"Descendants will worship Mahatma Gandhi." : Mr Prakash Shah
(An article by Ishwar Prajapati
English version by Pallavi Gupta)
Today, on the auspicious occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary, it is incumbent upon the current generation to acquaint themselves with the perspectives of eminent figures on Gandhiji. On December 16, 2023, during a leisurely stroll within the serene confines of Gandhinagar's Punithavan, I engaged in an extensive dialogue with the venerable Mr Prakash K. Shah. Despite his prolonged sojourn in the United States, Prakashbhai evinces a profound sense of pride in his continued Indian citizenship. Having inherited a rich legacy of Gandhian ideals from his father, the former cabinet minister and governor of Tamil Nadu, Mr K.K. Shah, Prakashbhai is uniquely positioned to offer insightful commentary. The ensuing conversation, transcribed verbatim, delves into the contemporary relevance of Gandhian philosophy.
Mr Prakash Shah says,
"This is Gandhi's nation. How much anguish must Gandhi's soul be experiencing? India has attained political independence, but economic emancipation remains elusive. According to Hindu scriptures, the soul is immortal and eternal. Thus, witnessing India's current predicament, Bapu's soul, wherever it may reside, must be filled with sorrow.
"The British Rule had completely subjugated us. This is not to absolve the British of their culpability; rather, it was their imperialistic ambition to subjugate the entire world. They sought global dominion and employed any means necessary to achieve this end. In stark contrast, Gandhiji's vision was unequivocal: India must be liberated at any cost. His unwavering belief was that our nation should never be subservient to any foreign power.
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The British were cunning. If we analyze the situation, it becomes evident that the British deliberately created an environment conducive to the partition of India. Muhammad Ali Jinnah played a pivotal role in fanning these flames. While the nation was preparing to celebrate its independence, millions were being massacred. Noakhali witnessed horrific Hindu-Muslim riots. The British were intent on proving that "We granted India independence, but the people are so backward that they cannot govern themselves. Therefore, it is imperative for the British to continue their rule." Such were the insidious intentions of the British.
Jinnah's primary objective was to partition India and become the President of Pakistan. Despite knowing he was suffering from tuberculosis and had less than a year to live, his personal ambition to acquire power led him to inflict immense damage on Pakistan. The Bhagavad Gita states that where selfishness resides, selfless actions cannot exist. The lust for power blinds individuals. Jinnah, driven by personal gain, partitioned the nation. No one has harmed Pakistan as much as Jinnah. His selfishness reached its zenith. He desired to become the President of Pakistan before succumbing to tuberculosis, even if it meant a short-lived presidency.
While Mr Sardar Patel was truly exceptional, embodying the spirit of self-sacrifice. For him, the nation's interests were paramount. Mr Sardar Patel confided in my father, Mr K.K. Shah, saying, "K.K., I have cancer. I do not have much time left. My end is near." Fully aware of his terminal illness, despite securing a majority in the Congress Working Committee, he relinquished the position of Prime Minister. Mr Sardar Patel often remarked, "I can foresee the future." His actions and thoughts were indeed exemplary.
In stark contrast, Jinnah's personal ambition led him to inflict irreparable damage upon the entire nation.
While the nation was reveling in its newfound independence, the district of Noakhali was witnessing a harrowing massacre of innocent civilians. In the face of such atrocities, Gandhiji eschewed celebratory festivities and instead chose to provide solace to the victims in Noakhali, even residing with a Muslim family. Through the sheer force of non-violence, he managed to quell the riots, demonstrating his extraordinary influence.
A common misconception prevails that Gandhiji conceded everything to Pakistan. This is a misrepresentation of historical facts. Gandhiji advocated for the power of love to transform minds, asserting that such an approach would always yield positive outcomes.
To delve into the question of who the original Muslims are requires a dispassionate examination of history. It becomes evident that the majority of Muslims are converts. This does not imply that Islam is an inherently flawed religion. To illustrate, consider a hypothetical scenario where a loved one is coerced into adopting a different faith under the threat of violence. Under such duress, what would be the rational response of an ordinary individual?
There is an additional, often overlooked, factor contributing to India's independence. Both Mahatma Gandhi and the British Queen exhibited exceptional statesmanship. The financial strain incurred by the British Empire during the two World Wars was immense, rendering it incapable of fulfilling its financial obligations, particularly towards its military personnel. The imminent threat of a mutiny was a serious concern. Consequently, Britain was compelled to seek economic assistance from the United States. In this critical juncture, Gandhiji, exercising his astute judgment, chose to support the British Crown rather than instigate a rebellion. This strategic decision swayed the Queen in his favor, leading her to recognize Gandhiji's profound wisdom. She was thus motivated to devise a formula for India's independence. It was this calculated strategy that resulted in the partition of the subcontinent.
Gandhiji was deeply troubled by the impending partition. He endeavored to persuade Jinnah to reconsider his intransigent stance. Possessing a remarkable foresight, Gandhiji accurately predicted the eventual downfall of Pakistan, a prophecy that has been tragically borne out by subsequent events.
India gained independence at a great cost, as the partition of the nation resulted in unforeseen and tragic consequences. Millions were forced to abandon their homes and possessions, embarking on perilous journeys as refugees. The accompanying violence and bloodshed were immense. Amidst this turmoil, Gandhiji tirelessly endeavored to find a path forward.
"It is utterly unacceptable to denigrate Gandhiji without a profound understanding of his contributions. Without Bapu's leadership, India would not have achieved independence and would likely remain subjugated."
Mr Prakash Shah further elaborates on this point, stating, "I owe my freedom to Gandhiji. It is because of him that I am an Indian citizen today. Having spent a significant portion of my life abroad and traveled extensively, I can confidently assert that there is no land as sacred as India. 'दुर्लभम् भारते जन्मः।
Future generations will revere Gandhiji as a saintly figure."
As someone aptly stated, "Who can fathom the depths of Gandhi's heart? Only the three bullets that pierced it."
Mr Prakash Shah is an intellectual with whom one can engage in discussions on any subject under the sun. Listening to him expound on Gandhian philosophy is a privilege in itself. Every moment spent in his company is a celebration of life. I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to engage in extended conversations with him.
On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, I pay my humble tributes to our Great Bapu.
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© Ishwar Prajapati
Contact : 9825142620
khudishwar1983@gmail.com
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