The Economic Times | April 16, 2025

Adopting violent methods gives your opponent justification for violent retaliation, but if you adopt peaceful methods, the opposite party has no grounds for using force against you. This was the logic of Gandhian peace, which ultimately led India to freedom. This peace formula is applicable at both individual and national levels. Adopt a peaceful course of action and your success will be guaranteed. The violent method will entail losses is almost certain, while its benefits are, indeed, doubtful.

The peaceful method is so effective because it hits a man's conscience. And when the conscience is hit, the person concerned has no option but to surrender. But the violent method seriously ruffles the other party's ego. It has been said, quite rightly, that when one's ego is affected, it turns into a super ego and the result is breakdown. Violence inevitably breeds violence. It, thus, only aggravates the problem without resolving any issues either for individuals or for nations.

Thanks to nature invariably treading the path of peace, there is perfection in its every creation. An important aspect of peaceful method is that it saves time and energy. Where violence disturbs normalcy to the point of being destructive, remaining peaceful helps normalise things and, thus, is constructive. Violence breeds hatred and intolerance; peace fosters love and compassion. Peace is the greatest social good, for it brings about positivity among people. Where there is peace, there can be development. But without a peaceful atmosphere, there can be no progress whatsoever.