Arun Gandhi and his Grandfather Mahatma Gandhi

[Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav]

Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav

Gandhian Scholar

Gandhi Research Foundation, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India

Contact No. – 09404955338, 09415777229

[e-mail]; [e-mail]

 

Arun Gandhi and his Grandfather Mahatma Gandhi

 

Manilal Gandhi was second son of Mahatma Gandhi. He was born on 28 October 1892 in Rajkot. He went to South Africa in 1897 with his parents. He worked in Phoenix Ashram with his father and his others friends. He assists in publication of Indian Opinion. He remained editor until his death. He died in aged 63 on 4 April 1956 in Durban, South Africa. He was married in 1927 with Sushila Mashruwala. He had two daughters, Sita, Ela and one son Arun. Manilal was a beloved son of Mahatma Gandhi. He taught him everything. He gave guidance him on every matter. He gave guidance to his son Arun also.

I met first his son Tushar Gandhi, the great grandson of Mahatma Gandhi at the Jain Hills, Jalgaon. I heard some facts with his mouth. So I am remembering him as father of Tushar Gandhi. He was grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. He was born on 14 April 1934 in South Africa. He studied in South Africa. When his grandfather was assassinated, He was full of anger and wanted to take revenge. Then his parents remember him given word of Mahatma Gandhi. He is still working and thriving and living a crazy life. His health is good and he has many good friends. He lived 18 months with Mahatma Gandhi between the ages of 12 and 14 in India. At first he didn't realize work of Mahatma Gandhi. Who led India to independence from Great Britain through non-violent civil disobedience? He is remembered today for his commitment to non-violent resistance. Mahatma Gandhi wrote him many letters. Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I think of you every day, but especially today during silence. Do you spin carefully at least 160 rounds daily? Is the yarn even? Do you yourself fix the spinning-wheel? Do you keep a daily account? If you keep this one promise, you will learn a lot. Are you all right? How is ILA? Has she become a little wiser?”1

Arun Gandhi said that he was wonderful, a very loving, compassionate grandfather. In the beginning I didn't know how important he was. Hundreds of people would be outside the house to get a glimpse of him. When I saw that kind of adulation I realized he was somebody great. To me he was just a grandfather. Arun Gandhi grew up in South Africa. Mahatma Gandhi taught him how to deal anger. It can be used for the good of humanity, rather abusing it and causing death and destruction.
Based on his philosophy of nonviolence, Mahatma Gandhi taught his grandson not to react in a moment of anger, but to resolve the issue that caused the anger. This lesson was a very significant for him. Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I find it better than your earlier one, although it has scope for improvement, which you must bring about. I would always advise you and it is my wish that wherever you are you will always fully observe your vow. I can very well understand that there are difficulties while one is travelling. It is also quite understandable that sometimes one just cannot spin however much one wants to. I shouldn’t mind if you are not lazy but fail to spin owning to some unavoidable circumstances. Thorough observance of one vow straightens out all other matters. This is invariably found to be the case. Why is ILA growing insolent? As her elder brother, you are, I think, to blame for it. She is a nice girl. You can therefore help her make good progress.”2

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Have I not told you not to expect letters from me? Besides, now that Harijanbandhu comes out every week, is it not a letter for you too? And what a long letter! It is good that you spin. I got Chi. Manilal’s postcard. I have been very busy. So much the better. Pyarelalji has fallen ill.”3 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am sorry that you and your friend told a lie. We are apt to fall into the habit. I regard this as the worst among all bad habits. It will be good if in future you keep away from it.”4

In 1957 Arun started as a trainee journalist and reporter for The Times of India. On the 50th anniversary of their wedding Arun's wife, Sunanda died of a massive cardiac arrest while on a trip to India. She was also a partner in Arun's nonviolent campaigns. He had a son, Tushar, who is also an activist, and a daughter, Archana, and four grandchildren. Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Yes, I think I did get a note from you. Build up fine health. Your real education will be what you learn from Manilal. To which school do you go? Do not forget your Gujarati.”5 Arun Gandhi spent most of the first 23 years of his life in South Africa. When he was 23, his father died, and he had to take his ashes to India to immerse in the holy River Ganga. While there he fell ill with appendicitis and then fell in love and married the nurse who took care of him. He and Sunanda tried to go back to South Africa, but the government wouldn't allow her to come back with him, so they settled in India. Arun spent 30 years as a journalist. His wife Sunanda did social work for the poor and oppressed. They eventually moved to the United States. Sunanda died in 2007. Now he spends his maximum time for spreading the idea of peace through non-violence.

Arun shares these lessons lesson of his Grandfather Mahatma Gandhi all around the world. For the past five years, he has participated in the Renaissance Weekend deliberations with President Clinton and other well-respected Rhodes Scholars. This year, some of his engagements included speaking at the Chicago Children’s Museum and the Women’s Justice Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He also delivered talks at the Young Presidents Organization in Mexico, the Trade Union Leaders’ Meeting in Milan, Italy, as well as the Peace and Justice Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Sometimes, his journeys take him even further. Arun has spoken in Croatia, France, Ireland, Holland, Lithuania, Nicaragua, China, Scotland and Japan. Also, he is a very popular speaker on college campuses. In the past year, he spoke at, North Dakota State University, Concordia College, Baker University, Morehouse College, Marquette University, and the University of San Diego Etc.

 

References:

1. LETTER TO ARUN GANDHI, December 17, 1945
2. LETTER TO ARUN GANDHI, January 11, 1946
3. LETTER TO ARUN GANDHI, February 13, 1946
4. LETTER TO ARUN GANDHI, August 28, 1946
5. LETTER TO ARUN GANDHI, January 6, 1948