This quote addresses the issue of untouchability, a discriminatory practice deeply ingrained in the social fabric of India. The practice is rooted in the caste system, where certain groups of people are considered ‘untouchables’, and are marginalized and discriminated against based on their birth into a particular caste.
When Gandhi refers to “the purification of Hinduism,” he means that for Hinduism to truly adhere to its principles of non-violence, equality, love and respect for all life forms, it should eradicate this practice. He believed that untouchability was not religious but a social evil that had crept into society over time. By removing untouchability, he believed Hinduism could be purified or cleansed from this blemish.
In today’s world context, we can interpret Gandhi’s words as an appeal against all forms of discrimination based on race, religion or caste. It encourages us to introspect our beliefs and prejudices that we might hold against certain communities or individuals due to their background or identity.
In terms of personal development, it serves as a reminder about how our own biases can cloud our judgment towards others. It invites us to challenge these biases and strive for fairness and equality in our interactions with others regardless of their identity or background.
Moreover, it also calls upon us not just to treat everyone equally but also advocate against any form of discrimination we witness around us – because only then can we truly purify ourselves and the societies we live in from such ills.