I found the different views expressed at the event to mark Mahatma Gandhiji's 150th birth anniversary really interesting.
If the wide range of views expressed have been recorded and can be share on You tube or the organiser's website it would be most welcome.
The views expressed on Gandhiji's life cover some of many interesting aspects of his life. May I please add one other principle which he experimented throughout his life - TRUTH.
In his autobiography, Bapu writes that in the purpose of his book was to write on experiments with non-violence, celibacy and other principles of conduct believed to be distinct from truth. But for he added truth was the sovereign principle.
He writes the seeker of truth should humbler than even the dust.
The world crushes the dust under its feet, but the seeker after truth should be so humble that even the dust could crush him. Only then and not till then will we have a glimpse of truth. Let hundreds like me perish but let truth prevail.
This reminded me of the famous couplet -
'Uncha uncha sub chale, Neeche chale na koy;
Jo sabse neeche chale sabse uncha hoy'.
Meaning -
'Everyone seeks to walk higher and higher (with pride/ego)
Nobody walks with lowest (down trodden),
One who walks beneath everyone, will walk the tallest.
Given Bapu's view of being crushed by dust in seeking the truth, I believe he was the true epitome of the couplet.
It is little wonder that Bapu's principles which he practiced throughout his life, some of which were highlighted by the eminent scholars, sits at highest levels of humanity over more than a century.
I doubt that the world will ever see a man of his vision, leadership, determination and sacrificial legacy.
I am certain that the life of the Great Soul, if not the greatest, will continue to occupy the highest pinnacle of humanity for generations to come.
Jayantilal K Pitrola, JP
Gants Hill, Ilford, Essex
