In the saffron town of Pampore, 78-year-old Ghulam Mohammad Bhat has devoted his life to spreading the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. His dedication to these principles has earned him admiration and recognition, including the “Gandhi Global Family Award” in 2010 for his efforts in the region.
Bhat’s journey with Gandhian ideals began in his childhood, significantly influenced by his father, who introduced him to Gandhi’s life and teachings. His father often recounted Gandhi’s visit to Pampore in 1947, where the leader laid the foundation for what would become the Gandhi Ashram. During this visit, under the shade of a Chinar tree, Gandhi delivered a powerful speech urging the townsfolk to embrace self-reliance through the cultivation of cotton and local crops.
Born on October 2, 1947—Gandhi’s birthday—Bhat considers it his life’s mission to commemorate Gandhi Jayanti every year. For the past 57 years, he has celebrated this occasion in various states across India, tirelessly advocating the messages of non-violence, communal harmony, and self-sufficiency.
Inside his home, Bhat has preserved symbols of Gandhi’s life, including a spinning wheel and a walking stick. He explains that Gandhi used the spinning wheel not just as a tool for self-reliance but as a symbol of non-violent resistance against British colonialism. Bhat believes that the power of such symbols and ideals surpasses military force, teaching the importance of independence from foreign goods and promoting a culture of hard work.
Bhat is a strong proponent of Gandhian values such as respect for elders, love for the younger generation, and obedience to parents and God. He frequently reiterates Gandhi’s famous slogan, “Live and let live,” and calls on people to adopt Gandhi’s principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and peaceful coexistence in today’s divided world.
