Author: S S Gill
Publisher: Rupa
Year: 2003
Language: English
Pages: 268
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8129100932
Description
This re-evolution of Gandhi contains refreshing insights into his life and work, and deserves to be read by all who have ever been attracted by this highly complex and fascinating personality.
Gandhi was one of the greatest leaders of mankind. His message is perennially relevant. Few could attain his moral stature. As a mass-communicator, he reached and influenced more people in his lifetime than any other person in history. And he was an organizational genius.
Yet, practically none of his major projects succeeded. He led two great satyagrahas, and neither could achieve any of its declared objectives. He gave Hindu-Muslim unity the highest priority. But the Muslims never recognized him as their leader. He strove all his life to remove untouchability, but the untouchables did not accept him as their well-wisher. As to his liberation of India from the colonial yoke, the country got the worst of both the worlds: it got partitioned, and even this could not prevent a terrible holocaust.
This book examines Gandhi in the light of his agenda whether political, social or religious under eight different headings, not always in the chronological order. And while unearthing the many reasons for Gandhi's failure, it also inquires into the basis of Gandhi's abiding universal appeal.
REVIEWS
As one goes from chapter to chapter, one’s throat constricts at the fall of yet another grand project, It is impossible to close this book unmoved.
-The Indian Express
There can be no better introduction to Gandhi than this engaging, meticulously researched, scrupulously fair and elegantly written book.
-The Pioneer
He is penetrating and strikingly shorn of affectations, providing some startling insights into a characters otherwise distanced by hero-worship.
-The Telegraph
It deserves to be read by everyone who cherishes his (Gandhi) memory and loves his country.
-The Hindustan Times
Though replete with controversial passages, the book adroitly portrays Gandhi as a many-faceted moral messiah with his tireless endeavour to spiritualise politics, thus showing the only way to save the world.
-The Hindu
Contents
Backdrop
Gandhi and the Freedom Struggle
Ahimsa and Satyagraha
Removal of Untouchability
Gandhi's Brahmacharya
Gandhian Swaraj
Gandhian Swaraj
Gandhi and Daridranarayan
Hindu-Muslim Unity
Gandhi and Partition
An Overview
NOTES
INDEX