Messiah

Today is Gandhi Jayanthi. The man who (in his unique non violent way) galvanised an entire nation in its struggle for independence was born this day 140 years ago.

Whilst today most Indians (especially the political class) pay lip service to Gandhiji’s ideals and beliefs, almost all of us have been in awe of the man and his life (at least in our youth) at some point in our lives

Two memories spring to mind today. The first memory is from 1989 which was when I visited Gandhi Smrithi (located in Birla house where Gandhiji became a martyr) for the first time. Having seen the small museum at Birla house, we were led to the spot where Gandhiji was martyred. Displayed there was a brief yet powerful quotation from the other great man of the 20th century - Albert Einstein “Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth”. Standing at the spot and reading this, any Indian (or for that matter any human) would get a lump in his/her throat.

The second memory is of a Doordarshan public message that used to be frequently played (in the eighties?). It was a short ad which featured an animated caricature of Gandhiji and ended with a voice over (with a deep base) stating “The greatness of this man was in his simplicity”. This simple message was very effective and yet provoking.

We have progressed a lot on many fronts in the six decades since Gandhiji’s demise. Yet in these days of violence and hatred, the man and his message are relevant more than ever.

Many a time we feel we could do with another Gandhi, another messiah.

Yet we know that there never was one like him in the past and probably never will be too. Let us pay our respect / homage to him by applying his message of tolerance, love and duty in our insignificant lives.