaner and hygienic India that was launched on 2 October 2014 – the 145th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. For Mahatma Gandhi, sanitation was a major quest that India had to undertake to truly grow as a community.

To mark the 10th anniversary of SBM, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is launching sanitation and cleanliness projects worth over Rs 9600 crore. The projects focus on urban water and sewage systems under AMRUT, National Mission for Clean Ganga and Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant. 

The Swachh Bharat Diwas programme highlights ten years of India’s achievements in sanitation, including building toilets and working towards open defecation free households. The recently concluded Swachhata Hi Seva campaign has also yielded notable outcomes in cleanliness across the country. The Government is now actioning Sampoorna Swachhata or complete cleanliness that will be a nationwide mission involving local government bodies, women’s groups, youth organizations, and community leaders.

Rural Employment and Empowerment 

Mahatma Gandhi believed that the development of the nation hinged on Gram Vikas or rural development, and making villages the centres of economic progress. Today, this vision finds its modern equivalent in initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana for housing, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana for rural skill development, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and many more. Each initiative is aimed at the development of rural areas and people. 

Make in India and Self- Reliance 

 Mahatma Gandhi also believed that India’s growth after Independence would be dependent on how it worked to be self-reliant and economically independent. This ideology of Gandhi has found space in policies like Make in India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local. 

Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) is fuelling innovation, local manufacturing, and self-sufficiency as India positions itself strong and independent global player. From the defence sector to renewable energy, every sector is utilising the principles of Make in India and going for local production and manufacturing that boosts our overall gross domestic Product (GDP). 

Promotion of Khadi 

Khadi or Khaddar is a hand woven natural fibre that forms the cornerstone of India’s textile sector. What had started as a form of economic resistance to British-made clothes and save India’s clothing industry in early 20th century by Mahatma Gandhi is today a policy that is backed by the Government. 

The institutionalisation of All India Khadi and Village Industries Board and the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) post-Independence helped keep this industry and art of textile making alive. This has helped the empowerment of rural artisans and creation of employment. Today, khadi is India’s linen. 

Sustainable Development 

 Mahatma Gandhi famously said, “The world has enough for everyone’s need, but not for everyone’s greed.” He advocated for minimalism and responsible consumption, ensuring the protection of nature. This is especially relevant in today’s world as we face challenges of climate change, environmental degradation and resource depletion. Mahatma Gandhi’s words serve as a reminder to focus on sustainable development and balance development with social equity and environmental care. 

According to SDG India Index 2023-24, India’s composite score for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) improved from 57 in 2018 to 71 in 2023-24 showcasing India’s commitment to achieving the goals by 2030.  India has also announced the Panch Amrit for climate action and has made impressive progress in this area with significant initiatives in renewable energy, sustainable mobility, and green hydrogen.

There is no doubt that Mahatma Gandhi was a true visionary leader and his principles are very relevant today, after 78 years of Independence. In embodying Gandhi’s spirit of self-reliance, self-rule, sustainability and rural empowerment, India stands to benefit deeply and become a global leader while remaining true to its rich cultural heritage.