Young Indians debate Gandhi’s relevance in an age of speed and online politics
A group of Indian Gen Z voices has offered varied views on how Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas might apply today, highlighting truth, non-violence, restraint and civil disobedience while also questioning his positions on caste, gender and sexuality. Several said Gandhi should be read critically rather than treated as infallible.
Young Indian professionals, artists, students and writers have offered differing views on how Mahatma Gandhi might respond to contemporary India, with many arguing that his ideas remain relevant but should be questioned rather than accepted uncritically. Adil Kalyanpur, a 26-year-old tennis player and rapper, said Gandhi would be uncomfortable with society’s demand for instant results. He associated Gandhi with patience, simplicity and restraint, and suggested that social media and rap could be used to communicate his ideas of non-violence and civil disobedience.
Documentary filmmaker Eshan Sharma said Gandhi’s non-violence, simplicity, truth and civil disobedience remained radical ideas. He also argued that Gandhi’s views on gender, sexuality and caste should be debated and criticised through reading and engagement rather than reduced to a fixed public image. Artist and designer Kaanchi Chopra said Gandhi would oppose extreme power, corruption and the poor condition of women if he were young today.
She suggested he might again take to the streets, though she believed he would be more outspoken and rebellious. Translator and writer Vighnesh Hampapura questioned the labels “father of the nation” and “Mahatma”, saying they could imply paternalism or infallibility. He emphasised Gandhi’s habit of asking questions and leaving room for disagreement.
Some contributors compared Gandhi with other historical figures. Cybersecurity engineer Nisarga Adhikary said Gandhi turned moral courage into political power but argued that B.R. Ambedkar offered a stronger explanation of inequality and structural power.
Student Shubham Kumar said Gandhi’s ideas of simplicity and truth appeared increasingly radical, while non-violence and civil disobedience remained relevant but were difficult for working people to practise collectively. The responses collectively presented Gandhi as a figure whose methods and limitations continue to invite debate among younger Indians.
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