did India move away from Gandhism?

Originally posted by: Polki_Zofi

The nonsectarian and nonviolent teachings of Gandhi seem to be sidelined in India nowadays. He had another great quality of sacrifice and humble living. He taught people to be content.

 

Since learning about India closely, I felt that a growing segment of people wish to disregard his values and wish to follow a more materialistic life. Is it really something that ever helped this nation?

 

In Europe still some children think of India as a country of elephants and monkeys with many jungles and tigers 😊, so did I once (there is Tajmahal too!). If there is anything beyond that, in school we come across Gandhi. Gandhi is a great figure outside of India, but do you Indians think he is equally revered inside India by its new generation? Does this help India and its evolving culture and values?

 

I certainly doubt it. But my knowledge of India is still confined to one visit only, and I met people within my extended family mostly, with some of my husband's friends from outside the family 😊. Indian women still have not much respect and it is my personal perception, they also remain malnourished. This is something Gandhi wanted to abolish too I think, he wanted a simple yet content life for the Indians.

 

I wish India was like I once imagined, it was so exotic.😳

Gandhi is a very important figure in Indian history. He is after all dubbed "Father of the Nation". However, Gandhi is just one Indian leaders amidst hundreds. Moreover, he represents just a few years in centuries of Indian history. So to center a perception of India around Gandhi is a big mistake.  As time moves on, history fades in the background and historical figures become less revered and less important. Time has moved on in India. While people still respect Gandhi his reverence has faded. People want to give all our freedom fighters their due and not just center it around Gandhi. Our freedom was a collective effort and not granted by one man. People also don't think Gandhi was infallible and think he made several mistakes and poor judgment calls, like any other human in history. Most importantly, the Gandhi concept of non-violence is a very difficult concept for most humans to follow and agree with.  While most Indians do subscribe to civil disobedience and non-violence, they don't see it the way Gandhi did. They are more agitated, passionate and angry.

Ugh! I won't delve into how much we Indians hate people perceiving us as exotic objects. I once met a person who saw me in jeans and t-shirt looking like an everyday American and was disappointed. She expected me to be more colorful and exotic. Personally, I find that perception very narrow minded and insulting. We are human beings just like anyone else on earth, not exotic creatures.

@Polki Zoki – I was born and raised in Bombay. I've known jeans/shorts and tees my entire life. India is not merely the land of elephants and tigers. There is a whole urban educated India that is just like any other city in the world. I'm not insecure nor am I ashamed of my culture. I am more than happy to share it with people who want to learn more about India, its history and traditions. But the fact also is that we are not a zoo or safari for entertainment. Our history and culture is personal, not for exotic indulgences of foreigners. It insulting also insulting when people are shocked that Indians speak English, can assimilate easily in western cultures – it is clear that some still see India as some ancient exotic land of elephants and tigers.  I'm not always offended when people have stereotypes or assumptions about India. Sometimes I know people are genuine, and discuss things with them. Other times I know they are just pretentious pricks like to pretend they are worldly wise.

Originally posted by: Polki_Zofi

King-Anu, I cannot remove myself from the dissappointment I received when I discovered that no elephant or monkey were common sights in India 💔, whether you like it or not it broke my heart 😛. But on a serious note, I mention it because I had a perception about this place like I had about Africa 😃 ... it changed and I realize the truth and respect it. But it is as it is, what to do