Talking about Gandhi one week after the nation has observed his martyrdom may be a bit out of tune, but Gandhi is ever relevant. The reason I write about Gandhi risking the displeasure of the social media troll brigade ready to fire on anything that doesn’t fit with their scheme of things is because there is need to know Gandhi better. Gandhi is certainly not in fashion when voices trying to justify his assassination are getting louder. But Gandhi is not just an Indian phenomenon. Gandhi is global and transcends time and space. Whether one likes or not Gandhi has a worldwide following. History can be tampered or tempered but not the truth. It was truth that was the main thrust of Gandhi’s philosophy. It was truth that was Dharma for Gandhi and it was truth that was the basis of his Satyagraha. Yes, truth in these times of post truth has taken a backseat, but, nevertheless, truth must prevail. Even if the head may have its doubts in accepting it, the heart does acknowledge the truth and accept its permanence. Gandhi’s ideas have become even more relevant today as we witness confusion and chaos all around. Protests that are the order of the day are becoming violent and Satyagraha in practice has become an antithesis of the philosophy. Gandhi must be understood as Ram catches the imagination of the nation. Understanding Ram is equally important in these times of Kaliyuga when power and pelf become the sole means of sustenance. Ram was an epitome of sacrifice and values. He was that quintessential embodiment of character which is almost extinct today. It was Ram’s character that made him proceed for the exile even when the people of Ayodhya where solidly behind him and wanted him to stay. It was Ram’s character that made him turn down the request of Bharat, his brother, who had the mandate to rule Ayodhya. Bharat, the king designate, went all the way to the place where Ram was living in exile and appealed to him to reconsider his decision to decline the throne of Ayodhya. Something that cannot be imagined today, when there is a mad scramble to assume power anyhow. And remember it was not just Bharat who wanted Ram to rule but everyone in Ayodhya. Still, Ram chose to carry out his word. When lies are the norm Ram walks that extra mile to uphold the sanctity of the spoken word. Gandhi and Ram both have to be understood in the right perspective. Gandhi did not have any attraction for occupying position of power, nor did he claim any favour for carrying out what he thought was his duty. For Gandhi Ram did not belong to any particular religion but symbolised oneness of God. His Ram signified both Ishwar and Allah. This is what he felt — Ishwar Allah tero Naam, sabko sanmati de Bhagwan. That is You are the God, You are the Allah; let good sense prevail on everybody. From that transcendental approach to the sectarianism of the present times, we certainly have come a long way and the wrong way. As values crumble under the weight of ambition it is time to realise what Gandhi stood for. And Gandhi did not say anything new. He only emphasised the spirit of Hinduism that was represented by Swami Vivekananda. Catholicity is inherent in Hinduism and Gandhi practiced it. Liking or disliking Gandhi maybe matters of personal choices, but Gandhi still stands tall.

Pathak is a professor of management, writer, and an acclaimed public speaker. He can be reached at ppathak.ism@gmail.com