A Film By
India Public Television
Simplicity too is an essential part of Gandhian non-violent conduct. To Gandhiji, it was the essence of universality. Luxurious living is an impossible proposition for any society as a whole. He, therefore, insisted that all scriptures have given to humankind the ideal of “plain living and high thinking”. He emphasized that there was beauty and art in simplicity and it did not require money to be neat, clean and dignified. He held pomp and pageantry as synonymous with vulgarity.
With a simple short dhoti as his dress, Gandhiji could identify himself with the Daridranarayans of India, and in 1931, during the Round Table Conference in London, his going to the Buckingham Palace in the same dress, made him a true representative of the Indian nation. He would not waste a piece of paper, a grain of rice, or a drop of water. As he stated, “There is goodness and greatness in simplicity; not in wealth.”
In order to commemorate this historic occasion, Doordarshan Archives presents here a serial entitled MAHATMA, covering selected aspects of Gandhiji’s philosophy and message under the headings of Non-violence (Ahimsa), Harmony, Simplicity, Discipline, Co-operation, and Trusteeship. The serial has been compiled by Shri Brijendra Rehi, and the presentation has been made mainly through the inspirational anecdotes as expressed by a wide range of scholars, workers and followers of Gandhiji’s teachings and precepts, always remembering that Gandhiji had said, “My life is my message.”
Notes
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