Gandhi - Post Script

I want to add few more things about the issue I raised in my last blog. Am I defaming Gandhi ji in my last blog? I dare not do so. He was truly a great spirit but, at the same time as an Indian, I have right to take critical approach of his public life. He was the most powerful leader in 1940’s. He could have shaped things in much better way. But, he got entangled into his inner conflict of becoming a saint and a political leader at the same time. This proved to be detrimental to the quest of independence movement.

I am not comparing Gandhi ji with any of the post-independence leaders. He was too great for such comparison. Nehru was inept for prime ministerial position. At least, for first Prime Minister position. But, we had people like Patel. They were conveniently side lined by Gandhi ji himself. Also, historians and media always say that Gandhi ji valiantly fought British Empire and single handedly gave India independence. Though, first part of him fighting valiantly is true in a way and his charisma and ability to mobilize people was remarkable, we can’t say that he was incomparable. We had people like Lokmanya Tilak, Veer Savarkar, and Shri Aurobindo to name few, who were exceptionally brilliant and courageous nationalist. It is too convenient to label them radical nationalist and put them aside. We can say that there were definite differences in opinions but that does not mean that one was better than other.

Sadly, Gandhi ji would certainly object the attempts of making prophet out of him. By 1940, Congress was synonym to Gandhi ji. And after independence, Gandhi ji himself said that Congress should be immediately dissolved, otherwise, people will soon despise Congress. He probably sensed the decadence in Congress or perhaps, he realized that Congress will deitify him for politics. In any case, Gandhi was killed not by bullets but by Congress. Congress in post-Nehru era soon became one family rule, a corrupt party with no ideology.

I object the idea of making god out of Gandhi. He was a human being, not exactly brilliant but an honest person who knew his limitations and worked hard to overcome them. His principle of ‘Satyagraha’ though stretched too far, was fairly successful after 1920’s. We should try to imitate his courage and learn his honesties. Making him God, in a way, actually, defames him and at the same time it doesn’t help us either.