Facebook Pixel A gift that addresses global challenges | The Island - newspaper - Read this story on Magzter.com
Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD

Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD

Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just

$149.99
 
$74.99/Year

Try GOLD - Free

A gift that addresses global challenges

The Island

|

December 02, 2025

BY RAJDEEP PATHAK

A gift that addresses global challenges

On 26 November, India celebrated Constitution Day, a day to commemorate the adoption of its foundational legal document in 1949. This Constitution is a remarkable blend of borrowed features and indigenous wisdom, a living document that accommodates diversity and promotes inclusivity.

At its core lies an inherent spirit of mediation and peaceful coexistence, deeply influenced by the ethical framework of Mahatma Gandhi and India’s ancient civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). Understanding this spirit is crucial, as it offers a potent, indigenous model for addressing some of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century.

The Indian Constitution is philosophically grounded in the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, whose ethical framework provides a moral compass for its mediatory spirit. This is evident through three core values such as Satyagraha (Truth Force), which promotes a search for substantive justice through mutual adjustment and acknowledgment of the opponent's view; Ahimsa (Non-Violence), which translates into the necessity for parties to communicate with mutual respect and empathy, avoiding intellectual or verbal aggression; and Sarvodaya (Welfare of All), the ultimate goal of a resolution that benefits all involved, mirroring the definition of a successful, sustainable, win-win mediated settlement. Though not legally enforceable, and derived from Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy, they serve as a moral compass for Indian governance, enshrined primarily within the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP). Specifically, Article 40 mandates the organisation of Panchayats, reflecting Gandhi's ideal of ‘Gram Swaraj (village self-governance). His emphasis on Swadeshi and a decentralised economy is captured in Article 43, which promotes cottage industries.

Furthermore, Article 47 reflects his stance on prohibition of intoxicating substances for public health.

MORE STORIES FROM The Island

The Island

Lanka begins 2026 with robust export growth

Sri Lanka’s export sector commenced 2026 with a strong momentum, recording a robust year-on-year growth of 13.71%, signalling a renewed momentum in external trade performance, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) stated.

time to read

4 mins

February 28, 2026

The Island

The Island

Janashakthi Life steps in to support rural students post-cyclone Ditwah

As part of the initiative, Janashakthi Life donated books, school bags, stationery items and a multimedia projector, strengthening both student access to learning materials and the school’s overall classroom resources.

time to read

1 min

February 28, 2026

The Island

The Island

Delhi court clears former Delhi CM Kejriwal, and 22 others in excise policy case

A Delhi court on Friday cleared all the 23 accused in the Delhi excise policy case.

time to read

2 mins

February 28, 2026

The Island

Ruthless West Indies set to unleash spin force on reeling India

Roston

time to read

1 min

February 28, 2026

The Island

Nethul rises to the occation as Ananda dominate day one

Open bat Nethul Edirimanne rose to the big occasion wth an unbeaten century as Ananda College posted 325 for five wickets at stumps on day one of the 96th Battle of the Maroons Big Match at the SSC ground on Friday.

time to read

1 min

February 28, 2026

The Island

The Island

Zimbabwe crushed as India set up West Indies knockout clash

India put behind their disappointing outing against South Africa to brush aside Zimbabwe in Chennai, keeping their qualification hopes alive in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

time to read

2 mins

February 28, 2026

The Island

The Island

Unlisted tax jitters frizzle CSE rally; analysts flag spillover fears

Morning gains on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) evaporated sharply in afternoon trade yesterday, as a wave of nervous selling swept through the market triggered by spec-

time to read

1 mins

February 28, 2026

The Island

The Island

Does a referendum mandate mean unlimited authority?

On February 12, voters in Bangladesh endorsed a sweeping programme of constitutional reform.

time to read

4 mins

February 28, 2026

The Island

The Island

Hayleys PLC plans Rs. 7 bn listed debenture issue

Diversified conglomerate Hayleys PLC has announced plans to raise up to Rs. 7 billion through a listed debenture issue, subject to regulatory approvals.

time to read

1 min

February 28, 2026

The Island

Court of Appeal upholds death sentence imposed by Colombo High Court for drug trafficking

The Court of Appeal yesterday affirmed the death sentence imposed on Jayasingam Rajeev, alias Sudakaran, dismissing his appeal against the capital punishment handed down by the Colombo High Court for possession and trafficking of 2.53 grams of heroin.

time to read

1 min

February 28, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size