As we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti, the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi is one that transcends the boundaries of history. He was more than a freedom fighter; he was a thinker, an innovator, and a leader who used simplicity and empathy as his tools to inspire change. While we often speak of his non-violent resistance and leadership, there are valuable lessons we can apply to various fields—especially design, travel, and making a larger impact.
Design with Purpose: Simplicity and User-Centricity
At the heart of Gandhi Ji’s approach was simplicity. His iconic image—dressed in a simple dhoti, weaving khadi—was not just a personal statement but a design choice that connected deeply with people. He eliminated the unnecessary, focusing on what was essential.
In design, we often get lost in aesthetics and trends, but Gandhi Ji’s life reminds us of the power of simplicity. A well-designed product isn’t about making it flashy; it’s about ensuring it serves its purpose efficiently. Gandhi understood his audience—the people of India—and tailored his actions accordingly, much like how designers should always keep the user at the core of their process.
Lesson: Prioritize empathy and simplicity in design. It’s not about what looks good; it’s about what serves the user’s needs effectively. Good design solves problems and does so in the most intuitive way possible, much like Gandhi’s strategies.
Travel as a Means to Connect and Understand
Gandhi Ji was a man of the world—South Africa, England, and, of course, India. Each journey he undertook wasn’t for leisure but for understanding and connecting with people. Whether it was his travels to rural India or his time spent in the cities of Europe, Gandhi used travel as a way to immerse himself in different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. It’s easy to get caught up in seeing travel as a break from work or a momentary escape, but it can be much more.
As someone who loves travel, I’ve found that it’s not just about visiting new places but understanding the people and systems within them. It broadens your worldview and helps you design solutions that are more holistic. Gandhi’s travels allowed him to gather perspectives from different walks of life, and this understanding enabled him to communicate and connect with millions.
Lesson: Travel with intention. It’s an opportunity to see the world through new eyes, to understand diverse user needs, and to be inspired by the world around you. Use these experiences to fuel creativity and empathy in your work, much like Gandhi Ji did.
Impacting the World: Small Steps with Big Results
Perhaps one of the most significant lessons we can draw from Gandhi Ji is that making a larger impact doesn’t happen overnight. It is the result of consistent, small steps over time. From the Salt March to advocating for non-cooperation, his actions were methodical, strategic, and aimed at long-term change.
In our world of design and product management, we often aim for massive, disruptive changes, but the truth is that lasting impact comes from thoughtful, incremental improvements. Whether it’s refining a user experience, enhancing accessibility, or working toward sustainability, these small shifts eventually lead to larger societal impacts.
Lesson: Be patient and persistent in your pursuit of impact. Understand that even the smallest design tweak or project decision can have a ripple effect. Take it step by step, just as Gandhi did, trusting that your efforts will contribute to the larger whole.
Final Thoughts
Gandhi Ji’s legacy is not just one of political leadership but of profound empathy, simplicity, and action. As we reflect on his life this Gandhi Jayanti, let’s remember to carry his lessons into our work. Whether we’re designing the next big product, traveling to find inspiration, or striving to make a difference in our communities, we can look to Gandhi Ji’s life for guidance. In a world filled with complexities, sometimes the simplest, most human-centered approach can have the most profound impact.
Happy Gandhi Jayanti! Let’s take these lessons forward as we continue our journeys—both personal and professional.