By Swadesh Sundar Patnaik* in Bhubaneswar, October 3, 2025: Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy remains profoundly relevant in today’s world. It offers timeless moral and ethical guidance to address pressing global and national challenges.

At a time when wars, terrorism, and violent conflicts create turmoil in global order—such as the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war, tensions in the Middle East, Gaza genocide and ethnic violence in parts of Africa—his principle of non-violence provides a humane framework for conflict resolution. Gandhi believed that violence breeds further violence, while true strength lies in moral courage and the willingness to engage in dialogue and reconciliation.

In a world fractured by distrust and power struggles, his insistence on negotiation and peaceful protest reminds us that durable peace can only be achieved through justice, compassion, and understanding but not by force. Globally, many movements for civil rights, climate justice and gender equality continue to draw inspiration from Gandhi’s method of satyagraha, which emphasizes truth, moral courage, and resistance without hatred. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela used his philosophy to fight racial discrimination and colonial oppression.

Today, most of the genuine activists are fighting against racism, environmental exploitation injustice or authoritarian governance by following his methods of non-violence. For India, Gandhi’s vision of self-reliance, local government (Gramraj) and grassroots democracy resonates deeply with contemporary initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), rural development schemes, the promotion of cooperatives and Panchayat Raj.

Gandhi’s model of village-based self-sufficiency aimed at empowering communities and ensuring equitable development. In the environment of rapid globalization and excessive consumerism his advocacy of simplicity, home spun production and dignity of labor shows the real path of progress.

In fact, his life reminds us that true progress is not measured only by economic growth but by the upliftment of the poorest and most marginalized sections of society. Equally significant is Gandhi’s concern for the environment and his philosophy of harmony with nature. He warned that the earth provides enough for everyone’s need but not for everyone’s greed—a statement that has become even more urgent in the face of climate change, deforestation and reckless exploitation of natural resources.

Moreover, Gandhi’s belief in inclusiveness, equality and respect for diversity provides a powerful response to rising intolerance, communal divide and caste or such other parochial polarization. He firmly believed that India’s strength lie in its unity amidst diversity. In the present era, where divisive ideologies and hate speech often dominate public discourse creating dark cloud of hatred, his vision of communal harmony and social equality is like a beacon of light emanating from a lighthouse.

• Former chairman, Odisha Staff Selection Commission