Tushar Gandhi on why Gandhism still matters in a changing world

An undated photograph of Mahatma Gandhi working on the charkha. PIC COURTESY/MKGANDHI.ORG

Last Tuesday, Tushar Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, read the Preamble of the Constitution of India to a crowd gathered in Dadar. Line after line, young Mumbaikars echoed his words. That was just the beginning of a busy week for Gandhi. The inaugural three-day Festival of Alternatives at the Yusuf Meherally Centre in Panvel, where he is a committee member, is gearing up for its first festival dedicated to sustainability.

Why was it important to shine a light on sustainability through a festival in today's times?
The idea was to mark the first death anniversary of Dr Gunvantrai Ganpatlal Parikh (October 2), the 101-year-old Gandhian freedom fighter who dedicated his life to sustainable practices across fields of human rights, environment, and gram udyog. A festival nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats seemed like the perfect tribute. We will hold a short ceremony to honour Bapu and Dr GG Parikh on the opening day.

Tushar Gandhi

You had a long association with Dr GG Parikh. What is the one lesson that our young readers can borrow from his life?
A sense of responsibility. Dr Parikh was a lifelong follower of Bapu, and shared the inherent quality of taking responsibility at the personal level - to not wait for others before taking the first step. He felt a strong sense of duty towards reforming the lives of the poor, which he put into action at the Centre.

Earlier this week, you joined a youth protest in the city. In the past, young Mumbaikars have caught a bad rap for being indifferent to socio-political issues. What are your observations?
It is true that Mumbai has long been considered the ‘partying capital' for youth. But I am extremely hopeful about their future, especially after what I saw in the past months [NEET protests]. The youth showed up voluntarily - not because they were indoctrinated or belonged to a political party - but for their future. The city hasn't witnessed such an awakening in a long time.

Dr Gunvantrai Ganpatlal Parikh. PICS COURTESY/YMAC; tushargandhi.in

Do you believe that Gandhism is still practical in a world that is turning increasingly violent, both in thought and action?
Absolutely. Just a few months ago, Gen Z showed up with their placards, and spoke with utmost politeness to the police personnel in the face of push back. As we all saw, they were able to bring change. I believe that it is more important than ever right now to revisit Bapu's philosophy.

The Guide's top picks

Janta talks
Tune into a thought-provoking conversation between veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah and activist Abhijeet Dipke.
ON October 2; 3 pm

Word in the wild
Witness senior environment activists Bittu Sahgal and Medha Patkar share the stage with policy advisor Milind Thatte for a discussion on development, rights, and Adivasi movements.
ON October 3; 11 am

Thread alert
Try your hand on the charkha, the enduring symbol of Mahatma Gandhi's Swadesi Movement.
ON October 3; 10.30 am

ON October 2 to 4
AT Yusuf Meherally Centre, Tara, Panvel.
LOG ON TO festivalofalternatives.com (for full schedule and registration)