Art Credit : Unknown
We all can draw inspiration from teachings & principles of Mahatma Gandhi. Children are easier to mould as compared to grown ups and hence, if they are introduced to Gandhian values at an early age, they can learn many valuable life lessons which will help them to become a better human being. Out of the many great Gandhian principles, here are a couple of them which the kids should be taught compulsorily:
RESPECT & HUMILITY
Respect is a positive feeling or action shown towards someone or something considered important, or held in high esteem or regard. It conveys a sense of admiration for good or valuable qualities. Humility is the quality of being humble and having a modest or low view of one’s importance. Both of these were inseparable parts of Gandhiji’s persona. Respect everyone with humility and value their tangible as well as intangible belongings. Here is an incident from Gandhiji’s life that perfectly narrates it:-
Gandhiji & his little pencil
Gandhiji loved kids and any gift from them was invaluable for him. Once during a meeting, Kaka Kelkar, an independence activist saw Gandhiji frantically searching for something. When he asked Gandhiji what he was searching for, Gandhiji said he was looking for his own little pencil. Eager to get on with the meeting, Kaka Kelkar offered his pencil to Gandhiji but he refused to take it. The pencil was a gift to Gandhiji from a little boy in Madras and he couldn’t bear to loose it. Kaka Kelkar & Gandhiji searched for the pencil together and ultimately found it. The pencil was only 2 inches long however, it was an invaluable possession for Gandhiji.
SELF BELIEF & HONESTY
Self-belief is confidence in your own abilities or judgment. Honesty is a facet of moral character that connotes positive and virtuous attributes such as integrity, truthfulness, straightforwardness, including straightforwardness of conduct, along with the absence of lying, cheating, theft, etc. Honesty also involves being trustworthy, loyal, fair, and sincere. Gandhiji had unconditional commitment to honesty and an unwavering belief in his own abilities. An enlightening incident from Gandhiji’s childhood which affirms his deeds:
Gandhiji & the kettle
In a school examination, Gandhiji & his classmates were given the task to spell a few words. He didn’t know the spelling of kettle and misspelled it. During his routine rounds in the examination, the incharge teacher noticed the incorrect spelling and prompted Gandhiji to copy the correct answer from the neighbouring student. However, Gandhiji refused to copy the right answer from others. Sometime later, when his teacher asked why he didn’t copy from his neighbour, Gandhiji replied: I would rather fail then copy & be dishonest.
