Gandhi Jayanti: 10 key teachings of Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary

Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, fondly known as Mahatma later, was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a coastal town in Gujarat. His life and philosophy continue to inspire generations, transcending borders and time, as his principles of nonviolence, civil disobedience, and social justice remain as relevant today as they were during his lifetime.

He studied law in England and later became a lawyer in South Africa, where he first encountered racial discrimination, sparking his activism. Gandhi's commitment to non-violent civil disobedience, known as "Satyagraha," became his hallmark - and a major shift in the fight for freedom back then.

Here are few of his teachings on Gandhi Jayanti.

1. Ahimsa (Non violence):
At the core of Gandhi's philosophy was the principle of Ahimsa, or nonviolence. He believed that change could be achieved through peaceful means, advocating for dialogue and understanding even in the face of adversity.

2. Satyagraha (Civil Disobedience):
Gandhi pioneered the concept of Satyagraha, a form of civil disobedience rooted in truth and moral strength. He encouraged individuals to peacefully resist unjust laws and policies through nonviolent resistance.

3. Swaraj (Self-Rule):
The idea of Swaraj, or self-rule, was central to Gandhi's vision for India. He believed that true freedom could only be attained when the people governed themselves, free from colonial oppression.

4. Sarvodaya (Welfare of All):
Gandhi worked for the upliftment of the marginalized and oppressed. His principle of Sarvodaya emphasized the welfare of all, ensuring that the benefits of progress reached every stratum of society.

5. Khadi (Handspun Cloth):
To promote self-reliance and economic independence, Gandhi encouraged the use of Khadi, handspun and handwoven cloth. This simple act had profound economic implications and symbolized resistance to British imports.

6. Interfaith Harmony:
Gandhi championed interfaith harmony and believed in the essential unity of all religions. His prayer meetings included participants from various faiths, fostering a spirit of tolerance and respect.

7. Simplicity and Minimalism:
The Mahatma himself lived a life of extreme simplicity and minimalism. He believed in reducing one's material needs to the bare minimum, emphasizing the importance of inner fulfillment over material wealth.

8. Equality and Social Justice:
Gandhi was a tireless advocate for social justice, fighting against discrimination based on caste, creed, or gender. He called for an inclusive society where every individual enjoyed equal rights.

9. Constructive Programmes:
In addition to opposing injustice, Gandhi believed in constructive work that improved the lives of people. His efforts included education, healthcare, and rural development to empower communities.

10. Equality for all:
Gandhi was a believer in equality and started calling the Dalits "Harijans" who were gravely discriminated upon and called "Untouchables" at the time. He advocated for their right to enter temples and places of worship freely and established the "Harijan Sevak Sangh" to uplift them and work for them better.