(a) “The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” – Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)10
In today’s rapidly evolving world, Gandhi’s words serve as a timeless reminder of the value of human compassion and genuine benevolence. At its core, the quote accentuates the idea that actions speak louder than words. In an age of digital media where public displays of solidarity, support, or spirituality are just a click away, genuine acts of kindness, no matter how small, have profound and tangible impacts.
For instance, while many might offer prayers or thoughts during natural disasters or crises, the immediate and impactful contribution is made by those who donate, volunteer, or provide shelter. Similarly, in the era of mental health awareness, a simple act of listening or lending a shoulder to lean on can be more powerful than any amount of passive empathy.
Gandhi’s quote resonates especially in today’s context, urging individuals to move beyond symbolic gestures and engage in concrete actions that make a difference in the lives of others.
(b) “To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Ones she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.” – Jawaharlal Nehru (Answer in 150 words)10
Jawaharlal Nehru’s quotation encapsulates the critical role of women in societal progress and nation-building. In today’s context, this assertion resonates with the global emphasis on women’s rights, gender equality, and the importance of women’s active participation in every sphere of life.
Nehru’s words highlight the ripple effect that the empowerment of a single woman can have, starting from the microcosm of her family to the broader spectrum of the nation. The recent push in India for women’s education, financial independence, and leadership roles in businesses and politics can be seen as a manifestation of this belief.
For example, in Indian villages, when women are educated about sanitation and healthcare, the entire community benefits. The Self Help Group (SHG) movement in India is another illustration, where women, once empowered economically, uplift entire communities. On a broader scale, women leaders in the corporate world, like Indra Nooyi or Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, or in political realms, have showcased how their perspectives and leadership can influence large sectors and inspire countless others.
In essence, Nehru’s quote is a timeless call to action, emphasizing that the path to holistic and sustainable societal progress is intrinsically linked to the empowerment and awakening of women.
(c) Do not hate anybody, because that hatred that comes out from you must, in the long run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the circle.” – Swami Vivekanand. (Answer in 150 words)10
Swami Vivekanand’s words convey the profound philosophy of karma and the interconnectedness of energies in the universe. His message revolves around the idea that every emotion or action we emit creates ripples in the universe, which eventually finds its way back to the source.
In the contemporary context, this quote is especially relevant in a world that often feels polarized, impatient, and ridden with animosities. Social media, for instance, can amplify negative emotions like hate, anger, or envy. Cyberbullying, online trolling, and hate speech are modern manifestations of unbridled negative energies.
However, Vivekanand’s teachings remind us that just as negative actions beget negative results, positive actions, grounded in love and compassion, attract positive outcomes. This principle can be observed in real-life scenarios. For instance, individuals who perpetually harbor and spread negativity often find themselves isolated, while those who emit positivity and love tend to attract support and goodwill.
In essence, Swami Vivekanand urges individuals to be conscious of the emotional and energetic footprints they leave behind. By choosing love over hate, individuals not only enrich their own lives but also positively influence the larger world around them.
