My Life is My Message - Mahatma Gandhi

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti (birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, referred to commonly as Mahatma Gandhi or Gandhiji), let us all meditate on this beautiful quote from Gandhiji - 'My life is my message'.

We all know the contribution of Gandhiji in India's freedom struggle and without him it would have not been possible for India to achieve independence. We all have studied about Gandhiji since school days and all his pictures and information reveal that his appearance and lifestyle was very simple although he studied in London and later practiced in South Africa before returning to India.

Today, the Indian currency notes and other major landmarks in India display Gandhiji's photographs, statues or information as a recognition for his selfless contribution to the country. Gandhiji's values and contribution to the society are also recognized by other countries and leading organizations. Despite the simple life lived by Gandhiji, he has received this recognition worldwide due to his strong values and principles that he followed throughout his life which includes truthfulness, non-violence, removal of untouchability, tolerance or equality of religions and so on. Moreover, many of these principles (as stated in the below diagram) have been accepted and are being followed worldwide.

Gandhiji also published a list 'Seven Social Sins' in his weekly newspaper Young India on October 22, 1925. This list (as illustrated below) contains seven principles that are also widely cited, discussed and implemented worldwide and is nothing less than an inspirational manual for the entire society.

What message do we get from Gandhiji's life?

Will mere physical appearance or usage of fancy and costly products/ brands help one to gain recognition and happiness?

Will one be able to live a peaceful and satisfied life upon committing any of the 7 sins as stated above?

It is actually one's simplicity; one's contribution; one's values; one's work and one's behavior that truly matters and which really helps a person to shine and transform.

Therefore, let's encourage ourselves and everyone around us to reach to a higher level of humanity and to a much more matured societal behavior through simplicity and by strongly adopting the above stated principles and values. Be mindful to refrain from committing the sins (as stated above) in your day to day life.