Gandhi Jayanti 2024: The Mahatma’s legacy of peace in a world on the brink of full-scale wars

On October 2, India and the world celebrates the anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhifigure synonymous with peace, non-violence and moral courage. Gandhi’s philosophy ahimsa (non-violence) and its enduring legacy of peaceful resistance played a crucial role in India’s liberation from British colonial rule. His message of compassion, tolerance and unity remains relevant today as India pays tribute to the father of its nation.

However, as we commemorate Gandhi’s vision of a just and peaceful world, the global landscape is increasingly defined by division, conflict and the looming threat of war. Just a day before the birth anniversary of the greatest defender of peace and non-violence, Iran reportedly fired nearly 200 missiles at Israel in retaliation for the latter’s attack against several leaders of armed groups aligned with Iran. This development threatens a much wider conflict in the Middle Easteven as the world reels from a prolonged war between Russia and Ukraine.

This growing disparity between Gandhi’s ideals and today’s geopolitical reality raises pressing questions. Why is the world, after decades spent advocating peace, falling back into the dangerous weapons of war? What lessons can we relearn from Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance in today’s deeply polarized and conflicted world?

Gandhi’s vision of non-violence

Mahatma Gandhi satyagraha (force of truth) and ahimsa were not mere strategies for Indian independence, but were seen as universal ideals applicable to humanity’s quest for justice. He proved that nonviolence could be an effective tool against oppression and aggression, promoting bloodless change. Gandhi believed that every individual, regardless of power or position, could influence the course of history by choosing love and empathy over violence and hatred.

Gandhi’s approach was radical in its simplicity. In a world plagued by wars, colonial expansion and racial discrimination, he championed a path that rejected the need for armed conflict and encouraged reconciliation through dialogue and understanding. Its principles influenced iconic figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and the Dalai Lama, who adapted nonviolence to combat racial segregation, apartheid, and political oppression in their own contexts.

Yet as we mark the 155th anniversary of Gandhi’s birth, it is alarming to see how far the world has moved away from his teachings.

A divided world, the rise of global conflicts

Contrary to Gandhi’s peaceful vision, the world today is on the brink of geopolitical and social collapse. Major conflicts escalated or persisted, putting millions of lives at risk. In addition to the Israel-Hamas-Hezbollah conflict, the war in Ukraine, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, the endless civil war in Syria and the growing tensions in the South China Sea (especially between China and Taiwan) signal that the global community is not only failing to achieve peace, but may even be actively regressing.

According to the Global Peace Index 2024, global peace has declined year over year for 12 of the last 16 years. Military spending is at an unprecedented level and many countries are enmeshed in complex alliances and hostilities. Nuclear proliferation and the militarization of space further reinforce the feeling of imminent catastrophe. Despite the existence of international bodies like the United Nations, which were created to promote dialogue and peace, their capacity to prevent or defuse conflicts remains very limited.

The failure of diplomacy and the rise of conflicts

Experts believe that the resurgence of nationalism and the sense of self-interest of nation states often go hand in hand with authoritarianism. Leaders of powerful nations openly reject international cooperation, advocating protectionist policies that isolate their countries while stoking internal divisions. Instead of diplomacy, we see inflammatory speeches, threats and, at times, blatant acts of aggression.

These inward-looking policies and closed borders (literally and figuratively) have weakened international alliances and hindered collaborative peace efforts. The collapse of diplomacy in recent years is perhaps most evident in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, where peace negotiations have repeatedly failed, escalating into a full-scale war that has drawn in world powers . Likewise, in regions like the Middle East, diplomacy seems to be a relic of a bygone era, while deep-rooted enmities fuel seemingly endless war.

In such an atmosphere, Gandhi’s emphasis on dialogue, understanding and empathy as tools for conflict resolution seems tragically absent.

Lessons from Gandhi: Is there a way forward?

As the world commemorates Gandhi’s legacy, it is essential to reflect on what can be salvaged from his teachings in today’s war-torn world. Gandhi never envisioned peace as a passive state but as an active and continuous effort that required immense personal and political courage. His belief in Sarvodaya– the well-being of all – argued for a world in which power comes not from guns or economic domination but from mutual respect and cooperation.

One of the most crucial lessons from Gandhi’s life is that lasting peace is not possible without justice. Conflict is often rooted in inequality, exploitation and the failure of political systems to fairly represent all citizens. Current global conflicts are no exception; economic inequality, ethnic discrimination, and disenfranchisement of vulnerable populations all contribute to instability. Addressing these root causes through non-violent means, as Gandhi did, remains an essential but neglected strategy.

The question on this day of reflection is whether the world can rediscover Gandhi’s spirit of non-violence in time to avoid a further descent into chaos. Its message is not outdated, as some critics might claim, but it is perhaps more relevant than ever. The international community must return to the principles of diplomacy, collective security and dialogue rather than resorting to the tools of war. Civil society also has a crucial role to play in resisting the drift towards conflict. Movements for environmental justice, racial equality, and peace activism, inspired by Gandhi’s methods, can and must fight against the war machines and nationalist fervor that dominate many countries today.

Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” » At a time when division seems to be the dominant narrative, Gandhi’s words remind us of the need for unity, compassion and service to humanity as the only true paths to peace.

As India pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on this anniversary, the world finds itself at a dangerous crossroads. We are moving away from the principles for which Gandhi lived and died: peace, non-violence and justice. Yet his vision offers a glimmer of hope in these dark times. The global community must reflect on its lessons and reaffirm its commitment to the difficult but necessary work of nonviolent resistance to hatred, division and war. In doing so, we may be able to bring the world back from the brink of collapse and move toward a future that Gandhi would be proud of.