World looks at Gandhiji for alternate ways
Dr William Bhaskar Posted on: 17 Mar 2010
(Transcript of the speech by Dr William Bhaskar in Alappuzha on 13.03.2010 )
Esteemed Mr.Veerendrakumar, Managing Director of 'Mathrubhumi', revered and honoured Gandhians and Freedom Fighters of Kerala, respected learned brothers and sisters.
It is indeed an honour, privilege and joy for one in joining in this historic, grand commemorative celebration of Mahatma Gandhi's visit to Kerala, and particularly to the office of Mathrubhumi, one of the oldest Newspapers of India. I am overwhelmed to be here, in kerala, the Land of beauty, elegance and culture.
We have honoured six Gandhians who have contributed so much to the establishments of Justice, Equality and Development. In fact, Kerala is the pioneering land in the south where many social reform movements and revolutions had been started for the achievement of Freedom and Social Justice.
Late Shri Madhavan Nair, the founder of 'Mathrubhumi' was the close associate of Mahatma Gandhi in cleansing the social stain, which was prevalent in the then Kerala province.
While Mahatma Gandhi was visiting Kerala in 1934, he fondly remembered the personality and the contribution of Shri Madhavan Nair. While unveiling the portrait in 1934 of Shri Madhavan Nair at Kozhikode he described him as a symbol of Humility and Sacrifice.
Not only Gandhiji, but also his wife Kasturba exclaimed that she was struck by the indelible impression of Shri Madhavan nair, his simplicy and firm personality.
Mahatma Gandhi had great admiration for Shri Madhavan Nair's writings. He observed the following statement and I quote, 'Madhavan Nair's letters were compact, nice, neat and briefest possible. He explained his ideas and thoughts with precision by using few words'.
'As a co-worker in the cause of Harijan Upliftment his acts were soaked with deep sacrifice, repentance and reparation'.
Mahatma Gandhi said, 'If you were to recall Shri Madhavan Nair who had died physically, but lives in the memories of many not only because of his intellectual gift but also because of virtues which everyone of us to cultivate'.
Now we have entered the Third Millennium in which globalization is very much set in motion. Tremendous developments and changes are happening in the field of physical world and in the outlook and lifestyle of the people at every nook and corner of the world.
Consumerism and materialism are given priority and put above all human philosophies and virtues. As a result the world is very much complicated and intricate with the issues of violence, terrorism, corruption, exploitation, human rights violation, environmental degradation along with population explosion.
The people who initiated the process of globalization now look at Gandhi for alternative ways out. But in India, Mahatma Gandhi's ideals and life-styles are unfortunately considered as utopian, impracticable and sometimes obsolete.
To the present day youth, Mahatma Gandhi stands as an iconic figure and a historical personality alone. His visions and practical idealism are not effectively told to them.
Mahatma Gandhi has been an instrument of creating many great leaders in modern times throughout the world.
He served as a 'Change Agent' of many historic events and struggles in the global arena.
In America, Dr.Martin Luther King Junior adopted Gandhian Non-violence in his historic struggle for liberating the suppressed Afro-Americans for obtaining civil rights and liberty. While pursuing his non-violent struggle, he visited India to learn and understand the efficacy and strategy of non-violent direct action (Satyagraha) which Mahatma Gandhi and the people of Indian adopted during their struggle for freedom and social justice.
Now his vision came true, President Obama reached the highest office of the United States of America because of the foundations laid by Dr.Martin Luther King Junior.
Last year his son Martin Luther King III undertook a pilgrimage to Kerala, as part of his Indian Tour where his father effectively learned his lessons in non-violence. I had the privilege to meet him in Kerala last year and had interacted with him.
Kerala is not only a land of beauty and elegance, which Keralites call as 'God's own country', but also a birth place of many important Gandhian and social leaders and social and political movements.
It is a Satyagraha for achieving social justice particularly for the emancipation of Harijans was fielded, experimented and practiced in a big way.
After Gandhi, Vinobaji started the 'Shanti Sena' movement under the leadership of Kelappaji in Kerala
I hope, in the days to come, Kerala will continue to play a leading role and set new trends and role models for the entire world based on Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy.
I am extremely happy to know that Mathrubhumi, under the leadership of Shri Veerendra Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director is doing a commendable role in recognizing and promoting Gandhian ideals.
I once again thank you for inviting and involving me sir in the historic commemorative celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi's visit.
I thank all the Freedom Fighters, Gandhian leaders, efficient and dedicated staff of Mathrubhumi, and all of you who have gathered here.
(Dr Willaim Bhaskar is the Head of Madurai Rural university's Department of Gandhian thoughts and Peace Science)
Esteemed Mr.Veerendrakumar, Managing Director of 'Mathrubhumi', revered and honoured Gandhians and Freedom Fighters of Kerala, respected learned brothers and sisters.
It is indeed an honour, privilege and joy for one in joining in this historic, grand commemorative celebration of Mahatma Gandhi's visit to Kerala, and particularly to the office of Mathrubhumi, one of the oldest Newspapers of India. I am overwhelmed to be here, in kerala, the Land of beauty, elegance and culture.
We have honoured six Gandhians who have contributed so much to the establishments of Justice, Equality and Development. In fact, Kerala is the pioneering land in the south where many social reform movements and revolutions had been started for the achievement of Freedom and Social Justice.
Late Shri Madhavan Nair, the founder of 'Mathrubhumi' was the close associate of Mahatma Gandhi in cleansing the social stain, which was prevalent in the then Kerala province.
While Mahatma Gandhi was visiting Kerala in 1934, he fondly remembered the personality and the contribution of Shri Madhavan Nair. While unveiling the portrait in 1934 of Shri Madhavan Nair at Kozhikode he described him as a symbol of Humility and Sacrifice.
Not only Gandhiji, but also his wife Kasturba exclaimed that she was struck by the indelible impression of Shri Madhavan nair, his simplicy and firm personality.
Mahatma Gandhi had great admiration for Shri Madhavan Nair's writings. He observed the following statement and I quote, 'Madhavan Nair's letters were compact, nice, neat and briefest possible. He explained his ideas and thoughts with precision by using few words'.
'As a co-worker in the cause of Harijan Upliftment his acts were soaked with deep sacrifice, repentance and reparation'.
Mahatma Gandhi said, 'If you were to recall Shri Madhavan Nair who had died physically, but lives in the memories of many not only because of his intellectual gift but also because of virtues which everyone of us to cultivate'.
Now we have entered the Third Millennium in which globalization is very much set in motion. Tremendous developments and changes are happening in the field of physical world and in the outlook and lifestyle of the people at every nook and corner of the world.
Consumerism and materialism are given priority and put above all human philosophies and virtues. As a result the world is very much complicated and intricate with the issues of violence, terrorism, corruption, exploitation, human rights violation, environmental degradation along with population explosion.
The people who initiated the process of globalization now look at Gandhi for alternative ways out. But in India, Mahatma Gandhi's ideals and life-styles are unfortunately considered as utopian, impracticable and sometimes obsolete.
To the present day youth, Mahatma Gandhi stands as an iconic figure and a historical personality alone. His visions and practical idealism are not effectively told to them.
Mahatma Gandhi has been an instrument of creating many great leaders in modern times throughout the world.
He served as a 'Change Agent' of many historic events and struggles in the global arena.
In America, Dr.Martin Luther King Junior adopted Gandhian Non-violence in his historic struggle for liberating the suppressed Afro-Americans for obtaining civil rights and liberty. While pursuing his non-violent struggle, he visited India to learn and understand the efficacy and strategy of non-violent direct action (Satyagraha) which Mahatma Gandhi and the people of Indian adopted during their struggle for freedom and social justice.
Now his vision came true, President Obama reached the highest office of the United States of America because of the foundations laid by Dr.Martin Luther King Junior.
Last year his son Martin Luther King III undertook a pilgrimage to Kerala, as part of his Indian Tour where his father effectively learned his lessons in non-violence. I had the privilege to meet him in Kerala last year and had interacted with him.
Kerala is not only a land of beauty and elegance, which Keralites call as 'God's own country', but also a birth place of many important Gandhian and social leaders and social and political movements.
It is a Satyagraha for achieving social justice particularly for the emancipation of Harijans was fielded, experimented and practiced in a big way.
After Gandhi, Vinobaji started the 'Shanti Sena' movement under the leadership of Kelappaji in Kerala
I hope, in the days to come, Kerala will continue to play a leading role and set new trends and role models for the entire world based on Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy.
I am extremely happy to know that Mathrubhumi, under the leadership of Shri Veerendra Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director is doing a commendable role in recognizing and promoting Gandhian ideals.
I once again thank you for inviting and involving me sir in the historic commemorative celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi's visit.
I thank all the Freedom Fighters, Gandhian leaders, efficient and dedicated staff of Mathrubhumi, and all of you who have gathered here.
(Dr Willaim Bhaskar is the Head of Madurai Rural university's Department of Gandhian thoughts and Peace Science)
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