9/11 is often remembered for terrorist attack but on the same day Gandhiji started satyagraha and Vivekananda gave a clarion call for the world peace
What is September 11 known for? Popularly known as 9/11, for an average person, the image of the World Trade Center – and the memories of a horrendous terror attack that the American state was traumatised by in 2001 – and the twin towers falling to debris, pops up immediately. What we have, however, forgotten is history. However, there is more to September 11 than this one incident that prompted global leaders to rethink their agenda on terrorism per se. What these leaders had predominantly missed out on, are lessons learned from the past.
The G20 Summit has just concluded in India with world leaders reaffirming their faith in the core values of peace and nonviolence and global partnership for global peace, whilst, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi – heading the Presidency of G20 – tabled the idea of moving from ‘Global Village’ to “Global Family’.
In a world facing multiple challenges and rising geopolitical tensions, the theme of India’s G20 presidency: “One Earth, One Family, One Future” captured it all under one umbrella. Here ‘One Earth’ means protecting our planet, and our home; ‘One Family’ means solidarity and protecting the vulnerable; and ‘One Future’ means ensuring everyone can prosper and the spirit of “one”, as, Kristalina Georgieva in her article, “Policy Priorities for the G20: One Earth, One Family, One Future” says, which should guide us as we move forward.
With the African Union joining the League of G20 group of nations, it becomes the responsibility of the policymakers to muster courage and take the right actions to reduce geopolitical tensions that are ever escalating.
Coming back to September 11, it was on this date in the year 1893, that Swami Vivekananda’s visit to America and his historic speech at the ‘World Parliament of Religions’ in Chicago, became a turning point in India’s course of the spiritual journey. His mission was to revive the ancient glory of India to a Western audience.
While the immediate impact of Swami Vivekananda's speech was felt within the walls of the Parliament of Religions, its geopolitical significance cannot be understated. At the time, the world was grappling with colonialism, religious conflicts, and deep divisions. The speech offered a glimmer of hope and a vision for a world where different faiths could coexist in harmony. Swami Vivekananda's message of unity and self-respect resonated deeply with the Indian populace. His call for spiritual awakening and self-reliance became a driving force behind India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Swami Vivekananda's address in Chicago served as a bridge between the East and the West. Theodore Roosevelt, for example, recognised the importance of this cultural exchange, stating, "Vivekananda's address at Chicago was an epoch-making event. It helped to build a bridge between the East and the West."
Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and others drew inspiration from Swami Vivekananda's teachings and incorporated them into the fabric of the Indian independence movement. Mahatma Gandhi, in particular, admired Swami Vivekananda's commitment to nonviolence and believed it to be a powerful tool for resolving conflicts. In a world where religious and cultural differences can lead to strife, his teachings emphasise the need for dialogue and acceptance.
The Second – and another powerful event in history is that of September 11, 1906, in South Africa. On September 11, 1906, in the distant lands of South Africa, a frail yet determined man by the name of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi took a significant step towards rewriting the history of nonviolent resistance. This event marked the birth of the first Satyagraha movement, a potent force for change that would go on to inspire countless struggles for justice and freedom worldwide.
It was here that Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi first applied his principles of nonviolent protest on a substantial scale. The catalyst for this movement was the discriminatory treatment faced by the Indian community in South Africa, which was subjected to a range of oppressive laws and practices. In response, Gandhiji mobilized the Indian community and launched a campaign of nonviolent resistance against these injustices.
As we reflect on the significance of September 11, 1906, it becomes abundantly clear that the lessons of this historic event are as relevant today as they were more than a century ago. The power of nonviolence, unity in diversity, resilience, and the pursuit of truth are enduring principles that can guide us in addressing the myriad conflicts that continue to plague our world. Mahatma Gandhi's legacy serves as a reminder that individuals have the power to effect positive change through peaceful means.
From global solidarity to humanitarian initiatives to democratic movements to recent environmental activism (read initiatives), to efforts in conflict resolution and civil rights and social justice movements, all have been inspired by the principles of nonviolent resistance, truth and moral authority that Mahatma Gandhi lived and espoused for. The Satyagraha of September 11, 1906, in South Africa, stands as a timeless beacon of hope, reminding us that peaceful resistance has the power to transform societies and create a more just, peaceful, and compassionate world for all. It provides a moral compass for navigating the complex challenges of our time, emphasising nonviolence, unity in diversity, resilience, and the pursuit of truth .
(The writer is a programme executive, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti; views are personal)