Gandhian Virtues: The Mantra for Peaceful Co-existence and Spiritual Growth

Peaceful Co-existence is one of the fundamental norm guiding international relations and providing a practical way in solving disputes as it compasses Mutual respect for each other, non-aggression, non-interference and equity, thus it incorporates Gandhian philosophy to promote peace and Harmony. Gandhism is a body of ideas and principles that describes the inspiration, vision and the life work of Mahatma Gandhi. It is particularly associated with his contributions to the idea of Non-violent Resistence. The term "Gandhism" also encompasses what Gandhi's ideas, words and actions mean to people around the world, and how they used them for guidance in building their own future. The pivotal and defining element of Gandhism is satya, a Sanskrit word usually translated into English as truth, whose literal meaning is 'what actually is' (deriving from the ischolar_main verb as meaning 'to be'). Gandhism is more about the spirit of Gandhi's journey to discover the truth, than what he finally considered to be the truth. The relevance of Gandhian virtues like Ahimsa, Sarvatra Bhaya Varjana (fearlessness), Sarva Dharma Samanatva (Respect for all Faiths), Brahmacharya(Discipline), Aswada (Control of the palate), in modem context is found in theformofGandhigiri. Gandhigiri is a relatively new term in India which is used to express the tenets of Gandhism, the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi which include Satyagraha, Non-violence and Truth) in contemporary terms. The term became popular due to its usage in the 2006 Hindi film, Lage Raho Munna Bhai. As a colloquial expression in various languages in India including Marathi, Hindi and Tamil, "Gandhigiri" refers to the practice of the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. It is a colloquial form of Gandhism. Gandhism (or Gandhianism) is a term which attempts to summarize the philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi. Ghandhigiri denotes modifying one's principle and lifestyle reflecting the moral principles of Satya, Ahinsa and Ekta as practiced in real life by Mahatma Gandhi. People adopting Gandhigiri solve problems by perseverance, Non-Violence, and Tolerance rather than with Violence. Gandhigiri aims to overcome "Dadagiri" or "Bullyism" by encouraging people to adopt non-violent and constructive ways to solve a problem. It's time that we too realize this fact and start following Gandhiji's ideas in our daily lives. The principles that Gandhi espoused, are surely one of the most comprehensive ones in their scope and significance. Thus the paper attempts to apply Gandhian virtues to promote peaceful Co-existence and spiritual growth.