Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy: His teachings remain a powerful force for inspiration and change

IT is clear that the enduring vision of Mahatma Gandhi with its unwavering emphasis on truth, non-violence, sustainability and social transformation, continues to offer profound insights for the contemporary world, particularly for South Africa’s ongoing journey towards true democracy and equality.

This was emphasised by Lokesh Maharajh, from the School of Education at UKZN during a webinar hosted by the School of Education at UKZN on Tuesday last week (April 30). The webinar focused on the relevance of Gandhi’s teachings in South Africa’s journey towards an inclusive democracy, featuring discussions on his principles of peace, non-violence, and truth.

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Maharajh said: “It is compelling to consider how the philosophies of Gandhi as well as Nelson Mandela made change and how they might offer pathways to address the persistent challenges of racial tensions, gender insensitivities, religious strife, corruption and power struggles that plague the world. Their unwavering commitment to dialogue, reconciliation and inherent dignity of all human beings serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of principled leadership and collective action.”

He admitted that Gandhi’s principles and teachings remain a powerful force for inspiration and change. “Gandhi’s time in South Africa significantly influenced South African history and shaped the country’s struggle for liberation, particularly his development and application of Satyagraha (non-violent resistance). His teachings resonate in various social contexts, from civil rights movements to environmental activism, inspiring individuals to work towards a more just and equitable world,” Maharajh added.

However, Maharajh alluded that Gandhi’s methods of non-violent resistance and his advocacy for social justice have inspired numerous movements for change in South Africa and worldwide.  “Gandhi’s philosophy continues to inspire individuals and groups to strive for a more peaceful and equitable society, demonstrating that his principles are not just historical relics, but vital guides for the present and future. His teachings encourage actions like empathy, kindness, and constructive dialogue, emphasising that change can begin with individual efforts and small steps,” he said.

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Dr Dev Rakshanam Govinden, a speaker at the webinar, said Gandhi’s most important legacy was in creating a culture of peace, improving the effectiveness of non-violent non-co-operation, and drawing the world’s attention to the gap between what we do, and what we are capable of doing.

“Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring legacy is his continued relevance to our thinking and action on a broad sweep of issues, from protecting the environment to promoting justice, from education to inequality. His teaching remains fresh and thought-provoking, including his emphasis on the importance of facing up to the truth with courage,” Dr Govinden added.

The webinar ended with a discussion on how Gandhian principles can be applied to address current societal issues and create a more peaceful world.

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