When people around the world march peacefully for justice—whether for equality, human rights, or the environment—they are unknowingly keeping Gandhi’s spirit alive, says ARJUN PEREIRA
In a world where violence was once seen as the only way to fight oppression, along came a man who dared to think and act differently. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, whom we all fondly remember as Mahatma—the “great soul”—showed us that true strength doesn’t always come from weapons or armies. Sometimes, it stems from patience, truth, and the courage to hold on to your convictions without so much as raising a fist. His story still speaks to not just all of us Indians, today but to all human beings.
At first sight, Gandhi didn’t look like a leader at all. He wore no grand uniforms, nor delivered powerful speeches that boomed across the globe. Here was a frail man in a dhoti, holding a walking stick, often smiling shyly. And yet, there was something unshakable in him. He believed in satyagraha—the power of truth and nonviolent resistance. To him, nonviolence wasn’t weakness; it was the strongest weapon anyone could ever hold, because it touched both the heart and the conscience.
Gandhi simply turned ordinary actions into extraordinary statements and this is what makes his leadership unforgettable. He embarked on a Salt March in 1930—walking miles under the sun for the cause of salt. To some, it might have looked small, or even foolish. But it wasn’t just about salt. It was about dignity, about saying that no foreign power had the right to control an Indian’s most basic necessity of life. In doing so, he united millions of Indians, teaching them that freedom was not just about breaking chains but about reclaiming self-respect.
His influence—and his quiet struggle—went far beyond India. Decades later, Martin Luther King Jr carried forward Gandhi’s vision in America’s civil rights struggle. Nelson Mandela drew courage from his philosophy in South Africa’s fight against apartheid. Even today, when people around the world march peacefully for justice—whether it’s for equality, human rights, or the environment—they are unknowingly keeping Gandhi’s spirit alive.
Of course, Gandhi wasn’t perfect. He had critics, and not everyone agreed with his views or methods. Some thought nonviolence was too idealistic in the harsh environment of the times. But whether we fully agree with him or not, we cannot deny the impact he left behind. He proved that one individual’s moral courage could shake the mightiest of empires.
For me, Gandhi’s legacy feels less like a history lesson and more like a gentle reminder—a reminder that simplicity is not weakness, and that truth has its own power, and that real change often begins quietly—with small steps, steady conviction, and a refusal to give up. Gandhi showed that a single human being, even one who looked fragile, could move millions and leave behind a message strong enough to inspire for centuries.
No wonder that his legacy is still remembered even 77 years after he was assassinated.
Arjun Pereira, a writer and editor, is also a singer, composer, lyricist and guitarist. He loves the outdoors and is often seen enjoying a vigorous game of tennis, mornings or evenings. He has worked for several leading publishing houses and corporates and loves to travel, soaking in new experiences and cultures. His subjects of interest are sports, spirituality and music.
Featured Photo by Sachin Shettigar
Photo by James L
