is gandhism relevant today?

Answer 1

(1) Yes, I believe that nonviolence prevents stacking additional burdens on the given problem or conflict. So that instead of compounding a conflict more, as in the Middle East, there is less mess and damage to deal with in order to address the root cause of oppression so the injustice can be resolved. So yes, in terms of nonviolence I think this is very critical to communication and conflict resolution that is required for global change.

(2) However, I think more is needed than passive resistance normally associated with Gandhi, such as getting arrested to publicize protests, which merely empowers the current system of authority and media bias toward negative conflict and discrediting opponents. I think what is called for today is not "civil disobedience" but "civil obedience" where citizens enforce just civil standards as equal responsibility of the government, and do not accept to be criminalized but turn the tables and correct the injustice that is criminal. To invoke and act upon equal authority as government, requires absolute nonviolence, diplomacy, civil respect and cooperative agreement with given authority; otherwise, it would be discredited as a disorderly or violent rebellion that disrespects public safety and current authority.

Instead of challenging unjust laws by "breaking them," making it clear that the parties allowing injustice are the ones disobeying higher laws about equal protections, and enforcing solutions as meeting the legal standards. This requires both the same organization and unity as previous reform movements, but also direct diplomacy and cooperation WITH the conflicting institutions (not division or opposition). There must be a balance between respecting given authorities and institutions, while equally empowering the people whose consent is the basis of government and social contracts in a civilized society.

So this is a step beyond the choices most people consider.
How to work WITH the given institutions and policies and people to invoke the change TOGETHER by agreement, by political force of unity and respect for mutual laws and standards, not by forcing change by negative opposition and competition.

I think that is the difference that is needed in the world in order to achieve change on the next level. It involves the principles of Gandhi but takes them even further, where everyone is on the same side solving problems as a team.

Answer 2

I believe it is but it so hard to get past violence. Another part of the problem is the things that oppress people most also provide some benefits in return. People might hate the rat race of capitalism but they can't let go of their i-pod either.

Gandhism demands a great deal of faith and courage. It also demands patience, violence is immediate (destruction has the illusion of change) as non-violent change is a life long commitment.

Answer 3

watch lage raho munna bhai.. =D
some people still beleive in non violent rebellion..