United, with Gandhi

•Mahatma gandhi, the apostle of love, is not with us in the flesh, but his vision of non-violence and his absolute faith in the truth will continue to inspire, guide and illumine future generations. America’s President Truman once observed: “As a teacher and leader, his influence made itself felt not only in India but everywhere in the world.”

Gandhiji’s heroic stature and moral authority saved the lives of millions of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs of Calcutta, Noakhali, Bihar and Delhi, during Partition. His peace mission in Noakhali has no parallel in recent history at a juncture when neither the army nor the police could provide protection to the riot-affected. On August 26,1947, Lord Mountbatten wrote to Gandhiji: “In the Punjab we have fifty five thousand soldiers and large scale rioting on our hands. In Bengal our forces consists of one man, (Gandhiji) and there is no rioting.” Truly we should keep Gandhi’s memory alive if we want to survive as a united nation.

— Hitesh Parmar

Rajkot

Gandhi jayanti?

•October 2 dawned with India recalling Gandhiji in three unique ways. One, Sonia Gandhi (who is as closely related to the Mahatma as you or I) follows up her ‘Dandi March II’ of 2005 by attending the UN General Assembly on behalf of India — thereby further cementing her name in the pantheon of legendary ‘Gandhians’ of Indian history. Two, the Congress and the CPM jointly declare Tamil Nadu CM, M. Karunanidhi, a true ‘Gandhian’ for shutting down the entire state on October 1 by his bandh call. Three, many among us now condemn the Supreme Court for doing the unthinkable — attempting to uphold the rule of law. Bharat Mata ki Jai!

... contd.