Bapu was much influenced by Jain philosophy and the life of Jesus Christ who was the ultimate pacifist. Much of Gandhi's ascetic ways, including celibacy, could be traced back to Jain doctrines. His pacifism was a refection of Christ's teaching who insisted on turning the other cheek. It had nothing to do with Hinduism even though Bapu always invoked Hindu symbols and spoke of establishing "Ram rajya". At best, it only meant an ideal state. It had nothing to do with the Hindu way of life as such.
Oddly enough, it is the use of such expressions that made the elitist Jinnah, who was an agnostic at the time, become suspicious of Bapu. Pakistani historians have always claimed Bapu wanted to establish a Hindu rashtra and their "Quaid-e-azam" Mohammed Ali Jinnah created Pakistan as a safe haven for the Musalmans of the Indian subcontinent. Jinnah who was once the President of the Indian National Congress withdrew from this pan-India political outfit to head the blatantly sectarian Muslim League, which ultimately divided British India. "I detest the man's methods", Jinnah had said about Bapu's satyagraha.
Gandhi is still considered the tallest leader of our freedom struggle. There were so many great men and women who struggled all their lives to liberate India from British rule. Many of them made the ultimate sacrifice—they paid with their lives. However, Gandhi alone has been accorded the status of "father of the nation". Successive Congress governments at the Centre have spared no effort in perpetuating Bapu's legacy. Even the Indian Rupee carries his picture. The Gandhi topi and khadi kurta-pyjamas have come to be accepted as the uniform of politicians in India.
Unfortunately, Gandhi's ahimsa also got institutionalised along the way. It became an inviolable creed. Is it any wonder that the UPA government headed by the Congress even today has qualms over using force against naxals? Is it any wonder that India has been unable to make a terrorist think twice before entering India? Is it any wonder that those who aid and abet such enemies of the Indian state have no fear of reprisal in their heart? Banyaon ka mulk hai. Woh hamara kya ukhad lenge?
*** to be continued
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