Contemporaneity of Gandhi

Gandhi attributed all the malaise of society to human self-indulgence. However, humanity moved in opposite direction towards a culture of consumerism by celebrating "greed being good or even great" in this globalized world. This is stoked to the benefit of those who control the levers of the world economy only to serve their interests at the cost of those living a life of abject poverty. This has unleashed the forces of self-destructive modernity—mindless plunder of nature, environmental degradation, growing violence and increasing crimes etc; leading to a process of imminent mass extinction including human beings. To get rid of this chain of myriad sufferings, Gandhi strongly emphasized control over ones senses to renounce material pleasure by focusing on conscience which is beyond external influences. Hence, Gandhi explained all his endeavours and struggles in terms of individual morality accentuated as higher societal goal of collective accomplishment of goodness. It seems rather impossible for a modern man imbued with a vision of hedonism. However, there are many who have dedicated their lives to alleviate the sufferings around them without caring for their personal well being. They have evolved to identify themselves with the God of Gandhi-daridranarayan—poorest of the poor by eschewing their need, greed and desire. This is to provide a unique blend of spiritualism and political activism to convert every act or duty into individual morality geared to a larger good. This seminal contribution of Gandhi is imperative for human betterment and a happy life.