• Fr. ROY ALEX SJ
  Former Principal of Loyola School CBSE, Trivandrum.

One day, during an orientation class for students, I began with a story about Mahatma Gandhi, focusing on his deep passion for learning, his unwavering decision to live by the principles he preached, and his remarkable commitment to a life centered on others rather than himself. I spoke about how Gandhi’s values of truth, non-violence, and humility shaped not just a nation but the world. After the first session, during the break, a smart young boy approached me. He looked thoughtful and said, “Father, your class was good, but Gandhi and his life… that is an old stuff. You should talk about Virat Kohli or someone more current, someone we can relate to.” It made me pause. Yes, from the perspective of a young student, Gandhi might indeed seem like “old stuff.” But is he really?

I smiled and replied to him, “You’re right. Virat Kohli is a fantastic role model–his dedication, his discipline, and his hunger for excellence are inspiring. He is an icon for today’s generation. But let’s not forget, what makes Virat Kohli, or anyone like him, truly successful are the very qualities that Gandhi stood for: perseverance, discipline, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility. These values are timeless. The difference is, while Kohli’s field is the cricket pitch, Gandhi’s field was life itself–he played for a cause greater than himself, and his game changed the course of history.”

The boy nodded, reflecting for a moment. And then I added, “You see, it’s not about whether someone belongs to the past or the present. Greatness is measured not by how recent or popular someone is, but by how deeply their actions and character can shape lives. Gandhi may be an old name, but the values he lived by remain relevant in every time and every sphere, including today’s world of sports, business, and beyond.

“For young people facing tough situations today–whether academic pressure, career challenges, or personal struggles–Gandhi’s message is clear: real strength comes from within. It is the strength to face adversity, to persist in the pursuit of your goals, and to hold onto your values even in the most difficult of times. Gandhi’s ability to transform weakness into strength through his unwavering belief in truth and justice is a lesson that every young person can draw inspiration from.”

Mahatma Gandhi is not a symbol of the past but a living example of what it means to live with purpose, strength, and integrity. To the present AI generation, Gandhi, whose 155th birthday we celebrate on 2nd October 2024, may seem like a distant historical figure – a name they recognize from school textbooks and public speeches. Gandhi is not just a historical icon confined to the pages of history. He is a living example of how one can live with purpose, strength, and integrity in any era, including our own. In today’s world, marked by rapid technological advancement, rising political and social tensions, and an ever-growing disconnect between individuals, Gandhi’s life and values offer essential lessons on how to lead a meaningful and impactful life.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Gandhi’s life was his strength–not physical strength, but the strength of character, conviction, and inner resolve. He demonstrated that true power comes not from violence, domination, or force, but from the ability to stand firm in one’s beliefs, even in the face of opposition. Gandhi’s non-violent resistance against British colonial rule was rooted in this belief: that moral courage and inner strength are far more powerful than any weapon. For young people facing tough situations today–whether academic pressure, career challenges, or personal struggles–Gandhi’s message is clear: real strength comes from within. It is the strength to face adversity, to persist in the pursuit of your goals, and to hold onto your values even in the most difficult of times. Gandhi’s ability to transform weakness into strength through his unwavering belief in truth and justice is a lesson that every young person can draw inspiration from.

Gandhi was the embodiment of the seamless alignment between his words and actions. More than mere rhetoric, his life vividly illustrated the values and principles of non-violence, simplicity, and truthfulness. His lifestyle served as a reflection of his beliefs: he donned simple clothing, lived in modest accommodations, and consumed unpretentious meals, exemplifying the very ideals he urged others to embrace. When engaging with young people about their perceptions of contemporary political and spiritual leaders, they often express feelings of disrespect and frustration, voicing their disbelief due to the evident disconnect between leaders’ words and their actions. In a world where hypocrisy and double standards frequently prevail–where leaders preach one thing yet practice another–Gandhi’s integrity shines as a model of authentic leadership.

“In a world where hypocrisy and double standards
frequently prevail–where leaders preach one thing
yet practice another–Gandhi’s integrity shines as a
model of authentic leadership.”

In this context, Gandhi emerges as a compelling role model for the present generation, inspiring them to embody integrity and to truly “walk the talk.” His life encourages young people to demand the same sincerity and alignment from their leaders that he exemplified, reinforcing the importance of living in accordance with one’s values and beliefs.

In today’s fast-paced world, dominated by materialism, individualism, and self-interest, the life of Mahatma Gandhi serves as a powerful challenge to our prevailing values. Gandhi dedicated his existence to serving humanity, reminding us of the profound importance of living for a purpose greater than ourselves. His example teaches us that true fulfilment is not derived from the accumulation of wealth or power, but rather from striving toward something meaningful and transformative. Life should not be solely about seeking happiness within our own limited sphere; instead, it should encompass the sacrifices we make to foster joy and well-being in the lives of others. While many people may seem to possess everything, numerous individuals remain profoundly unhappy, often due to broken relationships or a lack of deeper connections with others. In a world where superficial connections often overshadow genuine relationships, Gandhi challenges us to seek a more profound sense of purpose–one rooted in service and love. Ultimately, his legacy calls for a shift in perspective: a movement away from self-centred pursuits toward a life dedicated to the upliftment of humanity. By embracing Gandhi’s ideals, we can cultivate a world where fulfilment is measured not by personal gain but by our capacity to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

After completing the motivational class, I found myself reflecting on the comment by the young boy. His words resonated with me, prompting a deeper contemplation of the world we inhabit today. We undoubtedly live in an era where trends significantly influence our attention and values. From fashion to technology, it seems that the “new” holds the greatest appeal for many individuals.

Apple unveiled the highly anticipated iPhone 16 series on September 9, drawing massive crowds to its stores. Enthusiastic fans began queuing outside Apple stores even in the early hours of the morning, eager to be among the first to get their hands on the new iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. This phenomenon highlights the lengths to which individuals will go to secure the latest gadgets, driven by a desire to be part of the “what’s new” wave. This obsession is not surprising; we exist in a time characterized by an incessant craving for innovation, where anything fresh or trending feels more exciting and relevant.

“Gandhi is not just a historical icon confined to the pages of history. He is a living example of how one can live with purpose, strength, and integrity in any era, including our own. In today’s world, marked by rapid technological advancement, rising political and social tensions, and an ever-growing disconnect between individuals, Gandhi’s life and values offer essential lessons on how to lead a meaningful and impactful life.”

While there is a pronounced obsession with the new, we also harbour a profound admiration for the old. Consider our travel habits: we often seek out museums and ancient cities steeped in history, such as Bruges in Belgium, Florence in Italy, Edinburgh in Scotland, or Istanbul in Turkey and Humpi, Madurai and Varanasi in India. We are drawn to these places not for their novelty, but to marvel at their timeless beauty and the rich narratives they embody. The centuries-old architecture, cobblestone streets, and preserved cultural heritage of these cities inspire awe and wonder, inviting us to appreciate the stories of perseverance, beauty, and human ingenuity they tell.

On one hand, we are captivated by what is trending, while on the other, we are drawn to what has endured through time. It seems we require both elements–the new to spark our curiosity and the old to provide a sense of grounding. This duality permeates every aspect of our lives. We chase after the latest innovations, yet we recognize that the values and lessons that profoundly shape us often originate from the past.

This is precisely why figures like Mahatma Gandhi, though viewed as “historical,” remain incredibly relevant today. Just as we admire the beauty of Madurai or Varanasi, we must also hold in high regard the timeless values that Gandhi embodied. His life stands as a testament to enduring principles such as truth, integrity, non-violence, and justice. These ideals may not be trendy or fashionable, but they continue to shape humanity in profound ways.

Therefore, while we may admire the allure of the new and trendy, it is the timeless values and wisdom of the past that will consistently guide us forward. Gandhi is a beacon of light not only for the present but for the future as well. His principles of non-violence, truth, integrity, and self-discipline offer a roadmap for addressing the most pressing challenges of our time–whether it is the growing polarization in societies, the environmental crisis, or the ethical dilemmas posed by advancements in technology.