I think that when many other countries have their own customs and traditions; India's should be respected too. Now it a custom for foreign dignitaries to visit the Samadhi and that custom should be upheld to the best possible level. If there are indians who do pay respect to the Samadhi then it is only because of the fact that they are not foreign dignitaries!!! They are indians and feel the spirit of Gandhi in them whereas foreigners should be able to have a glimpse to one of the greatest souls of India.
The gist of this article seems to be - "Visiting Gandhiji's grave = Respecting Gandhiji". Nothing can be far from truth. As an Indian, my chest swells with pride whenever I see the tri-colour or Gandhji's name is mentioned. But why should I visit his grave to prove that I respect him? In fact, muslims are not supposed to visit any grave, even those of muslim saints, with an intention of praying there. Visiting graves should be just to make ourselves aware that we also need to die someday or the other. Does that mean that I do not respect even muslim saints? That's not true.
This article clearly displays the motives of the author, which is hatred towards the evangelical faith. I, myself a convert to Christianity (though my parents are still Hindus) know well about both faiths. No where in Bible we could find the custom of cremation being described as a pagan practice. I dont know from which source the author came up with this story, because I couldnt find this story any where else. Is this a credible story, from a credible source? Its a very big question. Instead of propagating religious hatred, the author can focus on other very important issues our country is facing. The love for one another is the main teachings of Jesus Christ, not insulting one's customs. Thats why you have billions and billions of people following Christianity all over the world.
I beg do differ with your conclusion that it is an insult to India. We are a democracy, we are free to make our choices; we should extend the same to even kings, dictators and other tyrants whom we invite as guests. Infact, a visit by people who are suspected to spread violence or contribute in anyway, for whatever reason should be prohibited from visiting Rajghat. The King really did us a favor by staying away from the Apostle of Peace, Mahatma. I am proud to be an Indian.
india has been inflicted with this virus of lack of spine by none other than the congress party.it can not defend its own.had it been a member of nehru family they would have reacted more strongly than the so called hindu or muslim fundamentalist.acc.to them there is only one thing worthwhile inthis country that is the nehru familyline.they easily let go of the national land & allow terrorist who have captured by the brave lads of our defence by making the supreme sacrifice in order to secure release of some kith or kin of some minister(mufti muhammed sayyed) .could they not sacrifice her on the alter of nation.she would have joined the esteemed ranks so many soldiers & martyers .but they thought that post fit only for common people. infact they rem.gandhi only on 2nd oct.& 31st jan.
Had Bush said something derogatory about any thing regarding Islam then tempers of Indian Communist would have run high. They dont care if some one paints a nude picture of BHARAT MATA. Not only that. If you oppose such a painting then you are communal. "Drawing cartoons of Muhammed have to be dealt with severly. Who cares for Mahatma Gandhi or BHARAT MATA". This is the typical communist mantality in India. As for the Congress, Mahatma Gandhi has been forgotten long ago. Never did they practice true Gandhian principles. For them it is 10 Janpath Gandhis who really matter.
That Gandhiji is one of the tallest leaders of India & a very worthy gentleman is undisputed? But this business of iconising him as "father of India" is a sick hypnotic suggestion becuse 1. India as a nation existed from CHANAKYA'S time, till Shahjehan's regin. Were contributions by these great persons less than Gandhi's just because media didnt exist in their time? 2. India as a civilisation existed for more than 5000yrs. Does it suggest that founder fathers of Indian culture and philosophies were less than Gandhi just because they are dead and talk no more? So they are infantile kids infront of Gandhi?
Let us learn to respect our great people of which Gandhi is one but not only one.
RE:Can Father be milliniums younger than his children?
by Vishwa on Feb 15, 2006 03:48 PM Permalink
Get your facts right buddy. There was no India when Chanakya and ShahJahan were there. They were just Kingdoms and each one of them fought against each other for supremacy. It was Gandhi and other great freedom fighters like him who got all the princely states together. And Gandhi stands out among all and hence "Father of the Nation".
RE:Can Father be milliniums younger than his children?
by Sudhindra on Feb 14, 2006 05:20 PM Permalink
You (and me) are fortunate you weren't born between 1600 and 1900. For your information India was rarely one political entity throughout its history till somebody from outside came and consolidated (when they were not busy looting). We would have got our independence eventually. But there is a good possibility that it would have resulted in a large number of independent states some of which ruled by blood-sucking royals. Or maybe we would have allied with Hitler during second world war and got wiped out. Mahatma made sure that we got our independence early, with least violence and he also made sure that we live in a peaceful democracy. It was out of our affection that we call him the father of the nation. You don't want to call him that don't. There are many of us who think we owe it to him for not becoming another Uganda. Chanakya would be severely embarassed by your defence of him.
This is shameful.The Indian Govt should hang its head in shame.Nowhere else in this world can any foriegn leaders can pass derogatory comments about our national heroes and get away with it. If Our President or PM had made similar statements against Abraham Lincon or J.F.Kennedy, what would have been the outcome? US Embassy will cut the number of all the job and student visas currently allowed to Indians.Indians will be sacked from their US officies ,US will label India as a terrorsit nation. But we Indians, take all kind of shit from ''Mighty Whites'' and still keep mum. It is high time that we showed our grit and guts to those nations who does not want to respect us, our national heroes. US is one state who does not want to see India in the UNSC.India should make the whole world know that we are not here to take any kind of rubbish from any one.''You mess with us and you are asking for trouble''-all the nations should know this and unless they know remarks like these will continue. India-wake up from your slumber and be brave-Please
