NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same time gives you extra points in the form of background information.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Reference: Indian art and culture by Nitin Singhania
Why the question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I , theme – Buddhism and Jainism.
Key Demand of the question:
Compare and contrast the core philosophies of Buddhism and Jainism.
Directive:
Compare and contrast – provide for a detailed comparison of the two types, their features that are similar as well as different. One must provide for detailed assessment of the two.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Introduce about Buddhism and Jainism.
Body:
Buddhism and Jainism are the two ancient Indian religions that developed in Magadha (Bihar) in the post-Vedic period (Sixth century BC- Fifth century BC). These religions emerged as the most significant religious reform movements in ancient India. While the proponent of Jainism is believed to be Mahavira Jain, the 24th Jain tirthankar, Buddhism regards Siddhartha Gautama as its founder.
Discuss the similarities in the two faiths such as values like peace and righteous conduct.
Bring out the differences between them like concept of soul, non-violence, sacrifice etc.
Conclusion:
In spite of differences, both the religious philosophies helped in enriching the culture, literature, architecture and art of India by contributing in respective capacities. More importantly, as religious reform movements, Buddhism and Jainism offered the people, especially the downtrodden ones, liberation from suffering and oppression by the rigid caste system.
Introduction
The sixth century B.C. is considered a wonderful century in history. Great thinkers like Buddha, Mahavira, Heraclitus, Zoroaster, Confucius and Lao Tse lived and preached their ideas in this century. Among them the most successful were Jainism and Buddhism whose impact on the Indian society was remarkable.
Body
Similarities between Buddhism and Jainism
- Reason for rise of the religion: The primary cause for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism was the religious unrest in India in the 6 th century B.C. The complex rituals and sacrifices advocated in the Later Vedic period were not acceptable to the common people.
- Core philosophy: Jainism preaches the triratnas, which are right faith, knowledge and conduct. Buddhism also has eightfold path which includes not only these three, in addition right speech, resolve, occupation etc.
- Ahimsa: Both religions espouse non-violence as the foundation of living.
- Sangha: Mahavira organised the Sangha to spread his teachings. Buddha had two kinds of disciples – monks (bhikshus) and lay worshippers (upasikas). The monks were organized into the Sangha for the purpose of spreading his teachings.
- Equality: Both men and women were accepted in the sanghas.
Differences between Buddhism and Jainism
- In Jainism, the doctrine of asceticism and renunciation was also carried to extreme lengths by the practice of starvation, nudity and other forms of self-torture. This was not the case in Buddhism.
- Even the practice of agriculture was considered sinful in Jainism as it causes injury to the earth, worms and animals. Most of them were traders. No such distinction is there in Buddhism.
- Buddhism made a direct attack on the caste system. Though Jainism did not make a direct attack on the caste system, Mahavira was against any social distinctions and threw open his order to all.
- Prakrit was major language through which Jainism was preached. The language of Pali and other local languages developed through the teachings of Buddhism.
- Buddhism was more a social than religious revolution. It taught the code of practical ethics and laid down the principle of social equality.
- Through his missionary effort Asoka spread Buddhism into West Asia and Ceylon. Thus, a local religious sect was transformed into a world religion. Jainism was restricted to mainly Indian subcontinent.
Conclusion
Buddhism and Jainism provided people an alternative from the regressive religion and rituals of the time. They became a beacon of hope for the downtrodden and the marginalized. In this way, one can see many similarities between the two religions with minute differences.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article explains in what way India has a key role to play in the hyper-connected world.
Key Demand of the question:
Analyse the role of changing global order in shaping India’s aspirations to be the leader of the Digital Data Revolution.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with brief understanding of the question.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
Firstly, talk about the nuances of digital data revolution.
Then explain the current conditions of data and the associated global order.
Discuss the strategic groupings in this new global order, Explain how India alone straddles both U.S. and China-led strategic groupings, providing an equity-based perspective to competing visions.
Conclude the benefits India has and the role it must play to become a leader.
Conclusion:
It must be prepared to play a key role in moulding rules for the hyper-connected world, facing off both the U.S. and China to realize its potential of becoming the second-largest economy.
Introduction
Body
National security will depend on digital technologies like cyber security, Artificial intelligence (AI) etc. India must enhance its own capabilities and set the rules for global framework by balancing state led (China) – market led (USA) mechanisms through a public centric model.
Conclusion
Changing global order
- First, because of the nature and pervasiveness of digital data, military and civilian systems are symbiotic.
- Cybersecurity is national security, and this requires both a new military doctrine and a diplomatic framework.
- Second, the blurring of distinctions between domestic and foreign policy and the replacement of global rules with issue-based understanding converge with the growth of smartphone-based e-commerce, which ensures that massive amounts of data give a sustained productivity advantage to Asia.
- Third, data streams are now at the centre of global trade and countries’ economic and national power.
- India, thus, has the capacity to negotiate new rules as an equal with the U.S. and China.
India’s aspirations as a leader of digital revolution
- Firstly, India has the world’s second largest Mobile user-base. Just for thought, let us imagine the capability of 1.2 billion connected people & the numerous opportunities it can generate for them. What was seen as India’s disadvantage all along is finally proving to be an advantage.
- Secondly, India is now the most sought-after destination for IT and Outsourcing. We boast a huge talent pool that most Fortune 500 companies are eyeing, making it a huge asset for us.
- Eventually leading to a paradigm shift from the traditional role to that of the flag-bearers of innovation and excellence.
- Thirdly, we are showing clear signs of evolving as a multi-trillion-dollar economy.
- This makes our future look brighter than ever. And last but not the least, Government of India has been extremely supportive in creating opportunities and accelerating innovation, which in turn puts our country on a growth trajectory never imagined before.
- These critical pillars make India the apt epicentre for Digital Revolution to happen.
Conclusion
India’s goal is to become a $5-trillion economy by 2025. While the country is fast-tracking its digital rupee, the challenge is promoting engagement with major powers while retaining its data for innovation and competitive advantage.
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Reference: Times of India
Why the question:
The article explains that deepened India-North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ties are essential to deal with global challenges.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the significance of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). And explain the factors that necessitate deepened India- NATO dialogue.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with brief background of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
Significance of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) – Represents 30 nations, one billion people, and half of the world’s economic and military might. Provided unprecedented peace and security for the Euro-Atlantic area; Acts as fundamental pillar of the international order being the most successful alliance in history.
Explain the factors pushing for deepened India- NATO dialogue.
Conclusion:
A successful India- NATO dialogues shall include sharing information and expertise, coordinating common approaches on shared interests.
Introduction
Delhi appears to be poised for a vigorous new push into Europe this year. A pragmatic engagement with NATO must be an important part of India’s new European orientation especially amidst the continent’s search for a new role in the Indo-Pacific.
Body
Background
- India is a pivotal regional player, a growing economy, and an important global actor.
- It is one of the largest troop contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
- It is currently a member of the UN Security Council and it will hold the G20 presidency in 2023.
- Many Nato Allies have well established partnerships with India and they are enhancing their engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
- At the same time, India is increasing its contacts with Europe and the United States.
Factors that necessitate deepened India-NATO dialogue
- A sustained dialogue between India and NATO could facilitate productive exchanges in a range of areas, including terrorism, changing geopolitics; the evolving nature of military conflict, the role of emerging military technologies, and new military doctrines.
- More broadly, an institutionalised engagement with NATO should make it easier for Delhi to deal with the military establishments of its 30 member states.
- On a bilateral front, each of the members has much to offer in strengthening India’s national capabilities.
- The international rules-based order is facing unprecedented pressure from increasing geopolitical competition and mounting authoritarianism, led by countries like Russia and China. India can play the role of balancing here.
- World today, faces sophisticated cyberattacks, more brutal forms of terrorism, disruptive technologies, nuclear proliferation, and the security impacts of climate change. India and NATO, which have cutting edge technology, can engage meaningfully to prevent these threats. No one nation can handle these issues on their own.
- Neither Delhi nor NATO are seeking membership under any coalition. At issue is the question of exploring potential common ground. To play any role in the Indo-Pacific, Europe and NATO need partners like India, Australia and Japan.
- Delhi, in turn, knows that no single power can produce stability and security in the Indo-Pacific. India’s enthusiasm for the Quad is a recognition of the need to build coalitions.
- Nato is not only a military Alliance, but also a political Alliance. Political dialogue and security cooperation are important tools to address global challenges, beyond purely military responses.
Conclusion
Freedom, democracy and the rule of law are at the core of the Nato Alliance. As the world’s largest democracy, these values matter to India, too. Protecting our values and way of life is our shared global responsibility. So, it makes sense for Nato and India to deepen our dialogue to protect the international rules-based order and address jointly shared challenges to our security.
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
The article explains an overview of the pandemic impact on school education and necessary steps to be taken to equip the system to adapt to the new reality.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss how COVID-19 impacted digital learning in India has. Explain what measures have been taken by government in this regard.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with brief background of the question.
Body:
Discuss first the impact of the pandemic on school education – Academic regression, Ineffectiveness of alternatives, Limited scope, bureaucratic mismanagement etc.
Explain the above factors in detail.
Discuss the measures that have been taken by government in this regard.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction
Undeniably the lockdown created an unpredicted pressure on the system to succour the education of nearly 300 million children across 1.4 million schools in the country. The concept of education changed overnight and in these times of crisis, digital learning has emerged as an indispensable resource for education. But India has a huge digital divide.
When the history of this pandemic is written, one of the most egregious of our many errors listed will be how we dealt with education.
Body
Covid-19 and digital learning: Issues
- Covid-19 hit the poor and marginalised the most. A similar but less noticed deprivation is being visited to children of the same people, which may push the next generation in a direction of even greater comparative disadvantage.
- Digital Divide: According to the Indicators of Household Social Consumption on Education in India report, less than 15% of rural Indian households have Internet connection (as opposed to 42% urban Indian households).
- Those with no access to the internet are still excluded from quality learning. Further, classes at times get disturbed due to connectivity issues.
- As per NSSO data, only 4.4% of rural households and 23.4% of urban households have computer/laptop.
- Difficult for parents to adjust to the online system. Parents complain of increased screen time for children, aren’t comfortable with technology themselves and increased pressure from the added household work due to the absence of domestic help adds to their problem.
- Gender divide: Increased domestic responsibilities especially for girls is impairing the atmosphere of learning. According to a recent UN report, only 29% of all internet users are female, which indicates that transitions to digital learning may compound the gender gap in education.
- Lack of vernacular content: Most of the content and existing lectures on internet are in English. In India, the Ministry of HRD data shows that there are only 17% English medium schools.
- Creating new inequality: Only a handful of private schools, universities and IITs could adopt online teaching methods. Their low-income private and government counterparts, on the other hand, have completely shut down for not having access to e-learning solutions.
- No inclusive: Issues of rural students, tribal children are not same. Not everyone can be onboarded to digital learning. Needs of these children must be thought of and a comprehensive learning policy must be made.
Measures taken by government in this regard
- VidyaDaan is national program, in which individuals (teachers, educationists, subject experts etc.) & organizations (schools etc.) can contribute to e-learning in the education domain.
- Diksha platform was launched in 2017, by MHRD to provide supplementary learning material for students and for upgrading the skills of teachers. The high-quality e-learning material both for students and teachers are available on this portal.
- Access to Education: ‘SWAYAM’ scheme provides an opportunity to students to access courses taught in classrooms from ninth standard to post graduation, that can be accessed by anyone, anywhere at any time.
- This digital scheme not only brings education at the door step of numerous students but also aims to bridge the digital divide as students who cannot join mainstream or formal education can access this application.
- Another digital scheme is ‘ePATHSHALA’ which disseminates all educational content through website and mobile app.
- Inclusive learning solutions need to be developed: With a rapid increase of mobile internet users in India, which is expected to reach 85% households by 2024, technology is enabling ubiquitous access and personalization of education even in the remotest parts of the country. This can change the schooling system and increase the effectiveness of learning and teaching.
- Reducing the Gender Divide by leveraging the digital solutions to enrol out of school girls. Targeted Information and Education campaigns, curated content borrowing from behavioural science and interactive media can be used to incentivize girls to re-join the education journey.
What needs to be done against academic regression?
- First, all classes across all schools need to be started at the first sign of the tsunami-like second wave abating.
- Teachers will have to be treated like frontline health workers, and related measures taken.
- Opening schools that serve local communities does not increase the risks of infection—because those children are anyhow intermingling.
- Second, the syllabus across all classes needs to be reconfigured, reducing content load and paring it such that each next class, which will be next year, can take some burden of the previous.
- Third, and most importantly, at least six months should be given for all children to remain in the current class, which would give teachers time to cover the reconfigured syllabus for that class.
- There is no substitute for the allocation of more time; ideally, it should be a full year.
- Fourth, teachers must be provided with tools, teaching-learning material and other support to be able to deal with the syllabus in that short a time frame and also compensate for academic regression.
Conclusion
It cannot be overlooked that as the education system shifts to e-learning, the digital divide in access to devices and connectivity will have a huge impact on the students belonging to the socio-economically backward category. They may risk falling further behind. Education systems have to ensure that these efforts do not further amplify the existing inequalities in access to learning and must pay heed to quality of education and equal access to resources for all.
Topic: Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
Reference: tribuneindia.com
Why the question:
The article explains the perspective that to achieve growth, India must revive the spirit of entrepreneurship.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the importance of reviving growth and its interconnections with entrepreneurship.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
Discuss the factors responsible for low economic growth/low income in India.
Take hints from the article and give examples.
Explain ways and means to revive the spirit of entrepreneurship to increase growth/income.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction
The simple point is that economic growth, or its absence, is about much more than economics. India’s foray into a socialist planned economy soon after Independence destroyed whatever little entrepreneurial spirit had survived the shackling of Indians by the Raj. What India needs today is to come out of this past and rejig the entrepreneurship spirit.
Body
Low growth and income in India
- Rate of growth of population being an important determinant of economic growth, is also responsible for slow growth of national income in India.
- Indian economy is characterized by too much dependence on agriculture and thus it is primary producing.
- The peculiar occupational structure is also responsible for slow growth of national income in the country. At present about 66 per cent of the working force is engaged in agriculture and allied activities, 3 per cent in industry and mining and the remaining 31 per cent in the tertiary sector.
- Moreover, prevalence of high degree of under-employment among the agricultural labourers and also among the work force engaged in other sectors is also responsible for this slow growth of national income.
- Another important reason behind the slow growth of national income in India is the poor rate of development of its industrial sector. The industrial sector in India has failed to maintain a consistent and sustainable growth rate during the planned development period and more particularly in recent years.
Enabling growth for all
- Urbanization drives economic growth, and because India’s farming population is so prominent, moving some of these farmers to cities would allow them to get jobs in manufacturing.
- Not only would this increase agricultural productivity by decreasing the number of farmers using the same amount of land, but it would help grow some of India’s medium-sized cities into more prominent urban landscapes.
- Through government expenditure and investment in infrastructure.
- The government controls the amount the nation spends on public matters each year. However, government spending is necessary to increase the overall GDP per capita. This year, incomes have declined for Indian citizens, meaning private consumption has also decreased.
- Becoming competitive in high-potential sectors. India has the opportunity to create as much as $1 trillion in economic value by establishing itself as a competitive manufacturer of electronics, chemicals, textiles, auto goods and pharmaceuticals.
- These sectors accounted for 56% of global trade in 2018, while India only contributed to 1.5% of global exports in these areas.
- Lowering the incidence of poverty and inequality requires a comprehensive strategy.
- Important steps need to be taken like framing policies to improve health, nutrition and education.
- Labour market reforms and reforms of direct taxation will have redistributive effects on the system.
- Research needs to be carried out by government agencies to document the ‘best practices’ in the implementation of government schemes.
- Minorities and other excluded groups, including the poor in upper castes, also need special programmes to bring them into the mainstream.
Conclusion
While the path to economic recovery is not always as straightforward as it seems, India’s government has several means through which it can improve incomes for everyday workers. The government not only has an incentive but an obligation to create a better quality of life for its working class, which is the foundation of India’s economy. Improving India’s GDP per capita would directly benefit the nation and its citizens. Greater opportunities for manufacturing exports, foreign investments and urbanization are all benefits the country would reap from its own investment in its working class.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The government, which plans a law to ban private digital currencies, favours a digital currency backed by the Reserve Bank of India.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain what you understand by digital currency backed by Central bank.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with the definition of Digital currency.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
Explain what you understand by RBI backed digital currency.
Discuss the current challenges associated with regulation of digital currency in India, discuss the efforts of the government in this direction.
Elucidate upon the potential applications of it in the economy.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance.
Introduction
Uncertainty over the legal status of cryptocurrencies is unnerving Indian investors who, according to unofficial estimates, hold around $1.5 billion (Rs 10,000 crore) in digital currencies. The government, which plans a law to ban private digital currencies, favours a digital currency backed by the Reserve Bank of India.
Body
Central bank backed digital currency
- A central bank digital currency (CBDC) uses an electronic record or digital token to represent the virtual form of a fiat currency of a particular nation (or region).
- A CBDC is centralized; it is issued and regulated by the competent monetary authority of the country.
- Also called digital fiat currencies or digital base money, CBDC will act as a digital representation of a country’s fiat currency, and will be backed by a suitable amount of monetary reserves like gold or foreign currency reserves.
- Each CBDC unit will act as a secure digital instrument equivalent to a paper bill and can be used as a mode of payment, a store of value, and an official unit of account.
- Like a paper-based currency note that carries a unique serial number, each CBDC unit will also be distinguishable to prevent imitation.
- Since it will be a part of the money supply controlled by the central bank, it will work alongside other forms of regulated money, like coins, bills, notes, and bonds.
- CBDC aims to bring in the best of both worlds—the convenience and security of digital form like cryptocurrencies, and the regulated, reserved-backed money circulation of the traditional banking system.
- The particular central bank or other competent monetary authority of the country will be solely liable for its operations.
Potential applications in the economy
- It holds promise as there are efficiency gains to be had in terms of tapping unexplored commerce and investment avenues.
- Monetary and financial transactions could be boosted by the ease of access and the sheer resilience of the technology.
- The transition also presents enormous potential in the sphere of policy.
- On the technical front, so far, the main focus of central banks has been on reducing transaction costs and making the CBDC platforms more programmable
- Central banks could perhaps target monetary stimulus better as individual beneficiaries and vulnerable sections could be identified quickly and assisted during times of economic stress.
- They may also be able to earmark account top-ups for designated purposes.
- For advanced economies, negative interest rates may become easier to implement as digital fiat can be directly programmed to do so.
Risks and challenges
- Central banks, besides having to prevent crashes and failures, first need to ensure the integrity of their networks to facilitate the gradual shift away from cash.
- Public confidence will be missing otherwise. Countries like China and The Netherlands have already started experimenting with their digital fiat albeit on a limited scale.
- Also, these extensive powers with the central bank may spark privacy concerns, especially authoritarian governments can use it to keep track of all transactions and exercise more control over the public.
- There is an additional concern that if the public is allowed to convert their deposits into their CBDC accounts, commercial banks may be robbed of their primary funding source.
- Depletion of demand deposits from the banking system would mean a forced reliance on costlier alternatives like wholesale funding.
- As far as the transnationality of electronic money is considered, national jurisdictions and the broader cyberspace could conflict over monetary control soon.
- At its extreme, its ability to flow too freely across borders compared to traditional currencies could create instability internationally.
Conclusion
Digital cash will have to be scrutinised and improved along the way. Central banks could cherish new flexibilities in policy but are wise to be treading a cautious path. Finally, user preferences will undoubtedly be a crucial factor in determining the macroeconomic effects of CBDCs. On the technical front, first, the focus must be on developing and enhancing the accessibility of CBDCs.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics – in private and public relationships. Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of Family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
Reference: mkgandhi.org
Why the question:
The question is based on the importance of Gandhian values in the Post-truth world.
Key Demand of the question:
Analyse the statement in detail and explain its relevance even in today’s times.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Define what is meant by the post truth world and what did Gandhi stood for.
Body:
Discuss the Gandhian values that are highly relevant in today’s post truth era –
The ‘post truth’ world is a phenomenon used to describe political scenario in recent times that is characterized by circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief. In today’s world, factual truth that goes against the interests of a particular political group will be received with greater hostility than ever before.
Explain that we are living in a post truth world which is divided increasingly day by day by global unrest, fear, anger, hatred, discontent, despair, immorality etc., and the number and intensity of ethnic and religious conflicts seem to grow, gaining higher and higher intensity all around the world.
Conclusion:
In an era when scientific facts aren’t the ultimate “truth”, and emotion and personal belief seem to dominate the public discourse, Gandhi’s stance on nationhood and inclusiveness, and his fears for the environment, remain as pertinent today as they did in his own time. Even in our globalized world the Gandhian spiritual heritage still has its actuality and relevance.
Introduction
Post truth denotes circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion and rather appeals to emotion and personal belief. More often it uses falsehood to elevate an ideology to level of absolute truth. Structurally, post-truth relates to an erosion of the common world due to the increasing irrelevance of factual truth in public discourse.
Body
Gandhian values in post-truth era
- Gandhiji said that truth is the sovereign principle, which includes numerous other principles. This truth is not only truthfulness in word, but truthfulness in thought also, and not only the relative truth of our conception, but the Absolute Truth, the Eternal Principle, that is God.
- To see the universal and all-pervading spirit of Truth face to face one must be able to love the meanest of creation as oneself.
- Satyagraha, literally translated as “holding fast to truth,” obliged protesters to “always keep an open mind and be ever ready to find that what we believed to be truth was, after all, untruth.”
- Gandhi recognized early on that societies with diverse populations inhabit a post-truth age.
- “We will never all think alike and we shall always see truth in fragments and from different angles of vision,” he wrote. This is exactly what is happening today and within societies themselves.
- And even Gandhi’s harshest detractors do not deny that he steadfastly defended, and eventually sacrificed his life for, many values under assault today—fellow-feeling for the weak, and solidarity and sympathy between people of different nations, religions, and races.
- Mahatma Gandhi remains a relevant thinker today not only because of his theory and practice of non-violence, but because all his life he also defended political tolerance and religious pluralism.
Today more than ever, one needs to remember and inculcate Gandhian values of truth and pluralism. We live in a world where propaganda, fake news and hate speech have become the norm of the day. Social media is used as a weapon to polarise people and mobilise them through one-sided biased ideologies. In such times, what we can leverage is the philosophy espoused by Gandhiji, who gave a moral dimension to truth.
Conclusion
In an era when scientific facts aren’t the ultimate “truth”, and emotion and personal belief seem to dominate the public discourse, Gandhi’s stance on nationhood and inclusiveness, and his fears for the environment, remain as pertinent today as they did in his own time. Even in our globalized world the Gandhian spiritual heritage still has its actuality and relevance.
