A salute to a great man. - Mahatma Gandhi
2, Oct, 2013, by Seema BhatnagarOn the occasion of his birthday, 2nd Oct, here is my salute to a father of nation, Mahatma Gandhi, a man who created history with his determination, courage and persistence. With a commendable spirit of working selflessly; he dedicated his whole life for nation. His idea of Non-violence based on human values will never be go obsolete rather will grow stronger with every day.
His ideas of self reliance, non-violence, simplicity, devotion and understanding towards fellow human beings and animals are just few of his great personal values. Sometimes, it feels as if we don't even possess the capability to understand his values, forget appreciating it.
Though we all have certain values but how many of us steadfastly follow them, probably very few. Those who follow would understand how difficult it is to live values in the face of difficulties and hardships. It takes immense determination and unwavering belief in self to live life with personal values, as each situation presents a test. For example, how many of us would take time out and think and empathize with people who tried to hurt us in some way, instead we will think how to retaliate and cause more hurt to other individual.

Some of his memorable quotes are constant reminders of his great thoughts and horizon of thinking, simply unparalleled and unmatched. Each one of his quotes is packed with wisdom and experience. A minute of deep contemplation on following thoughts can give a different perspective of looking at things and situations in life.
The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. ~ Mahatma Gandhi
An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind. ~ Mahatma Gandhi
You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty. ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding. ~ Mahatma Gandhi
A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave. ~ Mahatma Gandhi
An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching. ~ Mahatma Gandhi
There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supercedes all other courts. ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Let's take a moment and remind ourself that there was such a great soul who lived amongst us and made us to realize the power of non-violence and importance of personal values. Years and millenniums will pass but his glory of nation building will never fade. His life is itself a message for our nation. If each one of us resolves to follow and live his just one value out of many, our society can become more equal, just and livable for each one of us, irrespective of caste, color, creed, gender or geography.
Check out some valuable resources on his life here. http://www.mkgandhi.org/With peace and harmony.
Seema