Gandhians in Ahmedabad laud austerity drive India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

In contrast to leaders of some political parties, who are criticising the austerity measures mooted by the government as mere 'tokenism', Gandhians associated with the Sabarmati Ashram at Ahmedabad have lauded the initiative. The Gandhains, who themselves live a life of extreme simplicity, following the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, said that if politicians lead a simple life, people would certainly follow in tune with the adage: Follow the leader. Amrut Modi, the managing trustee Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram, a staunch Gandhian himself, is a firm believer in Gandhi's teaching of 'doing one's work by oneself', and professes it religiously. Appreciating the austerity drive of the government, he said that politicians through such measures inspire people towards leading a simple life, as the Mahatma did. "If simplicity is acquired, it can lead to change. Gandhiji himself had brought about change in the country. He prepared the people for independence and self-rule. The principle of simplicity is included in his teachings. He inspired the common man, through his simple life. Even today if our politicians adopt simplicity, then people will take inspiration from them," Modi said. Several other believers of Gandhi's teaching also said that simplicity could help the nation develop, and also set an example in front of the whole world. "The ministers should adopt Gandhiji's principles and teachings pertaining to simplicity. This will help in the development of the country financially and otherwise and they can also send the message to the world, that how beneficial it can be to walk on Gandhiji's principles," said Dhimant Badiya, another Gandhian.