Decoding the Mahatma: Why London Graffiti Reveals the Unfinished Business of Gandhi's Legacy

 

The Defacement of a Mahatma: Why Gandhi Remains a Lightning Rod

Let us be unequivocal: The obligation of the post-Independence born is nothing less than a declaration of intellectual independence. We must subject M.K. Gandhi to the kind of scathing, total critical scrutiny that he himself would have demanded of his adversaries. This is the crucible of our national maturity, the fundamental, painful work of deconstruction we must complete. To hesitate is to remain crippled. Only through this fearless interrogation can we truly shatter the unquestioned dogma of the past and finally claim the right to reconstruct an authentic identity and future trajectory that is truly our own. Our emancipation is dependent upon his dismantling.

Decades after his death and India’s independence, the defacement of a Gandhi statue in London still explodes into a modern news cycle. Why the visceral reaction? Because Gandhi is not merely a historical figure; he is a live, contested symbol of global moral authority, anti-colonial resistance, and post-colonial identity.

His statue is an active political and cultural lightning rod. For some, the defacement is an attack on the moral foundation of modern India and the principles of non-violence. For others, it’s a necessary act of challenging an imperial-era icon whose complex legacy is tangled with issues of race, caste, and political control.

This tension is the perfect starting point for us, the post-Independence born generation, to "decode the personality and role" of the Mahatma. We must look beyond the iconic image and ask the hard questions.

We need to pivot from the devotional narrative—"De di hume aazadi bina khadag bin dhal" (He gave us freedom without a sword or shield)—to a rigorous examination of the mechanics of his influence.

What was the actual source of his immense influence?

Political Strategy Merged with Moral Capital: His power was in the fusion of spiritual-moral principles (Truth, Non-Violence, Austerity) with pragmatic political strategy. This created a unique form of moral capital that commanded authority over both the illiterate masses and the highly Westernized Congress elite. The Calculated Uniform: His adoption of simple khadi attire was not merely a statement of simplicity. It was a 

carefully chosen uniform that bridged the gap, making him a mirror for the poor villager while maintaining the aura of the Western-educated barrister.

   What made his methods so effective, yet also so controversial? Effectiveness: Satyagraha (Truth-Force) was brilliant. It shifted the struggle from a purely physical confrontation (where the British Empire was superior) to a moral battlefield, disarming the British by making their repression of non-violent protesters globally indefensible.

Controversy: We must analyze the tension within Satyagraha itself. When he used the "fast unto death"—its non-negotiable essence—it was often for managing internal dissent and keeping a restive Indian National Congress in line. Was his moral high ground also a potent tool of political control?

How did he bridge the enormous gap between the educated elite and the illiterate villagers?

The key was his multi-lingual publishing ecosystem. This was a stroke of genius, not because it targeted literacy, but because it created a centralized syllabus for a decentralized, non-literate revolution. Young India established the principled arguments for the elite; the vernacular Navajivan and Harijan provided authoritative content to be discussed orally in the village square, penetrating the social fabric through the existing oral tradition. 

What parts of his legacy—both positive and contentious—still cause friction today? We must move from Hagiography (the unblemished myth) to History (the complex reality).

Positive Resonance (The Global Icon): His principles of non-violence and civil disobedience continue to inspire global justice and anti-racist movements—from Martin Luther King Jr. to Nelson Mandela.

Contentious Friction (The Challenged Icon): The current friction stems from scrutiny over his South Africa-era views on race, his complex stance on caste, and the perception of a constructed persona (e.g., maintaining an impoverished appearance while allegedly residing in luxury or reserving an entire railway carriage). These critiques demand we look at Gandhi at eye level, not as a distant, untouchable icon.

The 1946 Congress presidential election is arguably the original sin—the moment dynasticism was injected into the body politic.

The Indictment: Of the fifteen Provincial Congress Committees, twelve unequivocally backed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for the presidency. Jawaharlal Nehru secured not a single vote.

The Overriding: This was no accident. It was the calculated application of M.K. Gandhi’s 'nepotism card.' Under immense pressure, the democratically victorious Sardar Patel was compelled to withdraw his name, clearing the path for the defeated Nehru. Gandhi effectively crowned the first head of government and laid the foundation for the Nehru Dynasty.

Patel’s Choice: Patel’s subsequent silence was a tragic necessity. He was acutely aware of the fate reserved for dissenters (like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose). More importantly, he recognized the urgent challenge of integrating 547 princely states. He chose the monumental task of nation-building over the crown of office.

A historical record remains to be confronted: While millions perished in the largest human migration during the agony of Partition in 1947, there is no record of M.K. Gandhi undertaking a Satyagraha or a fast unto death to stop the carnage. We recall his famous pronouncement that "Partition of the nation can only happen over my dead body." The Partition happened. Gandhi lived. 

Our investigation must begin with skepticism toward the monolithic titles—"Bapu," "Mahatma," "Father of the Nation."

We will start the deconstruction at the intersection of political strategy and moral principle: The practical application of Satyagraha. By examining its deployment in his early Indian campaigns versus its later use as a tool of internal management (fasts unto death), we can gauge whether its power was derived primarily from profound spirituality or brilliant, pragmatic political psychology. This is the crucible where the "Sant" meets the political strategist.

We must ask: What were the true, often painful, costs of the freedom achieved by means that were perhaps less bina khadag bin dhal than the

Story of Bharat: From Re-emergence to Resurgence

 

Credit for this image : @ssaratht

  Across the globe, I seek a comparable narrative, but the epic journey of Bharat remains singularly profound. For millennia, the land of Bharat stood as a beacon of global prosperity. From the dawn of the Common Era to the cusp of the 18th century, its economic might was unparalleled, often commanding a quarter, and at times, even a staggering 30-35% of the world's GDP. By 1600 AD, as the world braced for industrial transformation, Bharat still accounted for a substantial 24.4% of global wealth. This extraordinary affluence, woven into the fabric of daily life, predated the seismic shifts of the Industrial Revolution and the shadows of colonial rule. The tapestry of Bharat's golden age began to fray with the first significant Islamic incursion in 712 AD, led by Muhammad bin Qasim's conquest of Sindh. What followed was not a singular event, but centuries of relentless waves of invasion that reshaped the subcontinent. From the early medieval period through the mid-18th century, this era witnessed an unparalleled brutality. While precise figures remain a subject of fervent historical debate, accounts from the invaders themselves suggest a cataclysmic loss of life, potentially numbering in the hundreds of millions. The widespread rape, murder, plunder, and forced conversions of this period etched an indelible scar upon the land.                                                                          

                                                                                                                               

Yet, the suffering did not cease with the fading of Islamic dominance. The arrival of European colonizers heralded another chapter of ruthless exploitation, equally brutal in its pursuit of power and resources. Amidst these trials, the spirit of Bharat was far from meek. Our history is a testament to fierce, unyielding resistance against both Islamic and European subjugators. However, the absence of a unified nation-state, as we understand it today, proved to be a critical vulnerability. A myriad of princely states, often consumed by internecine rivalries, became unwitting instruments in their own undoing. These self-serving "dwarfs," a stark contrast to the mighty Chandragupta Maurya and the grandeur of the Mauryan Empire, prioritized short-sighted political gains over the collective well-being of the land. The glorious past of Bharat faded, leaving behind a mere shadow of its former magnificence. The tragic partition of 1947, which further fragmented the land and claimed millions of lives, birthed an independent India. Yet, the political elite who seized power often mirrored the colonizers they replaced, differing only in the color of their skin. For decades, this new leadership perpetuated a cycle of impoverishment and illiteracy, transforming a once thriving Bharat into a pale, unlettered imitation of its former self. Brief interludes offered fleeting glimpses of change, but the core essence of the "political royalty" remained, a diluted echo of colonial mindsets.                                                          

A profound tectonic shift began in 2014. The ascension of a Prime Minister born of independent India, from the humblest of backgrounds, marked a turning point. What began as hesitant, almost imperceptible steps toward re-emergence has steadily gained an undeniable momentum. Initially dismissed as a fleeting phenomenon, this shift has steadily alarmed the entrenched political establishment, culminating in the consolidated mandates of 2019 and 2024. Despite fierce resistance, the groundswell of public support has proven insurmountable.

The natives of Bharat are witnessing the nascent glow of a new dawn. Their faith, deeply rooted in millennia of tradition and culture, has weathered centuries of invasion and exploitation, remaining undimmed. The yearning for a resurgent Bharat, a bond nurtured over millennia, not just decades or centuries, pulses with an unwavering strength – an unbreakable testament to the enduring spirit of this ancient land.

Bharat, is on an unyielding quest for excellence, constantly pushing boundaries without pausing to celebrate even minor victories. This relentless pursuit spans every conceivable domain: The current focus on economic advancement is just one step in a grander strategy. It's envisioned that this will be swiftly followed by a surge in defense capabilities, then a profound transformation in medicine and healthcare, a revolution in education, and significant strides in the social sector. Simultaneously, there will be a continuous refinement of governance, ensuring efficiency and equity. Once the more immediate and tangible challenges—the "low-hanging fruits" like exploring the depths of our oceans—are addressed, India's gaze will turn decisively upwards. The ultimate frontier, outer space, beckons. Rather than waiting for others to lead, India aims to pioneer its own cosmic journey, echoing the spirit of our rishis who sought knowledge and understanding of the universe. This journey is not merely about exploration, but about an endless pursuit of wisdom and capability across all frontiers.

The road ahead is not one of ease, but a crucible where our resolve will be forged. We must brace ourselves for an arduous journey, one where every step will be met with formidable challenges designed to test the very fiber of our being. While setbacks are an inevitable part of this natural process, they are not endpoints but rather crucibles for growth. Our grit, unwavering patience, inherent abilities, evolving capabilities, and innovative problem-solving will be the compass and the shield that guide us.

Yet, within the heart of every challenge lies the seed of an unparalleled opportunity. These are the moments when we can unlock profound benefits, not just for our nation, but for the entirety of humanity. This endeavor resonates deeply with our timeless philosophical conviction, "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam  वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम" — the world is one family. It is through this shared struggle and collective triumph that we will truly embody that profound truth.

Political Literacy: The Unseen Force Driving (or Stifling) a Nation's Economic Destiny

 

This video appears to illustrate the party's intellectual shortcomings, deficiency in patience, and pronounced arrogance, which collectively impede their receptiveness to superior ideas. This resistance is particularly notable given their extended period in office—over half a century. It underscores the point that educational attainment does not necessarily correlate with intelligence.

The bedrock of a nation's destiny is its economy. It is the fundamental force that erects the grand edifice of a nation, within which independent chambers like the military, diplomacy, infrastructure, foreign relations, and foreign trade reside. The symphony of their coordinated efforts orchestrates a nation's standing in global forums, determining not the volume of its voice, but the weight of its pronouncements.

India's economic saga is a testament to this profound truth. From a zenith in 1 AD, when our land commanded an astounding 33% of the global economy, a vibrant tapestry of entrepreneurship and trade propelled us to unprecedented heights. This was an era when the ingenuity of our people fueled a prosperity that echoed across continents. Yet, a precipitous decline followed, culminating in a dismal 3.4% by 1947, a figure we languished around for far too long. The post-independence era, tragically, saw governments adrift, seemingly disconnected from our glorious heritage. The very spirit of enterprise, woven into the fabric of our culture, was not merely ignored but actively stifled, replaced by state-controlled behemoths that devoured public resources and stifled innovation. This journey into economic lassitude reached its nadir in 1991, forcing us to mortgage our gold and approach international lenders with a begging bowl.The grudging embrace of economic liberalization in 1991,

born out of compulsion, marked a turning point. However, it was the advent of the BJP-led NDA government in 1996, under the visionary leadership of Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, that ignited a new dawn. The nation, for the first time, heard of disinvestment, the Golden Quadrilateral, and the ambitious interlinking of rivers – not just for irrigation, but as vital inland waterways. The defiance of the 1998 nuclear tests, met with inevitable sanctions, became a crucible for national resolve. Far from being dampened, our collective spirit rose to the challenge, fostering an "animal spirit" of entrepreneurship that spurred dramatic economic growth, a phenomenon previously unseen. The subsequent political choices of 2004, a poignant display of political illiteracy, momentarily dimmed this nascent optimism. However, the inherent momentum of economic activity carried us forward until 2008, before a renewed descent into a morass of scams and corruption cast a pall over the nation, culminating in a resounding public rejection of the incumbent government in 2014.

Since 2014, India has embarked on an economic renaissance that is nothing short of transformative. The nation, once shackled by self-imposed limitations, is now a testament to what an unfettered spirit can achieve. The dramatic strides in financial inclusion are emblematic of this shift. In 2014, only 53% of adults held bank accounts; today, the expansion is staggering, with over 520 million new accounts opened within just four months of that pivotal year. India's nominal GDP, which took 60 years to reach its first trillion dollars, and another seven to reach two trillion, has demonstrably doubled from approximately $2.1 trillion to a projected $4.2–$4.3 trillion in the past decade alone – a testament to an accelerated growth trajectory.

This resurgence is not confined to the titans of industry. It is a profound, inclusive revolution extending to the very grassroots of our economy. The formal inclusion of street vendors and micro-entrepreneurs, empowered by digital payments and Mudra loans, represents the broadening base of a massive economic pyramid. Farmers are now liberated from the clutches of usurious moneylenders, accessing formal credit. Women, through self-help groups and innovative training programs like drone operation for agriculture, are emerging as powerful economic agents. While challenges remain in areas like large-scale food processing and affordable storage, the strategic plugging of leakages through Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) is yielding tangible results.

The nation's infrastructure is undergoing a breathtaking metamorphosis: new trains, airports, modernized railway stations, world-class hospitals, IITs, and medical colleges. An expansive network of roads, highways, and expressways crisscrosses the landscape, complemented by electrified railways and dedicated freight corridors. Even religious tourism has become a catalyst for economic vitality, as evidenced by the Maha Kumbh, where a family of boatmen alone earned an astonishing ₹130 million in just 45 days. Timely project completion, by eliminating cost overruns, liberates capital for new ventures and attracts crucial Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), directly contributing to increased per capita income at every level of the economic strata. Furthermore, the strategic exploitation of solar, wind, and hydro power, alongside the burgeoning focus on green hydrogen, electric vehicles, and defense manufacturing and exports, paints a vivid picture of a nation forging its own path to sustainable and self-reliant prosperity.

What has @narendramodi done in the last 11 years - except provide 100 million gas connections, build 112 million toilets, disburse 370 million health cards, pull 250 million Indians out of crippling poverty? If you know of someone who has done more, by all means vote for him.Click this link to watch the VideoAnand Ranganathan

https://x.com/anilkohli54/status/1931246358671049103

Our former finance minister speaking in the Parliament had not one word of encouragement for the new digital Payment system launched in this country in 2015.A visiting Minister from germany experiences the ease of Digital Payment

The sheer scale of achievements in the past 11 years is monumental and publicly documented. The 520 million beneficiaries of the Mudra loan scheme, who have collectively received over ₹33 lakh crore in collateral-free loans, represent a phenomenal generation of new job creators. This is not merely economic growth; it is a profound reawakening of the national spirit, a powerful assertion that India, the ancient economic giant, is not just reclaiming its rightful place, but is on an inexorable trajectory towards its previous exalted position in the global order. The journey from being a laggard to a leader is a testament to the indomitable will of a people and a nation that was once shackled, but now soars. The repeated mandate from the people serves as an unyielding validation of this exhilarating ascent, a rejection of stagnation, and a resounding declaration of a future where India's voice will resonate, not through decibels, but through the sheer weight of its economic prowess and the profound impact of its renewed destiny.

Extreme poverty in India sees sharp decline! Number dips from 344.47 million to 75.24 million;

poverty rate down to 5.3%, says World Bank

At World Bank’s raised poverty line of $3 a day, extreme poverty rate falls to 5.3% in 2022-23 from 27.1% in 2011-12 https://indianexpress.com/article/business/world-bank-poverty-line-rate-falls-2022-23-10051890/ via @IndianExpress

India's extreme poverty rate dropped sharply to 5.3% due to free, subsidised food transfers: World Bank data shows https://www.livemint.com/economy/indias-extreme-poverty-rate-dropped-sharply-to-5-3-due-to-free-subsidised-food-transfers-world-bank-data-shows-11749308171240.html

From Past Glory to Future Prosperity: The Power of Development

     

 What a curious turn of events! One might even say it's a testament to the unpredictable nature of democracy, or perhaps, a finely honed sense of public relations.

On June 9th, 2024, Prime Minister Modi, much to the astonishment of... well, not everyone, but certainly a fair few, embarked on his third consecutive term. This, frankly, was a scenario few could have conjured in their wildest, or even mildly imaginative, dreams. It's an opportune moment to cast our minds back, not merely to the past eleven years, but to an era when the now-Prime Minister was simply "NaMo," the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

For many of us, active political participation was a quaint notion, something others did. I, for one, maintained a detached, almost academic interest, diligently consuming two newspapers daily and performing the sacred ritual of prime-time news in both Hindi and English. This latter habit, forged in the crucible of my school days, involved perching beside my parents as the state broadcaster’s remarkbly composed newscasters (a stark contrast to today’s decibel-defying screamers) delivered the day's events.

My political stance was a masterful exercise in ambivalence, subscribing to no particular ideology, despite the lingering childhood specters of Jan Sangh, which later morphed into the BJP. My engagement with the electoral process was, shall we say, sporadic. A single vote cast in 1989, and then, after the rather rude shock of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s unexpected defeat in 2004, a re-engagement in 2009. Since then, it seems I’ve become a veritable polling booth connoisseur, diligently exercising my franchise in every election, be it general or state assembly.

Then came the year 2002, and with it, the Gujarat riots. The subsequent, almost theatrical, vilification of the then-Chief Minister by the media, intellectuals, NGOs, and the venerable Congress party compelled many of us to pose the most impertinent of questions: Why this outrage? Was this India’s inaugural riot? We, after all, boast a rather notorious history of such unfortunate events. The 1984 Sikh massacre, which I witnessed firsthand in Delhi, remains vividly etched in my memory, as does the incumbent Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s rather astonishing apathy. Yet, curiously, he escaped such sustained vilification, even after his later, frankly indefensible, justification of the tragedy.

As the daily ritual of maligning the Gujarat CM commenced, every prime-time bulletin on every channel seemed to be exclusively dedicated to the Gujarat riots, as if the rest of the world had simply ceased to exist. This, for me, was the tipping point. "Where is the evidence?" I began to ask. "Who has it? Why is it never presented?" Only allegations, endlessly looped, as if a faulty tape recorder was stuck on repeat. The demonstrable development in Gujarat was, of course, conveniently ignored.

Driven to distraction by this incessant media drumbeat, I foolishly attempted to articulate my dissent by writing letters to newspaper editors – none of which, predictably, ever saw the light of day. Comments on news channel and newspaper websites were held in perpetual moderation limbo. Social media, a concept as alien as personal space for a Mumbai commuter, was still a distant dream. These were the only available soapboxes, and making my voice heard felt akin to shouting into a gale-force wind.

Then, 26/11 happened. While my attention had been almost morbidly fixated on the media’s peculiar gymnastics, this terror attack and its aftermath deepened my already considerable disgust for the incumbent government and its coalition leader. Corruption, it seemed, had reached an art form, and the media, well, their co-option was as subtle as a brass band at a funeral.

Around 2009, the nascent seeds of social media began to sprout in India, and gradually, we, the digitally disenfranchised, found our way onto these platforms. Twitter, despite its initially baffling 140-character straitjacket, emerged as the champion. We adapted, learning to express ourselves with surprising efficacy within these belittling limitations. By 2010, a burgeoning, albeit largely independent, mass of users, without a unified agenda, coalesced around a singular objective: to usher in a new government in the upcoming 2014 general elections. Our focus remained stubbornly fixed on the media and its purveyors. We were, in essence, tilting at windmills, unaware of the grander design unfolding. The sole aim was to dislodge the incumbents. We were, after all, not "active" in politics, merely individual contributors to a collective whisper that would soon become a roar.

Then came January 1st, 2012, a date that, in retrospect, seems almost divinely ordained. NaMo, with a stroke of what can only be described as strategic brilliance, descended upon Twitter, following a paltry 170-odd common users. A game-changer, indeed.

The following August, the government, with a timing that seemed almost too perfectly inconvenient, indulged in an act that irrevocably shifted our collective gaze. From that moment on, our focus narrowed to a singular, unwavering objective: ensuring the eviction of the current government and the installation of our chosen leader.

This ambition, once a mere murmur in the digital ether, crystallized into reality on May 16th, 2014, when the general election results were declared. Recounting the subsequent unfolding of events would be, frankly, monotonous, as most of us experienced and witnessed it firsthand.

This nation, it seems, has decided that wax heroes are best left to Madame Tussauds in London, preferring instead to adorn and worship our real heroes. The journey, it seems, is far from over, and we, the newly engaged, are quite unwilling to let it conclude before 2047.

Isn't it fascinating how a collective annoyance can inadvertently pave the way for a political phenomenon?

India That Is Bharat

 

Article 1 of the Indian Constitution begins with the powerful declaration: "India, that is Bharat." This emphatic statement by the framers has often sparked academic debate, with some offering obtuse justifications for its purpose. However, the intent was profoundly simple: "Bharat" was the name that resonated with the vast majority of people who had waged a hard-won struggle for independence. These were individuals largely unlettered in English, yet fluent in their native tongues, for whom "Bharat" held deep cultural significance. "India," the new construct, was intended to encapsulate and radiate the essence, ethos, values, traditions, culture, and rich heritage of our glorious history. Regrettably, the unlettered masses were in for a major shock as the virus of secularism and the nation's political royalty not only ignored but actively attempted to dismantle and disparage Bharat. Fortunately, the last decade has seen a significant shift. Bharat is gradually re-emerging, shaking off the dust of seven decades of neglect and disabuse, its glory beginning to shine and dazzle both its detractors and its steadfast proponents, as well as the global community.

A civilization, a culture, a community, a nation forged in the crucible of millennia, bears the indelible scars of a history saturated with the most brutal epochs of Islamic invasion and dominion. Yet, from these depths of suffering, a profound truth emerges: survival is not merely existence, but a testament to an unyielding spirit. To those who mistake our inherent capacity for endurance as acquiescence, who believe that the ceaseless application of violence will extinguish our flame or force our surrender, a stark revelation awaits. Our survival is not a product of submission, but a defiant symphony of resistance, woven through generations. The very air we breathe, the soil we stand upon, echoes with the untold stories of those who refused to yield. While the narratives of invaders and rulers may be gilded and amplified, the silent, resolute struggles for survival, the unwavering defense of our identity, form the bedrock of our enduring freedom. We are a living testament to the power of resilience, a profound echo of the human spirit's capacity to transcend the darkest chapters of history, and to reclaim our destiny.