Gandhi after 60 years - His Triumph changed the World Forever

Gandhi remains a conscience in the hearts of men

January 30, 2008 was the 60^th.anniversary of the death of one of the greatest personalities of recent times; Mahatma Ghandi.It is only proper for us to pay tribute this great man who is undeniably a saint of non-violence. He lived and sacrificed his life in defending that virtuous policy of non-violence.

In a world that is thrown apart by hate and violence, we are in dire need of leaders who treasure peaceful means to solve the numerous problems and conflicts that the human race encounters today.

Although he was a staunch Hindu, Gandhi was a firm believer in the universality of God, “The Allah of Islam is the same as the God of Christians and the Ishwar of Hindus.”

This concept of the universality of God is something which is badly needed in today’s world where violence in the name of the Almighty is so rampant that is threatening the very existence of man. It is also a great lesson for all of us; despite belonging to different faiths we are in fact all children of one God, by whatever name we may choose to call Him.

We are so intent in fighting one another to claim victory and superiority over our adversaries, man against man, race against race, religion against religion and nation against nation. We resort to all the resources at our disposal; powerful arms, violence and war, to achieve victory over our enemies. We justify the use of violence to protect our perceived rights.

But to the great man of non-violence “Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary.”

That philosophy he proved right when he single-handedly defeated the all-powerful British colonialist, not by power and might but peace and love. The greatest weapon he had was his love and respect for fellow humans which was manifested by his refusal to strike back in retaliation.

Many of us today find it difficult to believe how a small, timid and frail looking man like Gandhi could dare to challenge the mighty British Empire. It is an incredible fact of what goodwill and love can achieve. Just after sixty years we are finding it difficult to believe how Gandhi could have brought down the British Empire. As Albert Einstein, another great man and genius said 'Generations to come will scarcely believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth.

Mahatma Gandhi may have left this world but his memories remain very much with us, alive and relevant. He did not possess power, position or wealth. All this man in loin cloth possessed was simplicity, integrity and a heart for fellow men, including his enemies. These were enough to touch many and the Mahatma will remain a conscience in the hearts of men for generations to come.

Dr.Chris Anthony