Respected Principal, honoured guests, and dear friends, good morning. As we gather to mark another Gandhi Jayanti, a question worth asking is whether the teachings of a man born more than one hundred and fifty years ago still hold meaning in our age of smartphones, artificial intelligence, and instant gratification. I believe the answer is a resounding yes. Consider the environmental crisis facing our planet today. Gandhi once said that the earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need but not every man's greed, a warning that feels almost prophetic as we confront climate change driven largely by unchecked consumption. Consider also the polarization we see in public discourse, where disagreement often turns into hostility within minutes on social media. Gandhi's insistence on listening to one's opponent, on engaging with respect even amid deep disagreement, offers a desperately needed alternative to the shouting matches that dominate our screens. His emphasis on truth reminds us to pause before sharing unverified information. His commitment to non-violence challenges us to resolve conflicts, whether between nations or between classmates, through dialogue rather than aggression. His belief in the dignity of labour and the importance of community service remains a guide for anyone seeking purpose beyond personal success. Even his concept of trusteeship, the idea that wealth should be managed for the benefit of society rather than hoarded for oneself, speaks directly to conversations happening today about inequality and corporate responsibility. Gandhi was not a perfect man, and history rightly invites us to examine his life critically, but the core values he championed, truth, non-violence, simplicity, and service, remain tools we desperately need in navigating a complicated modern world. Let this Gandhi Jayanti be not just a holiday or a ceremony, but a genuine invitation to ask how we might apply these timeless principles to the very real challenges of our own time. Thank you, and Jai Hind.
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