TRUTH IS GOD

Truth and non- violence are as old as hills- Mahatma  Gandhi.     

  Truth is one of the most commonly used word. We use the word truth almost invariably in every communication we have. Rarely, we go into the depth of what constitutes the truth?   For many people truth is just telling the 'plain fact' but truth in reality is much broader concept which has implications much more than just facts. Truth is speaking of own mind without any bias, ill will, ill conceived notions, truth is acceptance of the fact that there can be difference of opinion, viewpoint. Truth is accepting the changing world with changing time. In short,truth is acceptance of the fact that truth can be changed with new facts coming to surface.                   

    As Gandhiji said,"there can not be omnipotent & permanent truth about view/views held by any person, you should accept anything after applying your own mind. So as we have seen in many cases truth is relative and can differ from person to person. But is there absolute truth? while many things especially theories of science are based upon presently available proofs, some truths  unlike natural sciences  are based upon largely agreed universal humanitarian principles, like human life is of utmost importance, every individual irrespective of gender, caste, creed has right to live life with dignity. Such truths may be called the absolute truths..       

 When we say that truth is God- we are comparing truth with super omnipotent power which exists everywhere. Truth in fact, is value of equal importance to atheists, theists and agnostics. Though people believe or not, in the existence of God, all philosophies accept and value the existence of truth as foundation value of morality and ethical life. Indian philosophies/ religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism all value truth as basic value. Even philosophers like Charvaka/Lokayata who had denounced existence of God & life after death view the truth as basis of materialistic life.        

 So far we have seen what constitutes truth & what is basis of the truth. But how truth can be applied to our day today life, to our surroundings? Truth is a major determinant of the personality of an individual, it offers the person an unique ability to see the things with objectivity & maintain interpersonal relationship. The individual who values the truth also values individual human rights which includes right of individual of dignified life. So indirectly truth seeking individual helps in building society that is all inclusive & respects existence of every individual & his/her viewpoint.       

Truth is intrinsically linked with two other moral values, Non-violence & Forgiveness. Non-violence can be achieved by the truth seeker who considers that violence alone can not solve any of the problems, also forgiveness is very important value that can give individual satisfaction because - "Eye for an eye can make whole world blind." unless there is serious breach of law - retribution serves no purpose. 

Truth also forms the basis of fair competition between entrepreneurs, between two economies that have ultimate goal of welfare of the masses. Corporate Social Responsibility is manifestation of this acceptance by the corporate entities. When we speak about development we should not ignore the truth that no development at the cost of Environmental Sustainability can be viable and inclusive. So, we should equally focus upon environment sustainability & needs of future generations.        Truth is also important constituent of spirituality that gives an individual self satisfaction.

 Truth & conflict resolution is very important aspect relevant in today's world marred by various domestic & international conflicts. International diplomacy is based upon acceptance of truth about individual power & pragmatism which focuses on dialogue  as tool for conflict resolution. As there can be more than one narratives of any problem- by accepting this truth, conflicts can be resolved many a times without resorting to a war.   Truth also forms the cornerstone of public service & bureaucracy with today's administration marred with problems of corruption, inefficiency, nepotism, those value truthfulness & dedication towards service serve as ray of hope.        So, practicing truth may be little difficult but it gives meaning to life of individual & society & also serve purpose by promoting ethical, environmentally sustainable, peaceful behavior by individuals,societies organisations and nation as a whole.