Ensuring Gandhi’s ideals are evoked by future generations, PM Modi pens 'Einstein Challenge' in NYT op-ed
New Delhi, October 3: Walking on the path directed by ‘Bapu’, India is irreversibly trying to abide by his ideologies and way of teachings. In a world where violence has created chaos and unwanted diversion, India still unites standing by Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘ahimsa’. In a special tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned an opinion edition for New York Times proposing what he called the ‘Einstein Challenge’ to ensure Gandhi’s ideals are remembered by future generations.
Observing that Mahatma Gandhi envisioned Indian nationalism as one that was never narrow or exclusive, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said this in an op-ed in ‘The New York Times’ as he paid glowing tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary, describing him as the “best teacher” and “the guiding light” who continues to give courage to millions globally and uniting those who believe in humanity.
Titled as ‘Why India and the World Need Gandhi’, PM Modi wrote, “As a tribute to Gandhi, I propose what I call the Einstein Challenge. We know Albert Einstein’s famous words on Gandhi: ‘Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth’.” He further added stating, “How do we ensure the ideals of Gandhi are remembered by future generations? I invite thinkers, entrepreneurs and tech leaders to be at the forefront of spreading Gandhi’s ideas through innovation.”
The op-ed ends with a call to the world to work shoulder to shoulder to end hate, violence and suffering. “That is when we will fulfil Mahatma Gandhi’s dream, summed up in his favourite hymn, ‘Vaishnava Jana To’, which says that a true human is one who feels the pain of others, removes misery and is never arrogant. The world bows to you, beloved Bapu!” Modi wrote.
The prime minister said that for Gandhi, independence was not absence of external rule, but a deep link between political independence and personal empowerment. The prime minister also talked about the ideals epitomised by the apostle of peace who inspired such iconic leaders as Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela. “The guiding light whose inspiration got Dr King to India was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the Mahatma, the Great Soul. On Wednesday, we observe his 150th birth anniversary. Gandhi Ji, or Bapu, continues to give courage to millions globally.”
Elaborating on Gandhi’s vision on nationalism, the prime minister noted that Gandhi “envisioned Indian nationalism as one that was never narrow or exclusive but one that worked for the service of humanity.” PM Modi stated that Gandhi possessed a “unique ability” to become a bridge between some of the greatest contradictions in human society and epitomised trust among all sections of society.
The prime minister also lauded Gandhi for combining ordinary objects like charkha, spinning wheel, and khadi with “mass politics” and asserts that he was never tempted by power. He also explained how his government was trying to fulfil Gandhi’s dreams and is committed to do even more with the world and for the world.
