The man who became one with Universal Being.
This book describes Mahatma in the views of a western thinker,philosopher,disciple and friend in Romain Rolland.
The book begins with praise for Mahatma, is filled with lots and lots of details surrounding Gandhi,Tagore and others and ends with absolute praise.
It says:
" This was Gandhi's message, The only thing which is missing is a Cross."
Awe!
Also gives details about Gandhi's thought and methods which could be said ( and many criticized) as medieval ways.
Other details which are described as Gandhi toiled for 20 years in South Africa before coming to India or being public known is worth knowing as Rolland points out ( well in 1920) that day's politicians are short-sighted and people yearn for immediate results.
Gandhi pulling out of Bardoli andolan when violence broke at Chauri Chora; the plans had united the whole India against British and for Swades. Many people opposed Gandhi for bringing down at such a stage.
Gandhi keeping on to his philosophy with the means ( as Non-Violence and civil-disobedience) should be met and did not keep the thought at End (India against British).
Points out well that: " Days were when Might was powerful over Right. And today (1924!) Might is Right. And this man is proving otherwise."
3 comments:
I read a book 'Gopallapurathu Makkal' by Sri.K.Rajanarayanan (Ki.Ra). It is about the life of people in and around Kovilpatti during British rule. The book had won the Sahithya Academy award.
In that book Ki.Ra registers that the Indian armed forces uprising was the real reason British gave up on India. He wonderfully portrays the moods and sentiments of the people during the Navy uprising.
How the people's hearts were with the Navy men? How Gandhi and the congress asked them to surrender without giving them support and assured them of pardon from the British? Eventually, on surrender the British mercilessly executed all the rebellions.
He also explains, how the people at the very remote village in the south corner of India felt betrayed and felt very much against Gandhi.
Would like to read that book and many others, any english version available? Any other you would suggest, Ramesh?
I could not find the english translation of that book. Maybe we have to refer the Akademi library to get the translation.
Not sure whether you asked for book about India or about Gandhi. One book my friend advised about British India is,
India 1857-1947 - Sumit Sarkar
I quote my friend's words,
"The author has used data such as census, newspaper cuttings, economic surveys, G.Os of that era etc. Its a red coloured book and might have a communist tinge to it. In the final chapters he has given an assessment of Gandhi.. both good and bad. I must say that the book is a good read only if u have patience else it is No. 1 kadi."
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