3 Mahatma Gandhi Quotes That Will Teach You The Meaning of 'Being Indian'

Our history textbooks don't do justice to the greatness of this man.

While there are still many Indians that mock Gandhi and constantly try to taint his reputation, the truth is that he's the Father of our nation.

If you take a deep dive into Indian history the same way that legends like Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King & Yogananda Paramhansa did, you will understand why humans from all over the world look up to Gandhi and his principles.

A freedom fighter, a yogi and a man that embodied the true values of Indian culture.

Here are 3 of his quotes that impacted my mindset tremendously.

1. 'There are two days in the year where we cannot do anything - Yesterday & tomorrow'

Context :

Read about Gandhi's life to know the sheer QUANTITY of work that he accomplished. A mere 78 years on this planet was what it took for him to go down in the history books of the world. 78 years was what it took for him to be the eternal face of a nation.

All of his achievements arose from one common thought : Take action. 

Meaning :

This is the most important lesson of life in my opinion. 

You'll figure life as you move forward. But for now, totally be in the now and get work done.

The world contains too many people who think well. But very few that act on these well thought out plans. Strive to be amongst the few, especially if greatness is a goal of yours.

2. 'I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet. Nobody can hurt me without my permission.'

Context :

Gandhi was insulted, abused, challenged, mocked and attacked everywhere he went. Right from the time of his education in Britain to his 21 years in South Africa. It was a constant stream of what the modern world calls 'trolling'.

Meaning :

If your goal in life is all about achieving greatness. Haters, doubters & trolls will be a very real, very natural aspect of your life.

That is the price one pays when trying to accomplish a lot. But the good news is that YOU can choose whether or not to give them the power over your thoughts. 

An unpopular, but much needed piece of life advice, especially for 'influencers' : Learn to ignore the hate. If you address it, if you think about it. It WILL affect you.

Rise above it.

3. 'Be the change you want to see in the world.'

Context :

Gandhi believed in non-violence, simplicity and peace even before he began his famous anti-British-Raj movements.

Every movement that he launched (even the ones launched while he was abroad), echoed the same values.

He returned to India in 1915 in order to become a part of the Indian National Congress. 

But what made this man rise to become the unanimous leader of the Indian independence movement?

In my opinion, it was his belief system backed by his sense of taking action. This combination initially won the heart of the masses. 

What took his status 'legendary' heights was how he decided to make simplicity a part of his being. Once Gandhi became an active part of the Indian freedom struggle, he changed many aspects of his OWN existence & lifestyle. He decided to lead from the front and set an example.

Everything from the way he dressed, to how he ate to how he lived. BECAME simple.

The book, "Autobiography of a Yogi" contains a chapter on Gandhi & his lifestyle. That chapter changed my perception on the legend. He was a soul who was true to his word. He practiced completely what he preached.

There's a huge lesson here for the social media fuelled Indian youth.

Meaning : 

Rather than complaining about what you don't like in this world, ask yourself what action you may take today, in order to better the state of tomorrow. 

Actions are difficult but effective

Complaining is easy, but empty.

Don't voice your anger, without offering up a solution. 

If you wish to change things in the world, change things in your immediate surroundings first. Starting with yourself.

Don't underestimate the ability of good actions & good energy to spread through society. Don't underestimate your own ability to inspire. Inspirational journeys begin when the people closest to you are inspired to change themselves, because of you.

Even if you believe the path towards change is long, remember that Gandhi took more than 30 years to get India it's complete Independence. 

But the change begins with one person.

Happy Independence Day. Here's to the thousands that dedicated their life to gain India it's freedom. Jai Hind.