Last week I watched the movie Ghandi (1982). For those who know who Gandhi is, but don’t quite know how he became the leader he became, you might really get some insight from watching this movie.
I have to say I had no idea what he had done or how. I thought he was just this little guy who was religious, devoted, and with just a set of principles to guide him, and people flocked to him solely for what he stood for. Well, now I know what an important political figure he was. He managed to influence the government, and to influence thousands of people to stand peacefully against the English empire. Simply by “non violent non-cooperation,” he got the Indian people to stand up for themselves (1940’s) and dismiss the English forces.
There were some parts of the movie that were quite disturbing. They portrayed a massacre that occurred in the hands of General Dyer, and the violent riots that occurred between muslims and hindu people after the English had withdrawn (which split the country into Pakistan and India, ultimately). I was horrified at how barbaric people can behave when their core beliefs are shaken.
During the movie, Ghandi did not proclaim himself to be hindu, christian, muslim, or jewish. He proclaimed to be ALL religions. He preached that we are all one and the same, and it makes no sense to separate us. However, ultimately, a new generation stepped up to fight for their beliefs. It was clear these young people who were shouting “Death to Muslims” were not the same people that followed Ghandi during his fight against England. That pivotal moment is when you realized that this little old man had started a movement that was bigger than himself.
Even after he was killed on his way to lead the daily prayers, the troubles between India and Pakistan continue, and the corruption in the new democracy of India persist.
It’s a world like none we could even imagine living in, and Ghandi takes credit for being a peaceful leader and standing for equality at all levels of humanity. Who knows what could have happened if he had not been shot. Would Pakistan and India be in a better place? Would he have more influence over government actions and over corruption? Who knows.
I encourage others to watch this movie. It’s moving, informative, and eye opening.
ina