My Life, My Words

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948) came to be known as 'Mahatma' Gandhi for his astute vision that translated simple ideals such as non-violence into practical political action. He inspired millions across the world and invoked in Indians a zeal to fight imperial bondage and unite, breaking age old barriers of region, language, caste and religion. A true mahatma, Gandhi had various intensely deep facets to his greatness. His personal ideology, political stance, eating and living habits and his strong belief in God, prayer and the goodness of humankind, all lent themselves to make him the charismatic leader who charmed and inspired children, teenagers, women and men of all ages, in India and across the world. Most of all, it was his simplicity, good humour and strong belief in brotherhood that made Gandhi the enigma that enamoured people of that era and beyond. Sixty years after his death, the fundamental principles of Gandhi's philosophy of unity, brotherhood and non-violence stand threatened around the globe. This book is an effort to provide vignettes into the life of this great man, and into his profound thinking. There is an urgent need to revive his vision for a troubled world, in the twenty-first century. It is a book to make each of us unlearn, rethink and relearn. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world", Gandhi famously said. Let us be that change.