Ahimsa, peace and honesty are some of the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and, as they celebrate Gandhi Jayanti (2nd October) this year, our TV actors tell us how much they can still relate to his teachings.
Gunjan Utreja: I believe it’s important to first understand the thoughts behind Mahatma Gandhi’s words. Once we correctly understand his perspective, we’ll be able to apply the same even today. He says, “Non-violent resistance implies the very opposite of weakness. Defiance combined with non-retaliatory acceptance of repression from one’s opponents is active, not passive. It requires strength, and there is nothing automatic or intuitive about the resoluteness required for using non-violent methods in political struggle and the quest for truth.” He also said be the change you wish to see in this world. So we have to begin somewhere as individuals rather than taking the easier, weaker approach of retaliation with violence.
Dalljiet Kaur: Gandhi Jayanti is a thought that is good only in the books now. I do believe in non-violence and I absolutely believe that the first attempt to solve a conflict should be non-violence and peace. But if someone resorts to violence then it’s not the era to sit and take it… one has to strongly oppose it and revolt to be heard.
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Neha Saxena: Non-violence policy is good but I don’t believe it works in today times because if you do so people think you are weak and they have the power to degrade you. So you have to raise your voice at least to put your point across.
Sneha Wagh: Times have definitely changed. I don’t like violence! But I’m sure I won’t put forward my second cheek. I also feel that this act won’t find any importance in today’s world. Though I feel violence is not the only option, finding a solution to the basic problem is.
Shakti Arora: It’s not valid in present times at all and I never believed in it to each his own. Everyone has different philosophies of living life. That era was different and this era is different. I don’t mean spread violence but there are better ways to put your point across and not let the situation get worse.
Karan Oberoi: Violence begets violence! A terrorist is sometimes nothing but a victim of terror. Considering the times, we live in today, this assumes all the more significance. To pacify, engage and explain is the only way out of the angst-ridden world we live in. The intolerance, persecution of others that don’t necessarily conform to our ideologies, can never find a solution in brute force. Love and empathy is the only way forward. So true to teachings of the great father of the nation, this is what will save us from ourselves. So let’s introspect and be more accepting.
Karan Wahi: Non-violence should not be just one day. It should become a part of our life. While some of Gandhiji’s teachings may not be relevant today, the basic idea of non-violence and honesty is relevant.
Ankit Bathla: I feel the world, situations, and people have changed, since Gandhiji’s time. It’s important to spread love and peace, but if one offers the other cheek, the probability of getting hit again is higher now. So, I would rather say back off at that time and then talk or react in a peaceful manner later.
Ssharad Malhotraa: Non-violence back then worked well in our favor but looking at the present scenario of the people around us, nobody really cares about others except for their friends and family. If today someone comes to me first I’d rather try to solve it with patience and peace of mind and I know that I would’nt initiate neither let a heating arguement increase.
Hardik Sangani: Yes I still believe in it because no violence sometimes never work but violence always fail to work. Non- violence is a powerful weapon which cuts without wounding. In some situations we feel the need to use violence. It might give you an instant positive result but it ruins the problem in long term and there are so many examples to support this theory.
Supriya Kumari: If non- violence would have worked today I guess women would really never have faced domestic violence. Not every situations needs to be dealt with violence and it’s best to stayaway from situations and in today’s world nobody would stay calm if gets slapped.
Rishikesh Ingley: I believe in the Gandhiji’s ideology of Non-violence and Peace, but the thought of putting forward your cheek when someone slaps you is not applicable in today’s times, I feel. In today’s times, people have become aggressive and individualistic, so you need to be vigilant as well so you won’t be labeled weak. There are certain situations where you can handle things peacefully but when it comes to self-protection or defense you need to show your violent side
