The Mahatma cannot be insulted. Allowing foreign visitors into India who do not or cannot pay homage to the Mahatma is allowing them to insult the cause of Indian nationhood - of nonviolence, religious tolerance and the sovereignty of our culture and people. While it is not surprising that a man who has become a symbol of violence in modern times as no one has since Hitler, chooses not to visit the Messiah of non-violence, it is extremely sad that a so-called "Congress" government is welcoming him to India. It does seem that Bush is less of a hypocrite than the current Indian governemnt. The days to come will enlighten us on how a government run by doctor of Economics understands the emotional issue of the political ideology of an ancient nation.
