<p>Satyagraha &ndash; the word that reminds about Indian Independence movement. It<br />
means to &ldquo;hold on to the truth&rdquo;. As the world is witnessing wars everywhere<br />
the new ideology started in India by our father of Nation Mahatma Gandhiji.<br />
This single word not only changed the fate our country but many. He became<br />
ideal hero for thousands around the world in general and renowned figures<br />
like Martin Luther King Junior of America, Nelson Mandela of South Africa and<br />
Ninoy Aquino of Philippines in particular. No doubt that this ideology has given<br />
beautiful results beyond expectations.<br />
Today most of the countries in the world are facing both internal and external<br />
crises. For example, Farmer issue in India, Myanmar crises, Terrorism issues<br />
across the world are some of major events we can see today. In such a state of<br />
affairs, can the way shown by Gandhi be relevant? Can his satyagraha ideology<br />
be applied to tackle such kind of problems? Yes, it is possible. But prior to that,<br />
it is necessary to become familiar with the method of their application in<br />
changed situations.<br />
There are different forms of satyagraha. Any of the several forms may be<br />
employed in satyagraha campaign. Those that commonly employed where<br />
passive resistance, civil disobedience and non-cooperation. Non-cooperation<br />
may include strike, boycott and resignation from offices.<br />
Satyagraha is more relevant even today in the following way:<br />
ï‚· Nonviolence method is one of the peaceful ways to avoid conflicts<br />
without loss of social, economic and cultural lives of people.<br />
ï‚· It helps us to show proper way of expressing pain and unwillingness<br />
towards the issue.<br />
ï‚· It is most powerful mode of protest. For example, Jan Lokpal bill in India,<br />
Aung San Suu Kyi movement in Myanmar were turned out to be highly<br />
successful.<br />
ï‚· It will inspire new generations about peace and non-violence<br />
ï‚· It helps in development of country where the major goal is peace and<br />
prosperity.<br />
As every coin has two sides in this 21 st century it is also quite difficult to follow<br />
the satyagraha principles due to following reasons.</p>

<p>ï‚· Due to lack of experience many people do not have courage to take up<br />
satyagraha as they fear consequences.<br />
ï‚· Satyagraha takes time to get good result. People does not have patience<br />
to wait for result as they expect immediate result, and it is not possible<br />
in all the situations. For example, in high terrorism countries it is quite<br />
impossible to handle these principles which take ample of time to get<br />
result and many lives would lost during that time.<br />
ï‚· Relevance of satyagraha mostly depends upon interest of an individual.<br />
Most people would not like to leave luxury, power and wealth to follow<br />
such path.<br />
ï‚· Lack of common means among public was one of the major problems<br />
today. So, it lost its importance</p>

<p>&ldquo;The satyagrahi has infinite patience, abundant faith in others and ample<br />
hope&rdquo;</p>

<p>- Mahatma Gandhi<br />
The above quotes say the satyagrahi must have patience and ample hope, but<br />
we find around ourselves strikes, fasts, dharnas, satyagrahas, picketings,<br />
gheraos, and many more things of the kind, all undertaken to back some<br />
demands. What is worth noticing is that today we have accepted the forms of<br />
the Gandhian methods and thrown to the winds the spirit behind them. Ends<br />
are more important to us than the means. We must change it.<br />
It is very important in today&rsquo;s world to follow Gandhian Principles<br />
where violence is seen everywhere to inspire our future generations. It is a fact<br />
that non-violent Satyagraha sometimes takes longer time but causes less<br />
damage to people and property and does not leave behind any hatred or ill-<br />
will. Ultimately imbibed with Ahimsa it is the pursuit of Truth and Truth always<br />
wins.</p>
