Gandhi relevant in all eras

Refer to ‘Thank you, Gandhi’; although rooted deeply in Hindu religion and heritage, Mahatma Gandhi had great respect for all faiths and religions. While he regarded Bhagavad Gita as his spiritual guide, he profusely quoted from the Quran and the Bible. Gandhi considered Hindu-Muslim unity a prerequisite for India’s independence and nationhood. He opposed the Partition on religious grounds. When the nation was celebrating its Independence Day, Gandhi was in Noakhali to douse the fire of Hindu-Muslim riots. He believed that violence only led to hatred while non-violent resistance brought a change without any ill will or rancour. Gandhi remained committed to Hindu-Muslim unity even at the cost of his life. In a country as diverse as India, Gandhi is relevant at all times.

KR Bharti, Shimla

India known by Gandhi’s name

Apropos of ‘Thank you, Gandhi’; go to any corner of the world and introduce yourself as an ‘Indian’, people invariably and reverently refer to India as Buddha’s and Gandhi’s country. Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama and others have spoken about being influenced by Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and freedom. As a tribute, Winston Churchill said on Gandhi’s death, ‘Gandhi conquered hate and fear’. Among many pearls of wisdom, Gandhi’s words ‘the rich must live more simply so that the poor may simply live’ must guide our lifestyle.

BM Singh, Amritsar

Youth must follow Gandhian ways

We as a nation have relegated Gandhi and his legacy to just one day. The youth of our country hardly follow Gandhian ways and principles of austerity, simplicity and non-violence as a way of life, which is worrying. It is not enough to pay lip service to the great Mahatma; the time has come to go back to his teachings, principles and philosophy so that Gandhi’s presence is not confined to bank notes, statues and portraits. That would be a real tribute to the Father of the Nation, whose life should serve as our moral compass.

Gurnoor Grewal, Chandigarh

Juxtaposition of ideologies

Refer to ‘100 years of Sangh’s service to the nation’; while the Prime Minster is free to praise the RSS, the choice of Gandhi Jayanti for such a tribute raises questions of historical significance. Mahatma Gandhi dedicated his life to non-violence, interfaith harmony and social justice. The RSS, since its inception in 1925, consciously kept aloof from the freedom struggle. Its leaders discouraged participation in the Salt Satyagraha and the Quit India movement, rejected the national flag and opposed the Constitution for not being rooted in Manusmriti. Gandhi’s assassin Nathuram Godse, was once an RSS member. Though the organisation denied direct responsibility, its ideology remained hostile to Gandhi’s ideals. To laud the Sangh on October 2, therefore, reflects dissonance.

Ramphal Kataria, Kurukshetra

Watch Gaza peace plan closely

Refer to ‘India must not miss the fine print of Gaza peace plan’; although Trump’s peace plan aims at regional stability, there are many factors that make its success doubtful — a short deadline of 72 hours, Hamas’ arms issue and Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition opposing Palestinian Authority’s involvement. Israel’s firm hold on Gaza and measures such as border easing and humanitarian corridors remain limited. Genuine Palestinian endorsement, robust humanitarian aid and UN-backed oversight are vital. India must not let the Palestine issue be likened to Kashmir; it should balance principle with prudence and uphold its two-nation stance.

Chanchal S Mann, Una

Luck’s strange ways

Apropos of ‘The fleeting gifts that luck brings’; we should not feel bad if something does not happen as planned as it might be a blessing in disguise. My friend, who lived in London, had come to India for a week due to a family exigency. For his return journey, he found that all flights to London had been diverted. Having no option, he got a business class ticket of another airlines to London via Dubai. On the flight, he met a businessman who was winding up his business due to losses. A partnership materialised between them and they have been together since then.

Ramesh Gupta, Narwana