The enduring legacies of Gandhi and Mandela
Both the leaders offer hope not just for survival, but for human flourishing
On July 18, 2025, as we commemorate the 107th birth anniversary of Nelson Mandela, it is imperative to reflect on the profound legacies of two of history’s most transformative figures — Mahatma Gandhi (October 2, 1869-January 30, 1948) and Nelson Mandela (July 18, 1918-December 5, 2013).
Their lives, though separated by generations and geographies, converged on a shared commitment to justice, equality and human dignity. In the 21st century, the legacies of Gandhi and Mandela shine like beacons of hope. Both leaders championed the principles of nonviolence, reconciliation, and justice in times of profound social upheaval. Gandhi’s struggle against British colonialism and Mandela’s fight against apartheid not only transformed their respective nations, but also left indelible marks on global political and moral thought. Their teachings and methods continue to resonate today, offering guidance amid rising authoritarianism, racial injustice, and growing socio-economic divides.
Gandhi gifted the world the philosophy of ‘Satyagraha’ – ‘truth-force’ or ‘soul-force’. More than mere passive resistance, Satyagraha is an active, determined, yet non-violent pursuit of truth and justice, seeking to convert the oppressor through moral persuasion and self-suffering. In the 21st century, where conflicts often escalate into brutal violence and societal divisions deepen, Gandhi’s emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa) remains a powerful, albeit challenging, ideal.
The contemporary world is replete with instances where the spirit of Satyagraha, consciously or unconsciously, guides movements for change. From climate activism to civil rights protests, communities worldwide are adopting non-violent methods to challenge entrenched power structures.
The ‘Extinction Rebellion’ (a UK-founded global environmental movement) or for that matter, the ‘School Strike for Climate’ (Fridays for Future, or FFF, also known as the School Strike for Climate movements, are some examples of non-violent movements, employing civil disobedience and public demonstrations to demand urgent action on environmental issues, echoing Gandhi’s call for a sustainable lifestyle and his famous assertion that “The world has enough for everyone’s need, but not for everyone’s greed.”
Dr Sharia Anjum, Assistant Professor at SAGE University, Bhopal, notes that Gandhi’s philosophy can address “global concerns, including those connected to human rights, sustainable development, climate change, sociopolitical instability, war and peace, terrorism, political and administrative corruption”.
The ethical imperative of non-violence, as championed by Mahatma Gandhi, continues to inspire movements that seek to transform rather than merely defeat their adversaries. His concept of ‘Swadeshi’ (self-reliance), promoting local production and decentralized economies, also finds new resonance in discussions around sustainable development and economic justice, particularly in the Global South, as India’s “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives demonstrate.
The events of the 21st century have underscored that the diplomatic methods laid down by these leaders continue to be as pertinent today as in the past. Issues of oppression and colonisation seem to have transformed into oppression by some nations of the resources and economies of relatively less powerful nations, sometimes referred to as neocolonialism.
The aggression being displayed by Russia over Ukraine and China’s continuous claims over Taiwan, or the endless conflict in Gaza, or the struggles faced by the United States and their vulnerability being displayed in the imposition of tariff over other countries, strongly indicate challenges faced by world leaders that stem straight from the ideologies of these two great leaders. Along with this, the persistent violence rooted in religion demands attention to find solutions while keeping peace at the forefront.
Gandhi possessed an extraordinary ability to join people through non-violent movements towards a greater goal. His legacy has marked the sociopolitical landscape of India and changed the collective conscience.
That being said, children across the globe are taught about Gandhi’s philosophies, particularly the concepts of nonviolence and civil rights. Gandhi understood the significance of employing diplomacy over violence.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” These words by Nelson Mandela, emphasises that his legacy embodies empowerment. Titles such as ‘Freedom Fighter’, ‘Key Figure’, and ‘Anti-Apartheid Revolutionary Leader’ are factors that draw people towards Mandela’s empathy and passion. Every revolution gives birth to a new pioneer and Nelson Mandela is that symbol of hope for South Africa.
Both leaders stand as paragons of modern nonviolent conflict resolution. Gandhi’s concept of Satyagraha inspired Mandela to achieve freedom for his people from apartheid. They faced immense challenges on their paths to achieving their respective nations’ independence, marked by spectacular displays of resistance.
Despite being met with tremendous and unrelenting opposition, both men won – albeit decades after their own lives had come to an end.
Overcoming the fractures made by violence and oppression is one of the greatest obstacles humanity must tackle if peace is to prevail. These two men forged history with their work to end the different forms of apartheid across the world such as in India and South Africa and continue to inspire present day reformers.
David Korten, co-founder of ‘YES! Media’, observes regarding Mandela’s spirit of forgiveness that “It’s an insight that applies with equal force to today’s global economic system, which suppresses the humanity of both its winners and its losers,” highlighting a shared thread in their legacies of a profound concern for the marginalized and a relentless pursuit of a more equitable world.
Gandhi’s advocacy for “Sarvodaya” (the welfare of all) and Mandela’s fight against economic exclusion underscore that political freedom is incomplete without economic justice.
Gandhi and Mandela offered humanity more than political strategies. They offered ethical blueprints for navigating conflict and creating justice. In a world facing crises of conscience and direction, their examples remain luminous.
The legacies of Gandhi and Mandela are not relics of a bygone era but living testaments to the power of human spirit and the transformative potential of ethical leadership. Their principles of non-violence, truth, self-reliance, reconciliation, and forgiveness offer a moral compass in a world desperately seeking direction.
Both Mandela and Gandhi offer hope not just for survival, but for human flourishing.
Banner image by Magda Ehlers: https://www.pexels.com/photo/metal-sculpture-at-the-nelson-mandela-capture-site-in-howick-kwazulu-natal-south-africa-9686054/
