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Essay Contest Mahatma Gandhi Week 2005 The essay contest for high school students.Winner: 1st Place - Zuhair Siddiqui Ahimsa in today's society It has been approximately half a century since Mahatma Gandhi taught the world of non-violence and peace. It has been more than 30 years since Dr. Martin Luther Kind Jr. followed Gandhi's teachings in the civil rights movements in the United States. Today, there is evidence that Gandhi's teachings still have a profound influence on society. One of the most evident rights in the United States constitution is the right to protest against an unjust government. In the United States, this right is used frequently. Of all the protests that take place in the United States, more than ninety percent of them are nonviolent. Many people use nonviolent methods, from waving signs to boycotting to chaining themselves to the establishment. Environmental supporters often picket in front of sites at risk. Many groups, including Greenpeace, Sierra Club, and SEA-ARK follow these practices. The American Civil Liberties Union also known as ALCU, is another organization that utilizes non-violent methods. Its members protest government restrictions on rights. These protests against the United States government and its policies are excellent examples of non-violence inspired by Gandhi. Another example of non-violence, again more commonly found in the United States is striking. Thousands of workers every year strike for various reasons, whether it be higher pay, better working conditions or increased safety regulations. The picket fence method used by so many employees exemplifies the message of the venerable Mahatma Gandhi. The strike of workers promotes non-violence and passive resistance while still getting a message across to management. Yet another example of non-violence and passive resistance is displayed by Chinese students. For the past decade or so, these groups of students are expressing their discontent with their communist government. The most famous non-violent protest in recent history, Tiananmen Square in 1989, was pioneered by Chinese students. Although the protest turned violent, the students maintained their ideal of passive resistance. This protest proves once again that Gandhi's message of non-violence remains relevant in today's society. The students' protest against the communist government parallel the actions of Gandhi and his supporters against British rule. Gandhi's persistence in nonviolence prevailed into bringing India (and Pakistan) its freedom from the once omnipotent British Empire. Many people doubted his seemingly futile tactics, but his relentless pursuit of his goal led to his (and his country's) victory. With his victory, he influences generations for years to come. Dr. Kings' passive resistance led to victories in the civil rights movement. Numerous interests groups influence government policies regarding the environment and politics. Thousands of workers receive fairer conditions to work in every year. Also, people around the world try to impact the policies of their government. So when asked the question, Is Gandhi's message of non-violence still relevant in today's world people from all corners of the globe and from all walks of life reply with a resounding yes. |
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