REMEMBERING BAPUJI TODAY We have listened a lot about Buddha and Jesus of the ancient times. But
what India has realized the impact of Bapu’s philosophy which has been persisting in the minds of the people of India. He resurrected old values and gave substance and fresh meaning to forgotten words like Truth and Non-
violence. His slogan was "Be Fearless". Bapu’s ideology and slogan were enough to drag people, irrespective of men and women, old and young, outside home to fight for the cause of independence of India. Bapu understood the dynamics of social change that could be executed only through youth power. He has tried it during the independence movement. His faith on youths and trust in God enabled him to use the minds of great youths like Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Subhash Chandra Bose, Nehru, C. Rajagopalachari as instrument for social change. They were influenced by the ideology of Mahatma and joined their hands with Bapuji to fight for independent India. So far Bapu’s ideologies are not fully utilized by the young Indians. They are vulnerable and easily being lured to the culture of violence by the anti-socials and anti-nationals indulged in notorious activities. Almost all youths are engaged in a particular sphere of life but in a negative way. Why they are negative and why they are indulging themselves in terrorist activities is still a
mystery to the average people. But some possible hypothesis pertaining to this are: (1) The affirmation of self-esteem, especially when an ego has been deeply hurt and denied identity, (2) Depersonalization, that is the surrender of one’s personality in the service of a group to get rid of the burden of human responsibility, (3) Terrorism as a method of establishing intimacy that is to say it is a means to enforce recognition and thus establish a subjective relationship with one’s victim and (4) A strong belief in the magic of violence, where the elements of secrecy, mystery wonder and self-punishment mingle to propel the terrorists toward an unknown territory. One thing reveals from the minds of youths that they have taken terrorism as a game and a quick means to make a quick buck above all the lure of sheer adventure. Since, the India is at the threshold of becoming a Super Power in the world, the role of youths, in a positive manner, is absolutely essential. Only a positive base can propel youths to become an instrument to cross many hurdles that are suppose to arise on the path of becoming super power in the world. Had Bapu lived in this crucial time, he would have produced great youths like Jawahar Lal Nehru, C. Rajagopalachari, Subhash Chandra Bose and Dr. Radhakrishan whose presence is quite essential to overcome all hurdles and take the country towards becoming super power in the world.