Gandhigiri: From Sarcasm To Substance—Reviving The True Spirit -Commodore SR Sridhar (Retd)

With my morning cup of coffee, I turned on the TV to catch up on the news and see how the nation was observing Gandhi Jayanthi. I was taken aback when the news host casually remarked, “Let’s do some ‘Gandhigiri’ in today’s show,” with a giggle and a tone that carried a hint of sarcasm. The word, spoken so dismissively, provoked me, as it seemed to reduce the depth of Gandhi’s legacy to something trivial or funny.

Gandhigiri is a term that has evolved over the decades, gaining momentum in casual conversations at college tea shops and street corners where young people gather for debates and usual chitter-chatter. It reflects a disconnect that often exists between the youth and Gandhi’s core principles of nonviolence and truth. Today’s youth, while they may recognize the historical importance of Gandhi, view Gandhigiri with a blend of admiration, practicality, and skepticism.

Many young people still respect the essence of Gandhigiri, particularly nonviolence (ahimsa), truth (satyagraha), and civil disobedience as methods of positive change. These values are seen as timeless, particularly for activism, social reform, and environmental issues. However, the 2006 Bollywood film Lage Raho Munna Bhai was instrumental in making Gandhigiri popular again by presenting Gandhian ideals in a humorous and relatable way, showing how they can be applied to resolve everyday conflicts. This modern portrayal through Sanjay Dutt, though lighthearted, brought Gandhi’s philosophy back into contemporary discourse.

Despite this revival, Gandhianism is often viewed as an idealistic proposition in today’s fast-paced world. The gap between Gandhi’s ideals and their practical application has grown wider, given the complexities of modern life. In a world that rewards competitiveness and immediate results, the slow, deliberate approach of nonviolent resistance and truth-telling can seem impractical. Yet, the power of Gandhi’s principles endures. His emphasis on ethical leadership and public service remains more relevant than ever in a time when trust in political and corporate leaders is waning. Although difficult to practice consistently, values like honesty, transparency, and moral courage are still admired and aspired to.

The Gandhigiri we sometimes hear spoken of today with skepticism or dismissal—the playful, almost superficial version—does not capture the profound depth of Gandhi’s teachings. True Gandhigiri is not just about being kind or nonviolent in an easy, surface-level way; it’s about embodying resilience, moral courage, and unwavering integrity, even when the world seems to run counter to those values. While some may laugh or giggle at the term, the true spirit of Gandhigiri is a powerful force that can bring about lasting change in a world that sorely needs it.