Gandhi's ideas deeply rooted in India but present regime ignoring him: Historians

Chandra Prabhu | NT

Bengaluru: An ailing Mahatma Gandhi was martyred on this day, 76 years ago.

This had sent shockwaves across the nation, as the man who led the freedom struggle was no more.

What has endured are his values and the unique philosophy-Gandhismwhich has struck deep roots in countless generations across the past seven decades.

However, under the present regime in Delhi, many feel Gandhi is being marginalised by the proponents of Hindutva though that is no easy task as his ideas are 'deeply rooted in the social psyche of Indians.'

P V Nanjaraj Urs, a retired professor from Mysuru who witnessed India gaining Independence, recalls his memories of Gandhi.

“While in school, we had heard of him fighting against the British by adopting Ahimsa or non- violence. He championed the cause of religious unity, despite the British ‘Divide and Rule Policy,'' said Urs while recalling Gandhi’s role in ending the Calcutta (now Kolkata) riots.

“Nowadays, it is sad to see him being reduced to a face appearing in currency notes. The present regime at the centre is to blame for this,” he added.

Political Science professor from Mysore University Muzaffar Azadi shared a similar view on the Mahatma’s reduction to a mere symbol.

“Gandhi’s personality is being deconstructed and his politics is being questioned,” he argued.

The professor put forth three arguments. “The ideas of Gandhi are not reflected in any way in contemporary politics. Two, in development, corporates and capitalists are favoured rather than rural and cottage industries, and three, Gandhi’s critique of the West is being wrongly interpreted by the proponents of Hindutva,” he added.

On whether his ideals will be followed in the future, Azadi remarked, “Inculcating Gandhi's ideals is not going to be easy as these will come in conflict with the policies and programmes of the ruling dispensation.”

Urs admitted that it's no easy task reclaiming Gandhi’s ideas in contemporary times.