GANDHIGIRI MAY HAVE given Gandhism a new generational spin, but the term and what it stands for is still unclear to the dudes who only recognize the bespectacled, dhoti-clad man through portraits that adorn office and institutional walls — not knowing really Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi’s vision, core inspirations, principles, beliefs, and philosophies and how he converged them to create the great force of conviction and credibility to throw out the imperial British regime and achieve independence for India.

For a brush-up on Gandhism, let me repeat what sounds obvious but is really not understood — the principles of truth, non-violence, self-Sacrifice and self-suffering. Gandhism aims at vindication of truth, not by inflicting of suffering on the opponent, but one’s own self. All this seems soothing to the ears, but is seldom understood, let alone followed by the nexters. The question is why is the new generation so apathetic towards these values? Why does it take Lage Raho Munnabhai to make us think about Gandhi beyond our history textbooks? Well, I think simply because in this high tech, revolutionized, competitive world, the youth has only one motto — accomplishment of personal goals. For this, it doesn’t matter whether it is accomplished through the mantra of beg, borrow or steal.

Gandhism’s relevance is lost in the eyes of today’s generation which is loathe to accept it as still a relevant way of life. For this opportunistic generation, truth, self-sacrifice and non-violence are anachronistic. Take a little example. Ask yourself, will you ever sacrifice a good job for the person who is needier? Is it possible to silently tolerate embarrassment? Or, readily offer your face for another slap? Well, the answer is a big “No” for most of us. And, who cares about truth and non-violence as far as the purpose is getting served?

The millennials think and act differently. For them, non-violence is a word only confined to the dictionaries. This is proved by the recent beating of Professor Sabharwal of Ujjain who was manhandled by unruly students, allegedly belonging to the ABVP, after college union polls were cancelled following allegations of irregularities. They chose the path of violence over non-violence. They could have easily avoided all the mayhem and heinous attacks that resulted in the death of the professor.

If still you feel there is any room for doubt, I will give you yet another very good example. I ask you all one question, answer it honestly. How was the movie Rang de Basanti?... Appealing, fantastic, amazing… And, here we are, staunchly supporting violence. This movie impressed the youth and also managed to derive their sympathy for the four revengeful youngsters who ultimately used the weapon of violence as a means to reach their aim, when all other doors were closed.

The complexities of contemporary life and environment leave no other alternative for them but to secure victory at any cost. I won’t claim values have lost their significance, but would rather say these have been replaced by a set of new values in which Gandhism doesn’t find a place.