Mahatma Gandhi
It is not only unfortunate that Gandhiji is not only a forgotten hero in Pakistan and Bangladesh, but his contribution towards attaining communal peace in Bangladesh (then East Bengal) fails to even echo from our political walls. In 1947, Gandhiji walked barefooted village after village in Noakhali district of East Bengal (now Bangladesh), requesting everyone to take a pledge not to kill others. He humbly asked them, "You have no courage but if you want that courage, induct it from your children. A child belonging to the Muslim community is not afraid of the child belonging to the Hindu community and so also, a Hindu child is not frightened of a Muslim child. If you have no inner courage, try to emulate it from your children.” I guess his message of truth and non-violence is too difficult for human beings, and especially politicians to digest. This is because, we have an inherent liking for waging war and exploiting our economic and political position to enslave who ever we can. In Bangladesh, politicians perceive that their patriotism will come under question if they display a little bit of gratitude towards this Indian leader. May be Gandhiji deserves no appreciation. It is perhaps better if we erase from our history books all the names who have contributed to raise our consciousness. It is probably why a Hindu fundamentalist felt it necessary to assassinate a 78-year-old person who was acting as a shield for the Muslim minority of India. It is difficult to imagine.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments