Shri Mahadev Vidrohi, National President, Sarvodaya Mandalam,
Shri Thomas Chazhikadan, Member of Parliament,
Shri Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Member of Legislative Assembly,
Dr. Sabu Thomas, Vice Chancellor, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam,
Dr. Cyriac Thomas, Former Vice Chancellor,
Dr. M.P. Mathai, Former Professor and Director, Centre of Gandhian Studies, Mahatma Gandhi University,
Dr. Jose Mathew, President, Kerala Sarvodaya Mandalam,
Shri Rajeev Murali,
प्रियासहोदरीसहोदरनमारेäú [Priya Sahodaree Sahodaranmare],
एल्लावरकुमएन्टेनमस्कारम.[Ellavarkkum Ente Namaskaram].
As an Indian and an admirer of Gandhiji, I deem it my duty to inaugurate this national seminar ’Forwards through Gandhi for a Sustainable Future’organized by Kerala Sarvodaya Mandal.
Let me begin by complimenting the leadership of Kerala Sarvodaya Mandalfor organizing this National Seminar at a time when we are celebrating the 150th birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and Smt. Kasturba Gandhi. As we all know, the Kerala Sarvodaya Mandalam is the branch of the Sarva Seva Sangh, in Kerala. Gandhiji had earlier desired to form a non political organization to carry out the reconstruction of India through non violent means. Though this desire could not be materialized during his life time, Gandhiji's close colleagues formed the Sarva Seva Sangh at Sevagram Ashram, after his sad demise in 1948. The Kerala Sarvodaya Mandalam, whichwas conceived as the State unit of the Sarva Seva Sangh, was always led by prominent Gandhians who fought non-violently against the seven deadly sins in society, pointed out by the Mahatma.
It is well known that Kerala still recalls the moment when the river निला नदी[River Nila] tearfully received the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi on the 12th of February, 1948. Later, a Sarvodaya Mela, was initiated at तीरु नवाया[Thirunaavaaya] by केलप्पजी[Kelappaji], the first leader of Kerala Sarvodaya Mandalam, to commemorate this event. I am happy that this event continues even today, as a confluence of Gandhian ideals, thoughts and actions.
Coming to today's Seminar, I must admit that it rightly discusses the contributions and influence of Gandhian thoughts in a realistic and futuristic perspective. As the concept note of this Seminar rightly points out, the ever lasting relevance of Gandhian ideals urges us to correct our assumption that Gandhiji and his thoughts belong to a bygone era. Those who advocate the slogan, Return to Gandhi, do not realize that we have a long way to go forward to fully internalize the concept of a modern and just society that he had advocated through his thoughts, writings and his own life.
The context in which we celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of the Mahatma is very important. The Mahatma’s fight was not just for freedom from the British colonialism but for freedom from all divisive tendencies like caste, creed, gender etc, and above all, freedom from underdevelopment. Through his concept of Sarvodaya, he envisioned a sustainable civilization, which ensured the welfare of all. He endeavored to make this a reality through the two pronged strategy of Constructive Programmes and Satyagraha.
Gandhi had foreseen the unsustainable nature of the modern western civilization which focused on industrialization, militarization and consumerism. Since he believed in the power of the self reliant villages, Gandhiji proposed his own theory of utilization of resources. In his first book Hind Swarajor Indian Home Rule (1909)Gandhijihad exposed the unjust and exploitative nature of modern civilization and suggested an alternative sustainable civilization based on truth and nonviolence.
The Gandhian concept of sustainable welfare attains contemporary relevance in the light of the Sustainable Development Goals announced in recent years by the United Nations. These 17 goals which include No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health, Quality Education, Gender Equality etc. also point to the need to address the unsustainable nature of the western theories of development, which were once considered as models. Indeed, it is quite comforting that globally, there has been an increased awareness and concern about the need to reduce the exploitation of resources so that the world remains safer for posterity. Finally, the world has come to agree with Gandhiji’s warning that the ‘Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not for every man’s greed’.
While we talk of development and welfare, it is usual for many people to put the blame on politics and religion for all things that tend to go wrong. But, let us not forget that a strong current of spirituality and wisdom had flown through Indian politics, right from the days of Ashoka, who renounced war, conducted peaceful diplomacy and conserved the environment. His practice of dharma, concept of welfare and faith in humanism had made him an ideal politician. Our history is replete with episodes of such commitment shown by many rulers and statesmen at different times.
On similar lines, Gandhiji believed that it was impossible to separate social, economic and political activities from purely religious ones. In fact, he strove to make religion practical by visualizing in it, Man’s reaction to Man in society. Gandhiiji’s deep involvement in the political process was motivated by a profound spirituality. ‘To serve is my religion’, is what Gandhiji often said.
We know that Gandhi’s vision about a free India included thoughts on economic, social and moral freedom, in addition to the political freedom gained by the Nation. He wanted seven lakh committed people to rebuild our seven lakh villages as self sufficient economic units. On his 150th Birth anniversary, the best homage we can pay him is through the rejuvenation of our villages. Our villages should resonate with the ideas and efforts for sustainable living and nonviolent social change.
To attain such goals, Gandhiji placed the unity of the human soul above everything. We can see that the message of his life and teachings echoes in many of the articles of our sublime Constitution. As citizens of the largest democracy, it is our duty to cultivate a culture of nonviolence and harmony, which is the most effective way to a sustainable future. Through such a culture, we can certainly develop a more meaningful religious and political attitude committed to sustainable development and welfare.
To conclude, I would reiterate that Gandhian values are great tools to unite humanity above all petty feelings. By remembering Gandhiji and by celebrating onhis150th birth anniversary, we are strengthening our resolve to carry forward the ideals handed down to us by our forefathers who had fought and died for the freedom that we enjoy today. Let the Gandhian thoughts echo in every Indian mind and in every nook and corner of our country, reminding us of the heritage of harmony that has made us the custodians of the greatest democracy in the world.
I compliment the organizers for conducting this programme in a befitting manner.
लोका: समस्ता: सुखिनो भवन्तु
[Lokah: Samasta: Sukhino Bhavantu]
Nanni
Jai Hind
