Remembering Gandhi
The story of Mahatma Gandhi is the story of India's struggle for freedom.
On the eve of India's 50th anniversary of independence, it is apt that you have published a moving account of the last few moments of Gandhi's life (Aug. 12, by Doon Campbell).
Winston Churchill, who once described Gandhi as a half-naked fakir, also remarked: "I have not become the King's First Minister in order to preside over the liquidation of British Empire!"
I believe an anecdote showing the Mahatma's magnanimity, fair play and above all, his sense of humane values, would not be out of place here. On Aug. 15, 1947, the Union Jack was to be lowered and in its place, the Indian Tricolor flag hoisted. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and his colleagues felt that the Indian flag on that memorable occasion should be raised by none other than the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.
A government emissary was sent to Gandhi's place to convey the decision. Mahatma Gandhi's reaction ? While thanking the Government, he politely declined and is reported to have made a comment along the lines of: "I can very well imagine how would Lord Mountbatten (Viceroy of India) feel when his beloved country's flag is lowered after almost 250 years of British rule in India. I would strongly urge the Government of India that Mountbatten himself be graciously given the honor of raising our Indian flag too!"
In fact, soon after independence , India not only joined the British Commonwealth but had also retained Mountbatten as the first governor-general of free India.
Furthermore, Mahatma Gandhi held the conviction that those who opposed him were not enemies but "friends yet to be made." During his early years in South Africa, he was jailed by one General Smuts. While in prison, Gandhi made a pair of sandals for General Smuts. The General returned them on Mahatma's 70th birthday in 1939. Smuts wrote: "I have worn these sandals for many a summer, even though I may feel I am not worthy to stand in the shoes of so great a man. It was my fate to be an antagonist of one, for whom I have the utmost respects."
Martin Luther King Jr. paid a tribute to Gandhi thus: "Jesus Christ gave the motivation and Gandhi showed the method. Gandhi was probably the first person in history to lift the love ethic of Jesus above more inter-action between individuals to a powerful and effective social force on a large scale."
Yet another quote by Bishop Peter Storey of South Africa is worthy of mention: "Every so often God gives humanity a gift in the form of one man or woman of such gigantic moral and spiritual stature that all of us are reminded of our own divine origin and infinite potential. Mahatma Gandhi was such a gift. His life and teaching transcend the boundaries of religion and nationality, offering an equally compelling challenge to us all. His spirit touches all that is noblest in all who are human and when we look upon this man, we are both proud to be part of the human race and ashamed, to be such poor representatives of it."
Mahatma Gandhi was exemplary in his thought and action. Gandhiji preached what he practiced. That was why his constant message was: "My life is my message."
His biography should be in every school's curriculum so that the young can benefit from his ideal of a culture based on moral values.
To quote Mahatma's own words: "I sought my soul, but my soul I did not see. I sought my God, but God eluded me. I sought my brother and I found all three!"
D. CHANDRAMOULI
Jakarta