HOW IGNORANT ARE WE ABOUT MAHATMA GANDHI?

It is an opportunity for us to take stock of the knowledge about Mahatma Gandhi [Father of Nation], whose birthday falls on 2^nd October; today! And unfortunately, it is sad to know that most of us, don’t know much about this great man, who is our ‘Father of Nation’!

India got independence on 15^th August 1947 due to the unrivaled, relentless, and rigorous of so many freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives at the feet of Mother India so that their fellow brethren and future generations live their lives with ‘freedom of happiness’; at the same time with responsibility, accountability, and commitment.  

Our ‘Father of Nation’, ‘Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’ alias ‘Mahatma Gandhi’ is the one who led his Satyagraha forces against the British in a peaceful yet resilient manner, subdued them, and finally, made them go away from India leaving us a nation filled with bottomless joy, unlimited freedom, and bountiful opportunities.

Mahatma was a great personality. While leading the freedom movement, Mahatma delivered so many knowledge nuggets, which have been used by so many great personalities countless times so often so far. His sayings are timeless, priceless, and ageless.

However, it is sad to know that the new generations know a little bit about Mahatma and his activities. This fact is so disturbing! Their ignorance is so widespread that it calls for immediate attention and action on this topic from the glorified governments across the globe.

Following are a few tidbits which signify our current level of ignorance about our Father of Nation – Mahatma Gandhi:

1. Most of the people still think that Indira Gandhi is biological daughter of Mahatma Gandhi!
2.  Very few from the recent generations know the full name of Mahatma Gandhi!
3. Most of the people don’t know the names of the immediate members of the Gandhi family!
4.  Very few people know about Kasturba Gandhi [Wife of Mahatma Gandhi]!
5. Most of the people don’t know why the first son of Mahatma Gandhi did not follow his father’s footsteps!
6. Most of the people still think that Gandhi’s nonviolence movement against British is an attitude of rebellion!
7. Very few people know the reason why Gandhi took certain controversial steps while leading the freedom movement against British!
8. Most of the people don’t know in what way Gandhi’s tactics [read Satyagraha] against British worked and brought us independence!
9. Most of the people don’t know on which date Gandhi died!
10. Finally, very few know whether the killer of Gandhi repented for his action!

India gave birth to great leaders, saints, artists, etc. Being a responsible citizen, it is our basic responsibility at least to know a few details about these great people who walked on this great land and delivered precious knowledge chunks, which are relevant across all the times.

Jai Hind!