Introduction
Mahatma Gandhi is known around the world as a fighter for Indian independence. He professed and used methods of non-violent resistance to achieve his goals. Notably, Gandhi was devoted to the Hindu religion, finding inspiration for social change in it. However, in some aspects, he disagreed with Hindu traditions, criticized them, and sought to change them. Moreover, although Gandhi is known as a national leader and fighter for justice, some people in modern India criticize his views and activities.
Main Body
Gandhi believed that Hinduism was a religion of compassion and non-violence. He emphasized the importance of ahimsa, non-violence, as a core principle and applied it as a tool to achieve social and political change (Mishra, 2019). He opposed injustice, which is inherent in the caste system and traditions, such as child marriage. At the same time, Gandhi considered Hinduism as the most peaceful and tolerant religion. His views also extended to attitudes toward other religions – he emphasized the importance of respect for different perspectives and the opportunity to listen to their teachings (Mishra, 2019). As a result, his ideas and beliefs were formed under the influence of not one religion but several.
Gandhi’s tolerance of other religions and activities has drawn criticism in Indian society. In particular, the glorification of Gandhi’s killer is noticeable, especially after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has a nationalist direction, came to power (Ellis-Petersen, 2021). Critiques argue that Gandhi’s actions led to the secession of Pakistan when he defended the rights of Muslims, for which Gandhi is called a traitor (Ellis-Petersen, 2021). Criticism also involves Gandhi’s respect for the teachings of other religions, such as Buddhism. Part of the population is confident that Buddhism is destroying Hinduism, again making Gandhi a traitor to the country (Narayanan, 2019). Therefore, his figure is rather contradictory in modern India.
Conclusion
Thus, while Mahatma Gandhi is widely respected worldwide, he has also been subject to criticism from the population. He advocated social justice, non-violence, and spiritual enlightenment and strived to improve society. However, some of his actions and views contradict people’s opinions on Hinduism and the country’s development. As a result, some people consider him a traitor to the country, and this opinion has intensified amid political changes in India. However, Gandhi deserves respect since his achievements are meaningful, and he left a significant legacy.
References
Ellis-Petersen, H. (2021). Mahatma Gandhi’s killer venerated as Hindu nationalism resurges in India. The Guardian. Web.
Mishra, R. K. (2019). Gandhi and Hinduism. Indian Journal of Public Administration, 65(1), 71-90. Web.
Narayanan, D. (2019). View: Why many among the Sangh Parivar still love to hate Mahatma Gandhi. The Economic Times. Web.