SRINAGAR, Oct 2: On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of truth, non-violence, self-reliance, dignity and social responsibility remain relevant in today's rapidly changing world.
Addressing a commemorative event at SKICC Srinagar, Sinha said technological advancement, including artificial intelligence, must remain guided by human values, ethics and judgment.
He said October 2 provides an opportunity to reflect on Gandhi's life, his approach to resisting injustice, his emphasis on self-reliance and his commitment to living with dignity.
Recalling Gandhi's childhood, Sinha said the story of Raja Harishchandra had deeply influenced him and strengthened his commitment to truth. He said Gandhi's life demonstrated the importance of standing by truth even during difficult circumstances.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted Gandhi's views on education, saying the Mahatma regarded learning as a journey towards understanding the purpose and meaning of life, with truth forming an essential part of that journey.
Recalling Gandhi's contribution to India's freedom struggle, particularly the Quit India Movement of 1942, Sinha said his call of “Quit India” mobilised people from different sections of society, including youth, women, children and the elderly.
Turning to the present digital era, Sinha said smartphones, digital communication and artificial intelligence have transformed everyday life and opened new opportunities, including greater access to information and education for people in remote areas.
However, he stressed that technology should remain a tool and should not replace human judgment.
“Technology is only our tool, and the decision to take should be in the hands of humans,” Sinha said.
He also cautioned that while technology has connected people more closely, the enormous volume of information available today has made distinguishing truth from falsehood increasingly difficult.
“We have information of the ocean, but to find the truth is more difficult than before,” he said, noting that misinformation can spread rapidly through digital platforms.
Sinha said Gandhi's emphasis on truth remains particularly relevant in the age of social media and artificial intelligence. He urged young people to use technology responsibly and ethically.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted Gandhi's message of social unity and inclusiveness, saying India's diversity of customs, traditions and beliefs can coexist within a united society.
Referring to Gandhi's emphasis on the weakest sections of society, Sinha said development and decision-making should take into account the needs of people living on the margins.
He also spoke about Gandhi's vision of self-reliance, saying it extended beyond large industries to villages, farmers, workers, small businesses and local producers. Strengthening local production and connecting local products with global markets, he said, can contribute to a self-reliant India.
Sinha further highlighted Gandhi's concept of trusteeship and social responsibility, stressing that rights must be accompanied by duties towards society.
On India's development vision for 2047, he said progress should not be measured only by economic growth or infrastructure but also by the extent to which opportunities reach poor and marginalised sections of society.
Addressing students, Sinha urged them to use smartphones, artificial intelligence and other technological tools with ethics, responsibility and respect, so that technology ultimately serves humanity and society.
