It has become a lifestyle thing to abuse Gandhi. Bhagat Singh and Bose were great men, but Gandhi was no less. He carried out his first operations in SA, and even in India his first work was done in Champaran, far away from the media. He became active in Indian politics in 1919, at an age of 50. Before that he roamed the entire country and took full time. People from congress came to his ashram in ahmedabad for support. It was not he who wanted to be at the center of congress. If he was an opportunist, there were many things he could have done, given his following. I guess you guys need to read a bit of Premchand to understand the effect he had on the masses. Its true that Gandhi did not give India her independence. What he created were lakhs of fearless Indians. Indians who did not fear the gora and his laathi or gun.
It is impossible for me to reconcile myself to the idea of conversion after the style that goes on in India and elsewhere today. It is an error which is perhaps the greatest impediment to the world's progress toward peace. Why should a Christian want to convert a Hindu to Christianity? Why should he not be satisfied if the Hindu is a good or godly man? (Harijan: January 30, 1937)
I disbelieve in the conversion of one person by another. My effort should never to be to undermine another's faith. This implies belief in the truth of all religions and, therefore, respect for them. It implies true humility. (Young India: April 23, 1931)
