In a thought-provoking discussion, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri delved into the multifaceted persona of Mahatma Gandhi, highlighting that while Gandhi’s pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence is widely acknowledged, his life was “quite a complicated being.” The minister emphasized an intriguing aspect of Gandhi’s earlier years when he actively sought India’s support for the war effort during the First World War.
Mr. Puri articulated his views during an event held in Delhi to mark the release of a book titled ‘The Reverse Swing – Colonialism to Cooperation,’ penned by veteran journalist and Prasar Bharati board member Ashok Tandon.
The book explores various facets of Gandhi’s life, including his role as an “apostle of peace for Britons.” Mr. Puri acknowledged the immense contribution of Mahatma Gandhi in forging a link between the elitist national movement and the masses. He elucidated how Gandhi’s initial exposure to the British educational system and his training as an English-style barrister in the UK played a pivotal role in shaping his early life.
However, it was when Mahatma Gandhi moved to South Africa that the transformation into the revered leader we know today began to take shape, especially concerning his contributions to India’s national movement.
The book also delves into the intriguing narrative of India’s economic ascent, as it overtook the UK to become the world’s fifth-largest economy. Mr. Puri noted the importance of such a transformation in India’s historical context.
Reflecting on the contemporary bilateral relationship between India and the UK, Mr. Puri underlined the significance of Indo-British cooperation in sectors like aviation and telecommunications. He also lauded the Indian-origin community in the UK, emphasizing how they have played a substantial role in shaping and enhancing India’s relationship with the United Kingdom.
Mr. Puri expressed his optimism about the prospects of an India-UK free trade agreement and hoped it would come to fruition. The discussion also touched upon the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and the absence of an official apology from the British government, despite expressions of regret from several British dignitaries.
The event brought forth a rich tapestry of historical, social, and economic facets, adding depth to the understanding of the bilateral dynamics between India and the UK.
While Gandhi’s contributions to India’s independence movement are well-documented, the discussion offered an insightful perspective on the complexities of his early life, his transformation in South Africa, and the evolution of India’s economic prowess on the global stage. Gandhi, as the conversation demonstrated, remains a figure of enduring fascination and study.
