The forgotten soul of modern India (Soter)

Published In Herald, Goa on 2nd October 2013

letter to Editor 08/10/2013 Gandhi–a man for all seasons Your Opinion page focus on Mahatma Gandhi (October 2) reflects admirably on probably the greatest political leader of the twentieth century who was an inspiration to Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. He was a thinker who was ahead of his time, and like any other great man, had a few weaknesses. That his life and ideas are worth discussing so many decades after his passing away is amazing. I hope Gandhi's views on everything under the sun becomes a topic of debate all through this year for us Indians. We have, no doubt, a lot to learn from this visionary and political thinker who was also a fascinating individual. People who respond to intellectual debate through abuse or violence need to read his books. India today has narrow-minded politicians and ideologues compared to Gandhi. They are an embarrassment, even so many years after his death. His assassination continues to be a warning of the danger of extremist forces. Irrespective of party membership, we Indians have much to be proud of in Gandhi. Is there any politician in India today who can walk even remotely in the shadow of the Mahatma ? Joao Barros Pereira, Japan http://www.heraldgoa.in/newscategory/Letters/13