Vipanchi

"Gandhi was a tough man. He would let every thought flow through him but never let them wreck his own convictions" I grew up learning Mahatma Gandhi as 'The Father of The Nation'. I remember giving alms to old people and kids dressed up in the dhoti with a glaring silver paint on them almost looking like the ubiquitous statues of Gandhi in India. Yeah, I have seen him on currency notes and heard at least a road named after him in many towns. As I explored a bit deeper, I was awestruck by the stature of Mahatma world over. The British who must be his prime contenders have constructed his statue in the parliament square. They see him as the symbol of peace and non-violence. Then I asked myself,   How much do I know about Mahatma? Is he relevant to modern India? Modern India can be comprehended into an English speaking , Market-driven, society laying fast track trains, living in bustling cities sending humans to the outer space on one side,...

Indian independence movement is one of the earliest peaceful movements against the British rule. It opened doors for Non-violent protests against oppressors across the world. Gandhiji is credited for this idea. Indian freedom struggle is mainly classified into three phases: Moderate phase - prayer, petition, protest. Extremist phase - violent revolt. Gandhian phase - Peaceful non-co-operation. What made Gandhian phase unique? The moderate leaders of freedom struggle, though mostly viewed as unsuccessful, were responsible for forming the counter arguments to " white man's burden" theory  of  the British. They prepared ground, propounded theories for intellectual understanding of the British exploitation of India. The extremists, mostly young leaders, believed in complete freedom, resorted to violent means to overthrow the British . However, there was no significant harm done to the British. It is at this juncture that Gandhian philosophy came handy.  Ga...

Swamy Vivekananda is a legendary orator, thinker,philosopher and a great patriot.His contribution to Indian renaissance during 1890s is immense.He helped Indian youth to recoup their lost morale, to combat the tyrannical British rule. Besides these, his teachings hold impact even now.His teachings helped me to gain courage when I felt lost in a sea of depression, so is to many people.At times of depression,blind faith in his sayings makes us strong again and helps us to become a better person. 5 very powerful sayings of him, which must be resonating in ones mind ,if one wishes to win:  It is essential for anyone to learn to emulate others ,but at  the same time we must remember to stay the person as we are.BE YOURSELF.   2.   when you talk to yourself,you know to love yourself,to groom yourself,to rectify yourself and thus strengthen yourself.   3.   Devote yourself to your goal and you will succeed.          ...