Did Gandhi fail ?

steven_ber · May 26th, 2003, 20:41

I have just watched the film 'Gandhi' (Ben Kingsley)

I would like to know two things.

Is the film an accurate reflection of historic events ?

Did Gandhi fail to achive his dreams ?

The film give the impression that Gandhi's dreams were to have:

1, A single independent India.

2, An end to Untouchability.

3, An equal role in society for women.

I have not read a lot about Gandhi, I would be interested to know if he had other dreams and aims.

Do members think Gandhi failed ?

Could an alternative approach have achived better results ?

mountaingirl · May 26th, 2003, 22:10

Sorry, your questions were too difficult for me to answer. So instead I would like to share some views here (they are not completely mine):

In a country with the largest population ( we were supposed to cross China by March: have we done that yet?), they is bound to be some group complaining.

There is definitely a group of people who beg to differ with Mahatma Gandhi. They think that he was too stubborn and blame him for a lot of their sufferings. This school of thought (If I may call it so) believes that it was Gandhi's 'favorite'ism which led to Pandit Nehru being appointed as the PM instead of the more popular Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel (who had to settle being a home minister). You should try to see the Film 'Sardar' based on his life. (Pandit Nehru was said to be too busy courting Lady Mountbatten and taking care of his roses that he wore everyday!).

MOST of the people believe that Gandhi was too meek to agree to Partition. It should have never happened: as the problem is still continuing to this day (Kashmir issue will probably be never resolved as it is a very strong political issue for the government of both countries: whenever they are in danger of losing power, the focus is shifted to Kashmir).

I liked the movie Gandhi: Ben Kingsley was brilliant. The only thing wrong is that it seems Gandhi would use hunger strike as a means to resolve each and every problem that creeped up! (like a stubborn child).

I think when a revolution/ social service etc starts/ or is taken up - it is also very true to cause but as it brings in more money and power to the people - it brings with it greed and the sense of being 'god'. This spoils and shakes the very base of the foundation.

You should also read 'My experiments with Truth' : an autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi.

No matter what happened: itis the future that concerns me.....will there be another incarnation of Vishnu to save this country from Corruption and Politicians?

hairypotter · May 26th, 2003, 23:02

the guy is dead and gone man. why worry now?

pooch · May 27th, 2003, 03:19

Not completely related to this topic but I really can't understand why Gandhi ever got India her independence. This country needs the British and would have been a million years ahead today under British rule. My grandfather or my father never spoke ill of the British and like it or not every Indian does clandestinely or otherwise admirethe British for their contribution to India.

May 26th, 2003, 20:41	#1
steven_ber Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: London, England. Posts: 9,158	Did Gandhi fail ? I have just watched the film 'Gandhi' (Ben Kingsley) I would like to know two things. Is the film an accurate reflection of historic events ? Did Gandhi fail to achive his dreams ? The film give the impression that Gandhi's dreams were to have: 1, A single independent India. 2, An end to Untouchability. 3, An equal role in society for women. I have not read a lot about Gandhi, I would be interested to know if he had other dreams and aims. Do members think Gandhi failed ? Could an alternative approach have achived better results ?

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May 26th, 2003, 22:10	#2
mountaingirl Mother Goose Join Date: May 2003 Location: underground Posts: 426	Sorry, your questions were too difficult for me to answer. So instead I would like to share some views here (they are not completely mine): In a country with the largest population ( we were supposed to cross China by March: have we done that yet?), they is bound to be some group complaining. There is definitely a group of people who beg to differ with Mahatma Gandhi. They think that he was too stubborn and blame him for a lot of their sufferings. This school of thought (If I may call it so) believes that it was Gandhi's 'favorite'ism which led to Pandit Nehru being appointed as the PM instead of the more popular Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel (who had to settle being a home minister). You should try to see the Film 'Sardar' based on his life. (Pandit Nehru was said to be too busy courting Lady Mountbatten and taking care of his roses that he wore everyday!). MOST of the people believe that Gandhi was too meek to agree to Partition. It should have never happened: as the problem is still continuing to this day (Kashmir issue will probably be never resolved as it is a very strong political issue for the government of both countries: whenever they are in danger of losing power, the focus is shifted to Kashmir). I liked the movie Gandhi: Ben Kingsley was brilliant. The only thing wrong is that it seems Gandhi would use hunger strike as a means to resolve each and every problem that creeped up! (like a stubborn child). I think when a revolution/ social service etc starts/ or is taken up - it is also very true to cause but as it brings in more money and power to the people - it brings with it greed and the sense of being 'god'. This spoils and shakes the very base of the foundation. You should also read 'My experiments with Truth' : an autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi. No matter what happened: itis the future that concerns me.....will there be another incarnation of Vishnu to save this country from Corruption and Politicians?

May 26th, 2003, 23:02	#3
hairypotter Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: India Posts: 11	the guy is dead and gone man. why worry now?

May 27th, 2003, 03:19	#4
pooch Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Middle East <---->India Posts: 384	Not completely related to this topic but I really can't understand why Gandhi ever got India her independence. This country needs the British and would have been a million years ahead today under British rule. My grandfather or my father never spoke ill of the British and like it or not every Indian does clandestinely or otherwise admirethe British for their contribution to India.

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