US Congressmen Russia Ukraine

US Congressman Hails Modi’s Engagement In Averting Russia’s Nuclear Threat

In light of a recent report that credits outreach by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among other global leaders, to Russian President Vladamir Putin in helping to prevent a “potential nuclear attack” on Ukraine, two US Congressmen opine that India, known for Mahatma Gandhi and his ideology of nonviolence, is growing into a power which will be looked at for resolving global conflicts.

Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s active role on the global stage and India’s rapid economic growth, US Representative Congressman Rich McCormick envisioned India as a key player in conflict resolution, competing with major economies like China and the United States.

“I think India is just getting started in this. PM Modi is engaged internationally. He has a rapidly growing economy. One of the fastest in the world, is soon to be the third largest GDP in the world. It is going to compete with China and eventually the United States, depending on what the United States does in their economy. The more powerful you get, the more people pay attention to you,” he told ANI.

McCormick also emphasised India’s significant leverage as Russia’s largest energy consumer and stressed the importance of ensuring that diplomatic efforts align with the best interests of all parties involved.

“India is their (Russia’s) largest energy consumer, so it gives them incredible leverage,” Congressman McCormick said.

The US Congressman also underscored the importance of ensuring everyone’s best interests are considered and leveraging diplomatic power effectively. “We just need to make sure that everybody’s best interests are at hand and that we’re doing it in the right way. Leverage only applies if you’re willing to use it,” he added.

Addressing the gravity of the situation, McCormick warned against succumbing to idle threats and stated the need to avoid self-assured mutual destruction. “Now, Putin’s leveraging the fact that he has nuclear arms, but we’ve seen this used by nefarious actors in North Korea. Think that it’s really important as we go forward that we don’t succumb to just idle threats. And maybe this is not an idle threat. If it’s not an idle threat, we have a bigger problem. We have to, as a world, realize that self-assured mutual destruction is not the way to go going forward,” the US Congressman said.

Another US Congressman, Raja Krishnamoorthi, echoed thesentiment, expressing confidence in India’s ability to broker peace.

“Yes, definitely. And I hope that India continues to play its role,” Krishnamoorthi affirms. Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence, he highlighted the need for peaceful conflict resolution, irrespective of the parties involved.

“India is known for Mahatma Gandhi, and Mahatma Gandhi believed in non-violence,” Krishnamoorthi said, adding, “We can’t settle scores through violence. It has to be done peacefully and at the bargaining table, regardless of who you are, whether you’re the Chinese Communist Party, whether you’re Russia, or whether you’re any other actor.”

A recent CNN report said that outreach from PM Modi and other countries played an important role in averting a ‘potential’ nuclear strike by Moscow against Kyiv, in what would have been the first nuclear attack since the US dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki nearly eighty years before. The report also claimed that as the Russia-Ukraine war raged in 2022, the United States started “preparing rigorously” for a potential nuclear strike by Moscow against Kyiv.

The Biden administration was specifically concerned Russia might use a tactical or battlefield nuclear weapon, CNN cited two officials. Amid the fears, the US sought to enlist the help of non-allies including India, to discourage Russia from such an attack, as reported by the US media outlet.

“One of the things we did was not only message them directly but strongly urge, press, encourage other countries, to whom they might be more attentive, to do the same thing,” the senior administration official said.

US officials say that outreach and public statements from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others helped avert a crisis. “I think we believe showing the international community the concern about this, particularly the concern from key countries for Russia and the Global South, was also a helpful, persuasive factor and showed them what the cost of all this could be,” CNN quoted a senior administration official as saying.

Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India has always condemned civilian killings and called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

In a major statement, PM Modi told President Putin that “this is not the era of war” on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Uzbekistan last year. The statement even made to the G20 communique under the presidency of India. (ANI)

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Sabarimala pilgrims mp kerala

Kerala MPs Hold Protest Outside In Parliament, demand security for Sabarimala pilgrims

Kerala MPs held a protest in front of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in Parliament demanding security for Sabarimala pilgrims.

The protesting MPs demanded basic facilities, safety and security for pilgrims at Sabarimala.

NK Premachandran, a leader of the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), said, “Sabarimala is one of the prominent pilgrimage sites in the country, with lakhs of pilgrims visiting the shrine every year. Hence, it is unfortunate that no arrangement has been made by the state government to provide necessary facilities for devotees. The pilgrims are forced to wait 18 hours for a darshan (sighting of the deity). No medical facilities, drinking water, and transport facilities are available. Sufficient police protection is also not available for the security and safety of the pilgrims.”

He added that a girl, aged 8 years, died standing in the queue and yet, the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government took no proactive step for the protection of pilgrims.

“Only 600 police personnel have been deployed there. We are demanding that sufficient protection be provided to the pilgrims. We demand an urgent intervention by the National Disaster Management Authority. We are also planning to stage a dharna in the House (Assembly) today. We have all given an adjournment notice for the same,” he added.

Abdul Basheer from IUML said that the protest was in the interest of the safety of the pilgrims.

“Sabarimala is the biggest centre of pilgrimage in South India. However, the government is not taking any steps to ensure the safety of pilgrims visiting the shrine. We have made several requests (to the government to ensure the safety of devotees). We even want to bring it to the notice of the public. The government should take immediate steps to ensure the safety of Sabarimala pilgrims,” he added. (ANI)

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UNGA President

Let Us Embrace Gandhi’s Message: UNGA President

President of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Dennis Francis, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, urged people to embrace the message of Mahatma Gandhi of establishing world peace.

“There is no way to peace, peace is the way. Today’s International Day of Non-Violence marks the birth anniversary of #MahatmaGandhi – a beacon of peace & non-violence,” posted the UNGA President on the social media platform, X.

The birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, October 2, is also observed as International Day of Non-Violence. It was established on June 15, 2007, according to the UNGA resolution A/RES/61/271.

“Let us embrace #Gandhi’s message and invest in peace; this is an investment in our collective prosperity,” the post added.

The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations also observed the Gandhi Jayanti saying every Indian is proud to see the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the UN Headquarters in New York. 

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations also shared an old picture that shows External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Former United Nations General Assembly President Csaba Korosi and Permanent Representative of India to the UN Ruchira Kamboj with bust of Mahatma Gandhi at UN Headquarters. 

Sharing a post on X, the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations stated, “It makes very Indian proud to see the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at UN Headquarters…”

In December last year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Csaba Korosi and Ruchira Kamboj joined them on the occasion and paid floral tributes at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi, said the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in a press release.

Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite bhajan ‘Vaishnav Jan to’ was recited at the event. The bust of Mahatma Gandhi, a gift by India, is the first sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi that has been installed at the North Lawn Gardens of the United Nations. (ANI)

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Mahatma Gandhi

Modi Pays Tribute To Mahatma Gandhi At Rajghat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Delhi’s Rajghat on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti on Monday.

Mahatma Gandhi’s impact is global, said PM Modi in a post on X, today while also urging to work towards fulfilling Gandhi’s dreams.

“I bow to Mahatma Gandhi on the special occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. His timeless teachings continue to illuminate our path. Mahatma Gandhi’s impact is global, motivating the entire humankind to further the spirit of unity and compassion. May we always work towards fulfilling his dreams. May his thoughts enable every youngster be the agent of change he dreamt of, fostering unity and harmony all over,” the Prime Minister said in his post.

Earlier today, Congress national president and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge paid tributes to Gandhi at Rajghat.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Delhi Lieutenant Governor LG Saxena also paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.

Yesterday, on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, President Droupadi Murmu extended her greetings to citizens and appealed to people to follow his values and teachings in their thoughts, speech, and actions, dedicating themselves to the welfare of the country.

Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar town of Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi or Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi adopted a non-violent resistance and was at the forefront of the freedom struggle against colonial British rule.

This led to India finally achieving its independence in 1947. Fondly known as Bapu, his unwavering belief in ‘Swaraj’ (self-governance) and ‘Ahimsa’ (non-violence) won him accolades across the world.

Globally, Gandhi’s birth anniversary is celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a cleanliness drive beginning on October 1 to mark the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and said that Swachh Bharat is a shared responsibility, and every effort counts.

‘Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’ Campaign is a mega cleanliness drive to mark the celebration of Gandhi Jayanti. This initiative is a run-up to the ‘Swachhata Pakhwada- Swachhata Hi Seva’ 2023 campaign.

Exhorting the people across the country to get involved in the cleanliness campaign, PM Modi said taking the campaign forward will be a giant step towards fulfilling Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of a clean India. (ANI)

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Modi Biden At Raj Ghat

Modi, Biden, Other Leaders Pay Homage At Raj Ghat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed US President Joe Biden at Delhi’s Raj Ghat as he arrived to pay homage to the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi here in the national capital on Sunday.

PM Modi received President Joe Biden as he entered the premises of Raj Ghat and offered him a gift of khadi.   

French President Emmanuel Macron also arrived at Delhi’s Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and lay a wreath. Indonesia President Joko Widodo too visited Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa also arrived at Delhi’s Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and lay a wreath.

Oman Deputy Prime Minister Asaad bin Tariq bin Taimur Al Said arrived at Rajghat. PM Modi welcomed him with a gift of khadi. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also visited Rajghat.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Asian Development Bank Masatsugu Asakawa, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, World Bank Chief Ajay Banga, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and other delegates arrived at Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and lay a wreath.

After paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, leaders and Heads of delegations will then move to Bharat Mandapam. A tree plantation ceremony will be held at Bharat Mandapam. The leaders will then participate in the third session ‘One Future’ of the G20 summit. (ANI)

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Yamuna River nearby flood area

Yamuna Reaches 208.46 Metres, Low-Lying Nearby Areas Flooded

The Yamuna River in the national capital continued to flow over the danger mark, with the water level reaching 208.46 metres on Thursday morning, officials informed.

Further, according to officials, the water level of the Yamuna, on the Old Railway Bridge, was recorded at 208.46 meters at 7 am on Thursday.

Traffic on the GT Karnal Road in the national capital was thrown out of gear as the Yamuna waters breached the warning mark while the area near Nigam Bodh Ghat in Delhi was flooded.

Due to the rise in the water level of Yamuna and resultant inundation of low-lying areas, traffic movement has been impaired on Mahatma Gandhi Marg between IP Flyover and Chandgi Ram Akhara, Mahatma Gandhi Marg between Kalighat Mandir and Delhi Secretariat and Outer Ring Road between Wazirabad Bridge and Chandgi Ram Akhara.

The officials have advised commuters to avoid these roads and plan their journey accordingly.

As per official inputs, the movement of commercial vehicles will be regulated as non-destined commercial vehicles won’t be allowed to enter Delhi and will be diverted to the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.

Commercial vehicles will be diverted from Mukarba Chowk, Sarai Kale Khan, Ghazipur border, and from Akshardham towards DND.

The officials further said no commercial vehicles will be allowed between Mukarba Chowk and Wazirabad Bridge, Sarai Kale Khan and IP Flyover and also between Akshardham and Sarai Kale Khan.

Earlier, on Wednesday, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) issued an advisory for open-air cremation grounds near the Yamuna River in view of its rising water levels following incessant rainfall.

The MCD said there is a possibility of water entering the Nigam Bodh Ghat, which could hamper cremation activities, adding that people are advised not to venture to the open-air cremation ground and use some other ground instead.

Earlier, on Wednesday, the water level in the Yamuna crossed the danger mark of 208.05 metres around 10 pm, exceeding the Central Water Commission’s estimate of 207.99 meters late on Wednesday night, putting authorities on alert mode. (ANI)

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Jaishankar

EAM Pays Homage To Gandhi In Panama City

Before beginning his visit to Panamas, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the Cinco de Mayo square in Panama City.

“Began my visit by paying homage to Gandhi ji at the Cinco de Mayo square in Panama City. Pleased to meet those working for the National Civil Protection System @Sinaproc_Panama and Indian community members. They are the living bridge between our nations,” Jaishankar tweeted.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday arrived in Panama City for a two-day visit. Jaishankar was received by Panama’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Vladimir Francos.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, Jaishankar stated, “Arrived in Panama City. Thank Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs @VladimirFrancoS for the warm reception. Look forward to a packed bilateral and multilateral agenda.”

During his visit, Jaishankar will be calling on the top leadership. He will be hosted by Panama’s Foreign Minister Janaina Tewaney Mencomo. During this visit, the India-SICA Foreign Ministerial Meeting will also be convened wherein Jaishankar will meet representatives of the eight-country Central American Integration System (SICA).

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar, while speaking at the inauguration of the Ocean-going Passenger-cum-Cargo Ferry, MV Ma Lisha, in Guyana said the ferry is a testimony of the close friendship between the two nations. He was on a visit to Guyana from April 21-24.

After his visit to Panama, the EAM on April 25 will embark on a Colombia visit where he would be meeting several top representatives of the Government, business and civil society. His Colombia visit would be the first Foreign Ministerial level visit to the country, the Ministry of External Affairs said in its release.

Jaishankar and Colombia’s counterpart Alvaro Leyva Duran will review the bilateral ties. Following his visit to Colombia, Jaishankar will head to the Dominican Republic, according to an MEA release.

The visit to the Dominican Republic is the highest-level visit from India since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1999. Jaishankar’s visit takes place after the establishment of India’s resident Embassy in Santo Domingo in 2022.

Apart from calling on the country’s political leadership, EAM will be holding discussions with Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez. The two leaders will formally inaugurate the Indian resident mission. EAM is also expected to deliver a talk at the Dominican Republic Foreign Ministry. (ANI)

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South Korea Mahatma Gandhi Memorial

South Korea FM Visits Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, Pay Tribute

South Korea Foreign Minister, who is on a 2-day state visit to India, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial in Rajghat in New Delhi on Saturday.

After laying a wreath, Park Jin also signed visitor’s book at Rajghat.

Calling Mahatma Gandhi’s spirit of Satyagraha “noble”, the minister said he had always cherished his teachings, advocating democracy and human rights. He added that it was 27 years ago when he visited India for the first time.

“I visited India 27 years ago, it was my first to India. I always cherish his (Mahatma Gandhi) noble spirit of Satyagraha,” the Foreign Minister of South Korea said.

“I hope we can pursue contributive diplomacy together with India, which is Korea’s special strategic partner to contribute to freedom, peace and prosperity to the world,” he added.

South Korea Foreign Minister Park Jin’s visit to India comes as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

The official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Arindam Bagchi, on Friday welcomed Park Jin to India, saying his visit will help strengthen India-South Korea Strategic Partnership.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his South Korean counterpart on Friday held discussions on taking forward India-South Korea Special Strategic Partnership.

“Glad to welcome @FMParkJin of Republic of Korea on his first official visit to India,” Jaishankar tweeted on Friday.

“Our discussions today will take forward our Special Strategic Partnership,” he further wrote.

Park on Friday said South Korea would like to upgrade its existing successful partnership with India and focus on trade, investment and supply chain stabilisation in manufacturing sector and also critical minerals.

The South Korean Foreign Minister on Friday also called on Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar.

In an exclusive interview with ANI in which he dwelt on a range of subjects — from India as a ‘soft powerhouse’ to the viral ‘Naatu Naatu ‘song from the movie ‘RRR’, which won as Oscar this year, Park Jin on Friday said he was happy that the Korean embassy here has paid special attention to the movie and that both the countries need much wide cultural exchange.

“Naatu Naatu dance is really popular in Korea. I saw the movie myself which is a fantastic movie and story. I think it was extraordinary and I am very glad that our embassy has given special attention to Naatu, Naatu and the movie. They demonstrated music, singing and dancing to the Indian public which I think is a great way to communicate with each other,” the Minister said.

“I love Bollywood movies, I saw 3 idiots and Chennai Express. I think we need a wider cultural exchange between the two countries especially among the young generation to understand each other and to appreciate India’s culture and vice versa,” he added.

On the strategic partnership between the two countries, Park said that it is mutually beneficial.

“Korea and India have a special strategic partnership. This is very special relationship through which we can work together with the same vision towards the future and I think that we should make full advantage of this special relationship for our mutually beneficial relationship in the future”.

Expressing optimism about India’s G20 Presidency, the visiting Foreign Minister said that South Korea would be very happy to work with India. (ANI)

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Chouhan Madhya Pradesh

Chouhan Lashes Out At Cong For Using Photos Of Freedom Fighters In Its Advt

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has lashed out at the Congress party over using photographs of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr B R Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and other prominent leaders in the advertisement of Congress’ 85th plenary session.

The three-day 85th plenary session of the Congress Party was held in Chhattisgarh’s Raipur and it ended on February 26.
Addressing the media persons in the state capital Bhopal, Chouhan on Monday said, “I was surprised that the Congress party used the photo of Mahatma Gandhi in the advertisements of its national convention. Gandhi had said to dissolve the Congress after independence and make the Congress a Lok Sevak Sangh. He was not in favour of keeping the Congress (as a political party).”

The Congress put up the photo of Dr B R Ambedkar. They (Congress) used a photo of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, who had left the Congress, he said, adding that Netaji formed Forward Bloc (All India Forward Bloc) and then later formed the Azad Hind Fauj.

Chouhan further added that they put a photo of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was always humiliated by Congress. The Congress used the photo of P V Narasimha Rao whom they did not not even allow to be cremated properly.

The Congress put the photos of those whom they never respected. They have no right to put their photos only for political gains, Chouhan added.

CM Chouhan further attacked the Congress party over twitter as well. He wrote, “To humiliate is the culture of Congress. Former Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi threw out the former PM Late Lal Bahadur Shastri out of Teen Murti Bhawan. The insulting words were ‘it is bigger than you (Shastri) think’. Today, they are not ashamed of using Shastri’s photo.”

Look at the act of the Congress to humiliate, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi themselves took the Bharat Ratna, bypassing the dignitaries dedicated to the country’s innovation, he wrote, elaborating that using the portraits of the people whom they insulted for political gains shows the moral decline of the Congress.

“Rahul Gandhi, whose ‘intellect, discretion and understanding’ is known to the whole country, tore the copies of the ordinance brought by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Insulting the government of their own party and the Prime Minister of the country is not new in the Congress. The country has seen the humiliation of Sitaram Kesari,” Chouhan further wrote in the tweet. (ANI)

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Gandhi Godse Ek Yuddh Movie

When Gandhi Met Godse

As India celebrates 75 years of its independence from colonial rule, a debate rekindles a clash between the ideals Mahatma Gandhi espoused and those that caused his assassination. The timing seems perfect for the Gandhi-Godse: Ek Yuddh film. It is being released on January 26, just four days short of the day he was killed 75 years ago.

It is based on a double assumption: that Gandhi survives the attempt on his life and engages in a debate with his unsuccessful assassin, Nathuram Godse. The clash of ideas forms the crux of the film, leaving the verdict to the viewers, and the people outside, not just in India but wherever Gandhi is known, understood and appreciated.

The basic idea is not new. It formed the hypothesis of Godse @ Gandhi.com, a play scholar-writer Asghar Wajahat wrote in 2010. It has been performed in different languages in different cities and generated a measure of closed-door debate. The film now seeks to take it to larger audiences.

Still recouping from the bullet wounds, Gandhi meets Godse in jail, outside of the prison cell and without being held in chains. He refuses to depose before Godse which helps to reduce the latter’s jail sentence.

More importantly, both engage in a debate. A clash of ideals, not a jugalbandhi, it shows Gandhi calm and all smiles, while Godse is angry, tense and frustrated, unwilling and unable to agree with everything Gandhi says. One preaches ‘ahimsa’ the other rejects it. One wants to carry all citizens along, but the other pitches only for the Hindus. Godse continues to hold Gandhi responsible for the country’s Partition and vows to undo it. No appeasement of Muslims, be they in Pakistan or those who have stayed on in India.

It is an open-ended debate. The two engage in what resembles the current Hindutva debate, with the deification of Godse, questions on the relevance of non-violence, re-writing of history and the “me too” factor in who won the country’s freedom, and how.

The Gandhi-Godse debate is unique, and also essential in the present times when Gandhi sought to be appropriated first, to be questioned, dismissed and possibly discarded. His most likely replacement would then be the culture that nurtured Godse, and the reliance on violence that Gandhi preached against.

The filmmakers may aim to be neutral and objective. But this writer must inject a disclaimer, for whatever it is worth, and take the Gandhian side.

The debate takes place amidst decades of indifference and lip service paid to Gandhi’s ideals. So, it is a critique of not just his baiters, but also of those who claim to follow him but lost their way post-Independence.

In the film, Gandhi quits the Congress when his followers — Nehru, Patel and Azad – reject his call to disband the party now that it has helped achieve the country’s Independence. (This is an issue that Congress baiters have found handy). He also launches community development projects as per his ideas and leads anti-government protests. They are thwarted by his followers now ruling the country. He is imprisoned in independent India even as people continue to revere him as “the Father of the Nation.”

Gandhi is put in the cell where Godse is serving his prison term. As the two meet, this allows for the resumption of the debate over Akhand Bharat, the Partition of India, on Pakistan and Hindutva. Both re-evaluate their ideas. Gradually, Godse and Gandhi understand each other, even as they disagree.

Gandhi maintains that Godse is not the wrong man. Only his views are wrong. Although Godse is influenced by Gandhi’s thoughts and personality, to what extent, remains unstated. Critics are likely to ask: Is he the new anti-hero?

ALSO READ: Gandhi or Godse – Kindly Choose One

Gandhi’s own frailties come to the fore in a story within the story. Sushma, his young woman devotee, loves Naveen, a college teacher. Gandhi separates the two. He wants Naveen to continue “serving the nation” as a teacher, without distracting Sushma’s mission. He resents Naveen secretly meeting Sushma and asks Sushma to quit his ashram.

Gandhi’s controversial views on celibacy come into play. With this new weapon in his arsenal, Godse attacks Gandhi for being unfair, especially to his women devotees, by insisting that like him, they practice celibacy. Gandhi is made to realize this by his deceased wife Kasturba. She comes into his dream and pleads for the young couple on an issue that she had suffered when alive. Gandhi relents and blesses Naveen and Sushma’s marriage in jail. Is it Kasturba’s persuasion that works or Godse’s trenchant criticism?

How much of all this will be accepted/rejected by Gandhi’s acolytes and how far do today’s Hindutva followers feel vindicated? The film’s interpretation of Godse and his “filmy re-trial” shall remain to be judged by those who will watch the film.

Given the current times, the film could well boost Gandhi-baiting, also Godse’s advocacy. The Congress has already launched an agitation, while the BJP camp defends the film as a work of fiction.

Producer-director Rajkumar Santoshi has told the media that Godse’s viewpoint has not received adequate space in his view. Besides Wajahat’s story, he has incorporated portions of Godse’s statement recorded in the court during his 1948 trial. Godse was eventually convicted and hanged. “My take is, I might dislike the person but I will fight for that person. It has been done in a democratic setup”, Santoshi says. “I request people to watch the film with an open mind and not come to theatres with any preconceived notions. Those coming with an open mind will truly enjoy the film,” he appeals.

Santoshi is leaving the film’s conclusions open to public interpretation. So is Asghar Wajahat, the playwright and the film’s writer. The duo want Gandhi versus Godse debated in a true fashion that Gandhi would have approved, whether or not their current lot of his followers and baiters relish.

Save Santoshi himself and music by A R Rahman, the rest of the ensemble has no marquee, only performers. Deepak Antani and Chinmay Mandlekar, both seasoned performers, play Gandhi and Godse respectively.

Santoshi has made films that entertain, some of them with his preferred actor Sunny Deol. The latter is famous for the “dhai kilo ka hath” fisticuffs, and also for using the gun to secure justice on his own terms in the face of vested interests all around.

Santoshi’s heroes have also protected women, taken on the law, screaming the famous “Tarikh pe Tarikh” on the propensity of the powerful to seek postponement of court hearings if they find the going tough. The phrase, incidentally, was used approvingly by a judge in the courtroom recently.

The Gandhi-versus-Godse is a different cinema terrain for Santoshi, but that cannot be a reason for anyone to prejudge his new work. Good filmmakers are known to switch gears and move from popular entertainment to what they consider “purposeful” filmmaking.

As per Wajahat’s play, Gandhi and Godse agree to disagree on their points of conflict in a true gentlemanly fashion. Their respective jail sentences end, dramatically, on the same day, July 5, 1960.

Bidding farewell, Gandhi says: “I shall continue to do what I have been doing and I am sure you will do the same.” Both part with a Namaste. Their respective courses are open, to be viewed and interpreted. Perhaps, the way it is being done now and shall be done in future as well. There is no last word.

The writer can be reached at mahendraved07@gmail.com

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