Dhanada K Mishra, Hong Kong, 8 November 2024
When Gandhi fell victim to an assassin—a fundamentalist religious fanatic claiming nationalist ideals—the intent was to extinguish Gandhian principles and philosophies. Yet, as history has shown with great thinkers like Jesus Christ, Socrates, the Sikh Gurus, and Sant Kabir, while a person may perish, their ideas endure. When rooted in timeless human values such as truth, non-violence, love, and respect, these ideas persist through the actions of others. Regrettably, assassins often fail to heed the lessons of history, perpetuating similar errors for a variety of reasons.
Famed author and activist Arundhati Roy once said – we are in the age of ‘small Gods’ referring to the fact that it is no longer possible to expect Gandhi-like figures to bring change. Instead, the work of thousands of Gandhian workers will do his work. Following the legacy of towering personalities like Vinoba Bhave and Jayprakash Narayan, who spearheaded major mass movements inspired by Gandhian ideals, lesser-known figures like Acharya Ramamurti among many others, of the organization Sramabharati, quietly continued Gandhian work at the grassroots, away from the spotlight.
Gandhi long held the belief that women possessed unique capacities for sacrifice and leadership in fostering peace. He argued that the world had been excessively dominated by aggressive “masculine” traits and advocated for the elevation of nurturing “feminine” qualities. In his words, “Non-violence is woman’s inborn virtue. For ages, man has been steeped in violence. To embrace non-violence, they must cultivate qualities traditionally associated with women. Since adopting non-violence, I find myself increasingly embodying feminine characteristics. Women, accustomed to sacrificing for their families, must now extend this ethos to serve their country. I invite all women to enlist in my nonviolent army.”
From these ideals emerged the Mahila Shanti Sena (MSS), a beacon of hope born from a collaboration between McMaster University’s Centre for Peace Studies in Canada and Shrambharati in India. The genesis of MSS unfolded at an international conference on Peace, Non-Violence, and Democracy in Vaishali, Bihar, in 2002, uniting over 5000 individuals under a shared vision.
The core mission of MSS revolves around empowering women for grassroots participatory democracy, fostering a society grounded in peace and justice while upholding Gandhian principles of constructive service. Through targeted training programs and support from various organizations, MSS equips women to address pressing issues like violence, poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment, catalyzing tangible change within their communities.
Following the transformative Vaishali Conference, MSS orchestrated numerous training camps, nurturing the innate strength of women and preparing them for active roles in village governance. The ripple effect of this empowerment led to increased participation in local elections, with MSS expanding its footprint across northeastern states like Bihar, Odisha, Assam, and Tamil Nadu.
Over the years, MSS members have spearheaded initiatives focused on conflict resolution, community improvement, and self-empowerment. From organizing cleanliness drives to ensuring children’s education and aiding marginalized groups during the pandemic, their impact resonates far and wide. The metamorphosis of MSS women—from timid observers to empowered change-makers—underscores the transformative power of collective action and unwavering determination.
One of the most profound transformations seen in MSS women is their evolution to embody the mantra of “Be the Change.” Many of these women, before joining MSS, had never ventured beyond their homes or villages, engaged in conversations beyond their immediate circles, or recognized their potential to effect significant change in their communities. Through MSS, these women found their voices, speaking with newfound courage and confidence. While initially encountering scepticism and ridicule in their community engagement efforts, over time they gained recognition and trust, with community members actively seeking their guidance and assistance in times of need.
As MSS continues to amplify voices, instil confidence, and drive positive change, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Gandhian ideals and the resilience of those devoted to shaping a more equitable and compassionate society. In Odisha, it is led by the eminent Gandhian social worker Smt. Krishna Mohanty of Baji Rout Chhatrabas, Angul, has tirelessly carried forward the work of her father, Sri Nabakrushna Choudhury (former CM of Odisha), and their illustrious Gandhian lineage.
An international wing of MSS was established in Hamilton in 2009 and registered in Ontario, Canada, with the dedicated support of Prof. Sri Gopal Mohanty and others to bolster MSS activities in India. Several founding members continue to collaborate with MSS women in India.
In closing, a poignant reflection from a recent article by Prof. (Dr.) SriGopal Mohanty encapsulates a glimmer of hope amidst discord: “The animosity between Indians and Pakistanis, like that between Israelis and Palestinians, often stems from religious differences. While there is ample religion in the world to sow seeds of hate, there seems to be a scarcity of it to cultivate love. Yet, amidst this, there are rays of hope. In the Paris Olympics javelin throw event, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem clinched gold while India’s Neeraj Chopra secured silver. Remarkably, Chopra’s mother referred to Nadeem as her son, and in turn, Nadeem regarded her as a mother. This spirit, embodied by Chopra’s mother’s generosity and Nadeem’s pure heart, truly exemplifies the essence of freedom and independence, showcasing how love can supplant hate.”
