Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily's announcement that the central government would ban the book Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi and his Struggle with India had no justification in fact, law, or common sense. The threatened ban on the book — the contents of which Mr. Moily dramatically described as “heresy” — was based, at best, on a total misreading of it and, at worst, on no-reading but relying on grossly misleading reviews in a section of the western media. The biography, written by Joseph Lelyveld, a former editor of the New York Times, does not claim that Mahatma Gandhi was bi-sexual; neither does it portray him as a racist. In the course of a serious exploration that traces the links between the beginning of Gandhi's political life in South Africa and its development in India, the book refers to his close relationship with East Prussian architect Hermann Kallenbach. The strong emotional bond between the two, who lived together for a while on Tolstoy Farm near Johannesburg, is more than borne out by the letters Gandhiji wrote to Kallenbach. Mr. Lelyveld quotes a Gandhi scholar in the book as characterising their relationship as “homoerotic” rather than “homosexual,” an interpretation one is free to dispute. But surely, that cannot be a basis for banning a book as the Gujarat government has done with great alacrity and the Government of India was seriously considering until Mr. Moily did an about-turn on the issue.
“I am of the earth, earthy … I am prone to as many weaknesses as you are,” the Mahatma famously declared. He explored a number of these weaknesses with extraordinary honesty in My Experiments with Truth. Most publishers love, and some even stage-manage, the kind of controversy that has broken out over what is a small section of a chapter in Mr. Lelyveld's biography. Not so long ago, in grandson Rajmohan Gandhi's Mohandas, a small episode in the Mahatma's life — his relationship with Rabindranath Tagore's niece Saraladevi Chaudharani (“around which Eros too might have lurked”) — became the frenzied focus of the media. Section 95 of the Code of Criminal Procedure empowers authorities to proscribe books if they contain material that breaches the peace or causes communal tension. Surely, it is no one's case that Great Soul does that. The Supreme Court, which has consistently opposed crude attempts at censorship, has severely limited the use of Section 95 to proscribe books. From a quick reading of the controversial references in the Kindle edition, it seems that Mr. Lelyveld has made too much of what is essentially thin source material on the subject. The answer to that is reasoned, informed criticism. The Mahatma would have been the first to protest against any suggestion of an obscurantist ban.
Keywords: Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi and his Struggle with India, Veerappa Moily, Mahatma Gandhi, Joseph Lelyveld
Firstly, all this diatribe, about the 'Mahatma', being made out to be of a different sexual orientation is getting its full fledged publicity. Now, looking at it from the lay window,this outburst is apt.But now lets look at some recent developments in india.Isn't it now legal to be gay, according to a recent S.C. ruling? Most of the furore emanates from an underlying bigoted view towards the differently oriented, which even a scientific debate can change.Lets start with this, even if the allegation/insinuations were true, will he be a little less than the 'Mahatma' he is? I beg to differ.If anything he's just changed the common man's perspective towards different sexual orientations. This book has done more to engage us in intellectual self reflection in terms of what we perceive personal preferences to be, more than the S.C. judgement. Research confirms the fact that, changes in attitudes depend on the source.Our instant reactionary outburst, which is a norm these days. With many a big wig taking instant offence at a certain book review, which in anyway did a huge service to the author and to the crawling lay mindset which still has to wake up to the fact that- 'Tolerance towards ambiguity and experimentation are the starkling signs of many a great man'.
Might I add, that history has time and again shown that sexual adventurism - positively , is tied up with creativity and success, be it Shakespeare, Alexander, and the countless many who can only be alleged to have indulged in, by the historian, or a publicity mongering book authors, as it would be starkly foolish to think, that the reviewer in question had nothing green trickling upto him from the author's and the publisher's kitty.This is as you can see just another way of selling a book, and any book if delved into cannot leave a mindset unscathed.
After going through all the comments, I personally feel that the Indian Government should atleast take care of what the common people are having in their mind. I believe the banning would positively have some effects monetarily. Having the freedom of expression, then why to muzzle it? Having the right to speech, why not utilize it? Then why the rule makers are the 1st one to violate it for the sake of preserving the image of anyone(may it be the Father Of Nation!!).. I wonder if the forum of discussions will have any effect in the Law and Order of Indian Government... Its somehow a shame on the folk and its ruler.
I dont know why central gov. is thinking to ban the book. I think people are enough learned to read the book and find the correct meaning.Do they think that it will ruin the image of Mahatma Gandhi, then they are wrong.... in fact if there is something wrong then it will ruin image of the book itself. Gandhiji is not something who can be lied about. He is ultimate truth, just the depth of realizing this is different. So why just cant let every one to decide. And it will be better if Gov. do something to pass the anticorruption law. They cant see that people Like Anna Hazare and Kiran Bedi are giving their life for welfare of people. They can just talk and do nothing to stop ministers from doing corruption.
Can't help but point out how some of the comments try to tie this issue with their personal prejudices for Homosexuality and laws enabling homosexual marriages. For God's sake, do not take issues out of context. Another argument seems to be that since MK Gandhi is adored by millions, since he is highly regarded by so many leaders, no one can say anything however factual it might be that will offend those countless people and mar the image they carry of him. This is completely hypocritical as well as misplaced sense of outrage. Let there be a scholarly debate about the book and its contents, and the work discredited if proven to be so, but let's not make it an emotional issue resulting in regrettable knee-jerk reactions.
Gandhiji was candid in admitting his failings; he took himself to task on several of his shortcomings as well as openly laid down his habits, good, bad and others. I do not think he would have hesitated to talk about any relationship he would have had with Kallenbach. The author has chosen to make references based on thin material, just to sensationalise and add pep to a biography which would have been filled up with facts and instances people all over the world have heard again and again. Obviously banning is not the solution. However recent articles and opinions in 'The Hindu' have laboured hard to give a clean chit to Lelyveld's intentions in using this thin material and oblique references to Gandhiji's sexual orientations. I think that is unnecessary.
I am a great follower and fan of mahatma gandhi. he was really a brave personality which shows his weakness in front of the world and give a lesson to a normal man to 'every body can be complete good human being by fighting agaist their weakness and excepting them'. Gandhi was really a mature personality in terms of karma and vichaar. banning on this book its a sign on loose confidence. in my point of view it should be come in front of people
Doesn't our constitution grant us the freedom of expression. The book only tries to explore the other side of Gandhi... Any politician hoping to ban the book is only for his selfish gains. Every one has their views and i believe they have the absolute right to express it. The government should rather spend its power in trying to stop the forces trying to capitalize on the Issue rather than ban the book.
Books should not be banned, period. Who decides which books should be banned and which ones should not. Already, important documents in the National Archives relating to the Korean War and Tibet are unavailable to scholars without the permission of the Nehru-Gandhi family which means they are never available. Next, is the government going to ban any book on Bofors for insulting Rajiv Gandhi? Where does this stop?
When I was a schoolboy my father had recommended me a short piece by a renowned author who had recounted an incident from his childhood. He was travelling in a ship with his father. It was just after the conclusion of World War II; Sir Churchill was a co-passenger. The incident recounted related to Sir Churchill's behaviour on two evenings after he had had a few drinks. Back in his cabin when the author, then only a boy, asked his father with astonishment about the incidents, the latter had said to him to have 'a sense of proportion in judging people'. The advice had deep imprints in the mind of the boy and he wrote this piece essentially to elaborate upon it at a time when he was a mature author. Anything about Gandhiji is not a matter for gossip among ordinary souls; one must strive to attain a level of consciousness to appreciate the true significance of the great soul the Mahatma was. I would remain unfazed no matter what the book contains, no matter what the source is. I would like to think that all humanity would also do so. I am in total agreement wit the opinion in the Editorial and opinions expressed by many readers, especially that of Mr. Vimal.
Possible misinterpretation of the so called 'truths' in the book by naive young readers may cause more harm than good to their understanding of the various wonderful ideas of the Mahatma.Moreover,proscription of the book would send a strong message to people ,who do not mind writing anything about anyone for cheap publicity and quick money.
I'm a great fan of Gandhiji.To my mind, he was a most remarkable man and a true Mahatama. I want to know as much about this great soul as I can. None of his so called faults would diminish his glow for me. They make him human and even more likable. As Pandit Nehru said to director Attenborough when he was about to embark on the movie Gandhi, 'don't make him God. He would prefer to be a human being'
I loved reading what Vimal whose letter dated April 1, is posted above. His is a wonderful and informative piece on the subject.
I agree with the Editorial Board. By banning this book, we insult the 'Great truth searcher - Mahatma Gandhiji'. He never silence his critics.
Let the reader decide about the motive of the book author. What I read in NYT of 03/024/2011 book review section, I did not find any thing like the cries in Gujarat and India. By using 'banning' word, we giving ammunitions to author's ego and boost the sale of book. So please do not ban. Readers are not stupid or idiot, like our corrupt politicians and bureaucrats. We are not China or North Korea.
Why are we so prudish. Our country gave the first manual on sex Kama sutra. Did we ban that? No we accepted it as normal human activity. Why should we feel offended if a book is written on Mahatma Gandhi.It was the same response to the book on Nehru.We went and banned the book by Salman Rushdie even before it reached our country. Gandhi would have protested if this book was proscribed. Let people read and come to conclusions on their own. We do not need the politicians and officials to tell what we can or cannot read.
Gandhi was an ordinary human being who transformed himself into mahatma by his noble deeds.His unique way of non violence to battle against the colonial rule with dreams to make India discrimination free and equal is an the unparalleled example in the world.His eloquent working for scheduled caste can't be squandered even he rebuked his wife when she was practicing untouchability.The man with loin cloths on his frail body defying the changing climate of india had the reminiscent of a large population that was deprived of the proper cloth and yet he is declared as racist. We must be pragmatic enough regarding this. The uncanny approach was unfolded some four year back with so called relation with a beautiful lady 'sarla devi' and now he is declared as bisexual. The person who follows the brahmacharya upto 35 years till his death is enough to prove that he was real mahatma. His personal life was more open and britishers were always in the hunt to let down our freedom fighters by character assassination. Had this been true colonial rule would have never left any stone unturned to bring down the image of Gandhi among his own people...
I am heartened at the defense of liberty of expression that most of the comments on Lelyveld's book elicited. This is a balanced and fair biography of Gandhi and to ban it would only deny access to a fine analysis of his greatness and genuius. Gandhi's originality was so extraordinary that no one study could do it justice. His ideas about freedom and power alone rank him foremost among original thinkers of the 20th century. His leadership was equally distinguished. Lelyveld does his best to do credit to this brilliant theorist and activist, and gives us a needed perspective on the connection between his personal and political life. The editorial in 'The Hindu' is eloquent and makes a solid and profound argument for defense of liberty, as do many of the comments that follow.
I would like to quote an American Historian - 'Books are the carriers of civilization. Without books, history is silent, literature dumb, science crippled, thought and speculation at a standstill.' I believe books that reflect biography of historical figures should be based on proven facts and not on the 'interpretations one is free to dispute' be the word 'Homoerotic' or homosexual. These personalities are not here today to clear these disputes.
Wouldn't it help if these authors enlighten the public with the facts and teachings of these historic personalities rather than trying to figure out their sexuality, be it Gandhi, Jesus or for that matter any other historical figure.
I have to agree with the Rev. George Theckedath even though I am generally in concurrence with freedom of opinion. There is a tendency, especially among journos in the West, to find blemishes or licentious explanations when the subject they are examining is a towering figure from the East, either in the spiritual realm or in the sciences, beyond their comprehension due to the cultural divide. This is at variance from the great thinkers of the West who have held such figures in high esteem from their own individual perspectives e.g Einstein or Russel. A few years back, a similar book on the saint Ramakrishna Pramahamsa alluded to his erotic slant in his teachings. I also believe though that banning such books is counter productive as it generates publicity; in the end these books will vanish in time but the truth propounded by the great ones will prevail.
The western media has shown itself to be a champion of homosexuality and propelled the degeneration of an already immoral society. They seem to be feeding more on conspiracy theories and have erred on the side of free speech. Free speech is not taking a public figure of proven reputation and make allegations based on speculations. To deduce allegations of this nature, the proof has to be much more substantial. I hope the Indian media smarts from their stupid mistakes.
Man always lure crave the thing which he is denied of. I oppose the ban or the controversies over it solely for the reason that it gives an undue publicity to the book and the controversies it has bring forth. These are things which are always better to be left aside. There are classic examples like the case of Da Vinci Code, wherein the fiction was seen by the Catholic community as insulting. The same was banned in countries like Lebanon, but statistics shows that there was an increase in demand for the book since the controversies and ban in Countries with sizable Catholic population.
Mahatmajee stature shall not be compromised by the so called scandal.
The ban on the Book will generate more curiosity in the public.
To ban the book is the weakest way to address the issue.
We all know the struggle of our freedom fighters and we must respect them.True,the cheapest way of publicity is to malign the established celebrity in sex scandal.
In addition to the grounds outlined by the editorial, one other reason that has repeatedly prompted the politicians to place a hasty and ill-conceived ban on books and other works of literature is lack of faith in common people's ability to read, analyze and decide for themselves what material maligns our icons and what does not. I am sure most of the politicians who are raising a hue and cry over the new book have not even cared to go through the contents and have demanded an outright ban on the book only to secure their votebank and to further consolidate their image as that of a protector of our iconic leaders, our society and our religion. This incident is eerily similar to many other instances we have witnessed in the last one decade or so, when state sponsored ban has been placed on some original works only to appease a particular community or a section of society. Gandhiji was indeed a great personality but at the same time and equally intriguing and complicated one. Each and every facet of Gandhiji's life is a true treasure in itself and worthy of exploration. Ever since I read 'My Experiments with Truth' there has been a constant urge to know more and more about Gandhiji, his thought process, his indomitable will as well as his inner conflicts. Here is a man who was born in an ordinary family, had an ordinary education and has honestly admitted to succumbing to his carnal desires even at a time when his father was bed ridden thereby proving that he was made of the same flesh and bones as we all are and having the same weaknesses as ours. Nothing too extraordinary, nothing too unusual till he became a barrister. And then we witness the transformation of this man from being an ordinary mortal to a Mahatma, a sobriquet given to him by another towering personality of Indian history Rabindra Nath Tagore. A person whose one of the favorite song was 'Ekla chalo re' but had 300 million people rallying behind him ready to 'Do or Die' at his one call. When Pope John Paul visited Rajghat in 1986 in the course of his visit to India, he knelt down on his knees out of his love and respect for Mahatma Gandhi and it is said he entered into a state of trance while offering prayers to Gandhiji and had to be finally nudged to move on. It makes eminent sense that the true depth of Gandhiji's character could have been realized and fathomed only by people possessing as great a character, like Tagore and Pope. But even we ordinary human beings should not be deprived from knowing every aspect of Gandhiji's personality. It is in this context that every authentic resource that throws light on Gandhiji's life, no matter how 'thin' it is should not be blocked from entering public domain. It will help us in understanding this mesmerizing personality a shade better. Gandhiji was brutally honest about himself and he laid bare his life in its most raw form in the various literary pieces he wrote so that the future generations could themselves read and arrive at their own conclusion. This is one of the most remarkable aspects of his personality that he never sought to hide anything because he never felt the need to do so. Then why are our leaders, driven by myopic vision and possessing not even an iota of understanding on Gandhiji, are so doggedly bent on banning books that have the potential of offering something new about him. The life of Gandhiji is like a giant circle and the best thing we can do is to stand around this circle and receive with open hands every finding that has anything to do with his life and fill ourselves with awe over a person who was born ordinary but by the sheer strength of his character became a 'Mahatma'.
I agree with the editorial comment.In fact, it has become fashionable for the governments to ban books even before reading them.
Freedom of speech cannot denigrate into coming up with totally unwarranted facts and audacious opinions - and it's hard to deny the fact that this has been done largely to 1)promote the book and 2)as Rev. George pointed out, to justify the bizarre, perverse laws by invoking a great man's name. American society by and large, seems to be more open to the so-called educated Indians today, but the fact is that open-ness and freedom of expression can result in totally unwarranted opinions(without any conclusive evidence) coming from anyone. Media houses and newspapers have turned this into an issue of freedom of expression and speech, but have not given this issue a deep thought.Would the 'bold' and 'open' editors of any media house agree and espouse a similar book holding such speculative statements on their sexuality? Another newspaper argued that Gandhi does not need such protection. True, but it's not Gandhi who needs protection. It's the sanctity and purity of the ideals of Gandhi and our fathers that needs protection, for the sake of young generation, who cannot discriminate between what's good and what's bad.
Milton in seventeenth century opposed any short of ban on the books through his 'AEROGEPATICA' saying that even the so called bad books must not be banned. Because if they are really bad books than they are going to be rejected by the people themselves soon or later . but if once the process of banning books starts then vested interests may use this channel-opening to ban their criticisms to perpetuate their hegemony over the people.Gandhi being apostle of freedom and especially of women would certainly have rejected such proposal. moreover he himself wrote about himself so frankly in his popular autobiography "MY EXPERIMENTS WITH TRUTH". He certainly knew about the human frailties and weakness and accepted them truthfully. Solution lies in confronting the weakness in one's conscience and not in dragging them under the carpet. Indian opinion is mature enough so let the book come.
The friendship between Gandhiji and Kallenbach was undoubtedly anything but sexual. In his autobiography; Gandhi calls his German-born friend "A soul-mate". Gandhi could not have carried away successfully his mission in South Africa without the selfless and unconditional help and support of Kallenbach.Before meeting Gandhi, Kallenbach had given to a life of pleasures as he was born with a silver spoon. But his association with the Mahatma brought out a sea transformation in Kallenbach.The rich German started a life of renunciation and his love of luxury gave place to Spartan simplicity. He had donated his 1100 acres of land to Gandhi to run his seminal Farm called Tolstoy Farm.Kallenbach died in 1945 as a simple and devout Zionist. Lelyveld is an experienced journalist of world fame. He has read and written a lot about the Mahatma. But at times even Homer nods. So read his book as a piece of literature and nothing else.
Oh well, in the current era of corruption that we are living in, I would be least surprised if the publishers have offered an amount to Gujarat ministry or Central ministry to fan a spur against the book. This would inevitably find some space in international newspapers, making readers curious , leading to higher demand. Mr.Lelyveld and publishers - Smart tactic !! Echoing on Smita's thought, I do not expect any greater truths being exposed and I really dont care if Gandhiji was bi-sexual. What he did for our country is far more greater than mere human carnal needs or interpretation!! Mahatma Gandhiji ki jai!
Your defence against the ban of 'Great soul' is laudable. The proposed pan India ban of the book is tantamount to the muzzling of the freedom of expression. Mahatma Gandhi has written with unbridled candour his experiments with truth. His soul would never relish the proscription, nay even the idea of it, of the book. After all renowned creative works- books, sculptures, murals and the like- are pregnant with erotic impulses. They are not, per se, abberations. As far as the subject of treatment in the book is concerned, we may exonerate him on the strength of the maxim: 'Hate the sin, not the sinner.'
I agree with the author that the book should not be banned but the authors should not first of all pull such a cheap stunts so that he can make millions out of it. The freedom of speech doesn't entitle you to defame and malign someone. The author should be put under trial by a court and if it can be established that all his aim was cheap publicity then he must be severely punished for it.
It is very important to allow people express negatives and just not positives. There will be both good and bad and if the bad's are not allowed to be expressed then this is what blind killing of the truth something like the 2g Scam. Private corporations got profited by the deal but with corruption. and It is not allowed to put out that they won the deals by corruption. Hence it is very important to allow freedom of speech and expression to the people and if this is not allowed and the above continues then everyone will be heroes on who ever the books are published as the negative expression is negated by banning.
We Indians are very emotional. Need to handle us? Tackle the emotions first. But , I think there is a limit for all .Be it, goddess picture in Liquor bottle, Danish cartoon or the Mahatma. Judicial body of GOI should restrict such gimmicks. Else everything is a reason to 'Laugh'. Respectable things should be the reason to 'Smile'.
As the founder president of two fellowships in Gandhiji's name,The Mahatma Gandhi Society of Ottawa,and The Gandheeya Navasakthi Sangham,Thiruvananthapuram, I feel compelled by my conscience to differ strongly the point of view of your editorial ,opposing the banning of the book, 'Great Soul:Mahatma Gandhi and his Struggle with India'. Regarding freedom of opinion,it cannot degenerate into a licence to destroy the image which people across the world rightly have of Gandhiji, by lighthearted nuances to his being a homosexual in his personal life on very tenuous grounds,as you have yourself pointed out in the editorial that "it seems that Mr.Lelyveld has made too much of what is essentially thin source material on the subject." Would anybody claim that David and Jonathan had a homosexual relationship?! North American society is by and large obsessed with the idea of homosexuality after 'homosexual marriages' have been legalized in many provincial or state jurisdictions,and is prone to look for any trace of it in great men and women in order to justify this sort of bizarre legal enactments.
The Editorial grooms up the Democratic tenor and pluralistic mindset of our society in a perfect way. 'Let a hundred flowers blossom, let hundreds of thoughts prevail' is the essence of the brilliant piece of the Editorial.
It is indeed rightful to ban a book which highlights the father of India as bi-sexual and racist.This book must have given direction/relevant content to readers to coin or abuse the great Mahatma. India should not adopt any soft stand and should have stern approach for future writers to use these stunt or marketing gimmicks to gain readership.
Yet another reason to stifle values like freedom of expression in the name of offending. We Indians are getting better and better at taking offense for everything and anything. Somebody said Chatrapati SHivaji had a harem, our response burn the libraries which had precious books. Now some one says Mahatma loved another man very much and some one says we should not let any one offend our leader. When will these people realize that a progressive society can be built on the foundation of unique human ability of thought. If some one does not believe in his work the answer is to find a sound logic and information to counter it and not resorting to medieval gimmicks like calling it heresy.
The Law Minister should show restraint and go though the contents of the book before taking any hasty decision on the book. He should give a more prudent reasons to ban such a great piece of work.
In India there is strange way to react without going through the facts deep. This has become a fashion to malign a person or his freedom of expression without going into details. I totally agree with Moily that ban on book- Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi and his struggle with India, written by Joseph Lelyveld is just heresy. If we ban such informative book, which has nothing objectionable then the government will have to first ban his (Mahatma's) book, 'My Experiment with Truth'. Apart from many other writings by his family members and close colleagues about Father of Nation , which are on records will have to be banned. Ban of book by Gujarat government is just direct attack on freedom of expression- this should not be done- first anybody should go with the contents of the controversial book and then speak about ban comparing other many writings on Gandhi. Father of the Nation was open book and everybody should learn something from him and his writings and teachings and also writings on him! Any assault on freedom of expression and ban on referred book will backfire and we will have to ban the organisation first and its related Hindu outfits, who have written a lot of controversial things about Gandhi and later on instrumental in shooting him dead. Such attempt of making mountain out of mole by Hindu organisations , particularly BJP should search their soul why they were instrumental in killing Mahatama Gandhi.
Politicians' response to 'Great Soul : Mahatma Gandhi and his struggle with India' is premature, misplaced and not in keeping with the openness with which Gandhiji lived his life and did what he considered to be right. State has no business to dictate what people should read and write. More so when such responses are not based on a thorough study of the work. It is a pity that some have gone to the extent of suggesting that such writings be made a criminal offence.
I completely agree with Smita. i'm pretty sure the people planning on banning it haven't even read the book. Just because someone says its bad or has taboo matter doesn't mean that it is true. One needs to read, get their facts right before making statements or coming to the wrong conclusion. And i think we are mature enough to understand what is right and wrong without having people forcefully put their views on us.
I read twice this edit to find out any substantial reasons for your vehement objection to Mr Moily's announcement to ban the book with the words "no justification in fact, law, or common sense" but in vain.If the received objective of biographies is edification of readers, how 'Great Soul' furthers this goal remains a matter of guess.It is expected of Pulitzer prize winning journalist to be sensible and wary not to hurt the feelings of the people who deify the Mahatma.Great people like Albert Einstein,Martin Luther King,Erik Erikson et al derived inspiration from the Mahatma.There appears to be abysmal difference in understanding the Mahatama by Mr Joseph Lelyveld and other world leaders.Hopefully the Gandhi Foundation of India will take up the cudgels for the honour of the Mahatma.
Banning the book , written by Lelyveld, in India cannot stop the controversy related to book . If the book really contains some sensitive material prone to cause communal tension, a proper process of reviewing the book by intellectuals is required, rather than banning it on the basis of some heresy or rumors. The most important lesson which Mahatma kept teaching all his life was the facing and accepting of the truth with honesty. He even gave name of his biography : My experiments with TRUTH. I am sure that there could be no more flagrant truth in the book than the one shared by Gandhi himself in public. When he himself showed confidence in maturity of people of India, to interpret the material correctly, while writing the biography; how we can show so much disbelief?
There is an alarming increase in demands for ban of books in India, especially from Hindu and Muslim fundamentalists. This is not good for the future of our democracy.
It has become a fashion of sorts to use sexual references in books for cheap publicity (remember Tony Blair's book last year) specially when subject matter is a high profile person. Even though the author has already succeeded in generating hype, nevertheless let's not allow such sick-minded weirdos to defame and demean Father of our Nation. Would the author write the same about Abraham Lincoln or George Washington? I guess No. State Govt's banning the book are right in their approach. Creativity and freedom of expression does not give anybody a right to offend public sentiments. The right of expression is not absolute and is subject to many restrictions.
Thanks for your editorial on the ban on Great Soul. In this age of internet and open information, banning seems to be an anachronistic exercise.
The book should not be banned. The Mahatma himself would have found such a move offensive. Thankfully for us unlike other figures - Mahatma Gandhi evokes lesser fanatism today. Let people read and understand the book as it is. In a democratic country like India there must be room for debate about our leaders. It will only show that they are humans and hence make them more lovable. Great men are not born with a halo around their head like GODs. Great men live a life and achieve greatness by their hardwork, perseverance and by learning from their mistakes / experiences. Banning a book will only do the exact opposite of what Gandhi always preached. The freedom of expression and the freedom to seek the truth!!
I totally agree with author. Any type of censorship and particularly censorship of book should be avoided. As Benjamin Franklin said 'Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security deserves neither and looses both.'.
Freedom of Speech and Expression must never be compromised.Banning a book only raises even more curiosity. The rational response is simply another book which critically examines the allegations. That's it, nobody is above Truth.
You know, I am not threatened by the idea that the Mahatma was less than perfect. If he was bi, so what? Does that take anything away from what he did for us, for our nation? And if he was racist when he was 24, he certainly matured and became a great equalizer for many downtrodden people later in life. This is a story of personal redemption. Banning this book is wrong, wrong wrong. It sends the message that you are not secure about your love for the Mahatma.
Totally agree with the editorial opinion. I would even go the extent to have CRPC Section 95 repealed. This section contradicts the freedom of expression. If Jnana Pitha Award book 'Ramayana Kalpa Vriksham' can be freely critiqued by another book 'Ramayana Visha Vriksham' and that book has been bought by public libraries at the expense of public exchequer why not allow this book published by a private party at their own expense? After all freedom of expression cannot be applied selectively. Let the freedom ring. Let the free speech flourish. Let the book be published and freely distributed in Free India. Be it a book on Great Soul Mahatma or Satanic Verses or a critique like Ramayana Visha Vriksham. Let people learn to live with each other than making it a crime to freely express their views.
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