Dear Editor,

THE month of January is synonymous with many demarcations on the calendar for the country of India. India celebrates the new year on the 1st and World Braille Day on the 4th, the birthday of Swami Vivekananda is applauded along with National Youth Day on the 12th. The first cultural and religious holiday is observed on the 13th, being Lohri and on the 14th, that being Makar Sankranti, along with the first Purnima on the 28th. India Army Day is highlighted on the 15th along with Pongal and Thiruvalluvar Day. Reverence is lauded to Guru Gobin Singh and respect is paid to Martin Luther King Jr. on the 18th. Hug Day is squeezed in on the 20th. Recognition is given to International Day of Education and National Girl Child Day on the 24th. India hails out to Australia Day on the 25th and National Voters Day is demarcated. Much pomp and glory are entrenched with joy and jubilation as India’s patriotism becomes pronounced on the 26th for Republic Day. World Leprosy Eradication Day is remembered on the 31st. But, the month is incomplete because on the 30th, not only India but also the world at large pay obeisance to the birthright and India’s gift to the world, commemorating Marty’s Day, the Anniversary of the Assassination of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.

The international icon for peace, non-violence and truth, remains humanly unparalleled to date and his name is daringly devoted to the institution of sanctity, embracing freedom and liberty without raising a finger, but striking with the power of persuasion. His sensible, dogmatic principles became practically pragmatic for many to escape or ignore. Ultimately, his persuasive influence was the root cause for the might of the British monarchy to surrender to the loin-clothed simplicity of a fragile man. His wit characterised his charm and his dedicated beliefs charted the course of India’s history for generations to enjoy. Gandhi’s deep-seated concepts are rooted in the depth of the Bhagwat Gita, his most cherished weapon and his default modus operandi, when faced with the exigency of any unperceived challenge. His love for spiritual unification is shepherded in the flock of all religions and he made no exception for prejudice but rather, the distinction of impartiality. His recognition and acceptance for all caste and class of humanity, created a wave of educated edification and social upliftment. This unprecedented communication created a journey of cooperation and consolidation, consoling the hopes and aspirations to materialise in the conversion of dreams into reality.

He remained indifferent to the treatment of preference but attributed the significance of each voice with an open mind. The Mahatma’s calm, quiet and easy effusiveness, diffused as destiny, decided the completion of his Karma on January 30, 1948, at the ripe and right age of 73. He renounced his sharir (body), to the command of a targeted bullet as the serene ambience was placated for his atma (soul) to gain moksha (salvation), whispering the name of the Lord, “ Ram, Ram,” as he willingly departed this earthly abode, to seek refuge in the compassion of His benevolence, the infinite Master of creation. The Great One graced this planet on the blessed day of October 2nd, 1869 and was a British-trained lawyer but more so, a devotee of justice, championing the cause of fairness and upholding the mantle of right by submerging wrong. His teaching is the wick of light which prevails in the presence of darkness. He may be gone but, never to be forgotten, leaving his footsteps ingrained on the delicate face of Dharti Ma (earth). His glory must be written in the annals of purity and not desecrated in the indecency of impropriety.

Respectfully,
Jai Lall