The Gandhi Foundation exists to spread knowledge and understanding of the life and work of Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948). Our most important aim is to explain and demonstrate the continuing relevance of Gandhi’s insights and actions for all of us in the UK.

Gandhi is one of the most significant figures of modern times. He began as an insignificant individual with no particular talents and gradually developed into a remarkable human being. He considered that everyone has the potential for personal ethical/spiritual development, and for him that was best learnt in community. Gandhi’s ideas have a relevance beyond his own time. His approach was holistic and evolved experientially.

The Gandhi Foundation promotes:

* a tolerant pluralistic society. Gandhi regarded different religions and philosophies as each possessing some but not the whole truth
* a democratic system that is decentralised, small-scale, and involves the active participation of everyone
* a decentralised and egalitarian economic system, with the concepts of trusteeship and cooperatives at its core
* simple lifestyles that avoid an endless quest for more possessions and superficial experiences. This is essential to preserve the planet’s finite resources and to prevent ecological disaster
* respect for animals and an end to their exploitation by humans
* a culture of nonviolence to replace war and brutality

Gandhi’s two central principles are Truth (satya) and Nonviolence (ahimsa) which are to be applied in all situations. His social philosophy can be summarised in two concepts: satyagraha = seeking the truth of a situation through nonviolent action; sarvodaya = the welfare of all people without exception.