Exploring The Timeless Wisdom Of Gandhian Philosophy On Religion And Caste: A Relevant Perspective For Today

Abstract

This study examines the relevance and impact of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophies on religion and caste in contemporary society. Gandhi, an iconic freedom fighter and philosopher, promoted principles of non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), and inclusiveness, which remain pertinent in addressing modern issues of religious intolerance and caste discrimination. The research explores intrinsic aspects of Gandhian theology, focusing on his concepts of Sarvodaya and interfaith harmony, as well as his evolving stance on the caste system. Utilizing a structured survey distributed across diverse demographics, the study gauges awareness, perceptions, and the perceived relevance of Gandhian principles today. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including t-tests and correlation analysis, are employed to analyze responses, revealing high awareness and perceived relevance of Gandhi’s views on non-violence and caste. Despite this, significant challenges hinder the widespread adoption of Gandhian ideals, such as societal resistance, lack of education, political opposition, and economic barriers. The study underscores the moderate positive correlation between exposure to Gandhian teachings and the perceived relevance of his principles. It concludes that while Gandhian philosophy continues to resonate with contemporary issues, its full implementation requires overcoming substantial societal and political obstacles. The findings highlight the enduring legacy of Gandhi’s teachings and their potential to inspire modern social justice movements, emphasizing the need for educational initiatives and policy reforms to foster greater awareness and acceptance of these principles in the 21st century.