Remembering the Mahatma

Published in Weekend, September- October, 2006

By Francis P Barclay

Now when the 9/11s and 7/11s have become the order of the day, a need is felt to think about the principles left behind by Mahatma Gandhi, a virtuoso of the last century.
But how many know about Gandhiji, his life and teachings, except for a few lines that appear in the text books?
Manikandan (24), a mediaperson who feels that Gandhian thoughts have great relevance today, says ``What people have to realise is that nothing pleasant and fruitful could be achieved through violence. Ahimsa or non-violence is the only way for a better, peaceful living.''
He had read a few books on Gandhiji and stopped eating non-veg food induced by his thoughts. Interestingly, the doctors suggest vegetarian food for a healthy living.
``Gandhiji had travelled across the country to know how people lived. When he saw many among the villagers without proper dress he felt guilty of wearing good clothes and reduced his clothing to a loin cloth. Will any of
our present leaders do this? asks Indira, a college student. If at all anyone does, he will be doing it with some hidden motives, she adds.
``Do we have leaders like Gandhiji, who refused to lead the government after Independence, even after persistent requests by others?'' Rajesh, another college student, asks and adds ``we need such kind of leaders''.
Gandhiji felt that women should not be confined to the four walls of kitchen. Only when they are brought out of the kitchen their true spirit can be discovered. ``It does not mean that Gandhiji said women should not cook.
What he felt was that women should also share responsibilities with men and participate in the affairs of the nation,'' says Indu, an engineering college student. ``Gandhiji also criticised the passion for male progeny and
said as long as we don't consider girls as natural as our boys our nation will be in a dark eclipse,'' she adds.
Kalki, a writer and media specialist, says ``Terrorism and violence in the name of religion has become a way of life today. Shockingly, we seem to adjust, accept and accommodate ourselves to this. We have no time to think
about the well-being of our fellow beings.''
She adds: ``Unfortunately, the youth seem to ignore the country's history, and also our cultural, social and moral values. Slowly, they are falling victims to the materialistic influences of the West. The younger generation
should be free-spirited, individualistic and original in their thinking. Being patriotic and knowledgeable about our freedom struggle is very important.''
Gandhiji's first imprisonment, when he fought injustice, was in 1908. It took place not in India but in South Africa for organising `satyagraha' against Compulsory registration of Asiatics Act (The Black Act). He was sentenced to two months' imprisonment in Johannesburg. In his lifetime, he spent 2,336 days in jail.
``His selflessness and sacrifice must be taught to the children. Not through textbooks alone, but in practice by their elders and peers. The youth need to know the great many struggles and sacrifices in our freedom
movement. In our textbooks, we study only about the leaders. There were thousands of unknown people who sacrificed their lives for the country. The younger generation must know this. Parents and teachers should find ways to teach the children the Gandhian principles of non-violence, tolerance and simple way of living. Terrorism is due to lack of love, humanity and tolerance. It is high time we brought a change in accordance with the
Mahatma's principles,'' Kalki sums up.