Gandhi Today: A Report on India's Gandhi Movement and Its Experiments in Nonviolence and Small Scale Alternatives

by Mark Shepard

 

What became of the Gandhian tradition in India following the death of Mahatma Gandhi? Did it quietly die away? Or were there still Indians who believed in his philosophy and methods, committed to continuing his work?

 

These were the questions that sent independent journalist Mark Shepard to India in 1978-79. There he found that the tradition begun by Gandhi was very much alive, in such individuals, groups, and movements as:

 

-- An acclaimed saint who collected over four million acres in gifts of land for the poor.

 

-- A leader of a nationwide protest movement that helped topple India's ruling party in the mid-1970s.

 

-- A Peace Army that fought riots with nonviolence.

 

-- A "Hug the Trees!" movement that physically blocked excessive logging in the Himalayas.

 

-- A People's Court that even tried cases of murder and government corruption.

 

-- A development center helping 400 villages rise from poverty.

 

-- A nationwide movement of villages in which all land was held in common and decisions were made by unanimous consent.

 

Learn about all these and more in this engaging report on the legacy of the twentieth century's greatest peacemaker and revolutionary.

 

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Mark Shepard is the author of "Mahatma Gandhi and His Myths," "The Community of the Ark," and "Gandhi Today," called by the American Library Association's Booklist "a masterpiece of committed reporting." His writings on social alternatives have appeared in over 30 publications in the United States, Canada, England, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Japan, and India.

 

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"A masterpiece of committed reporting. . . . History that needs to be better known, told in clear, compelling, common language." -- American Library Association Booklist, Feb. 1, 1987 (starred review)

 

"Shepard has done a marvelous job describing individuals and groups keeping the spirit of Gandhi alive in India and throughout the world. His book presents living proof the ideals of the Mahatma will never die." -- Cesar Chavez, founder and President, United Farm Workers of America

 

"This lively book fills a critical gap in our understanding of Gandhi's way. . . . A source of hope and inspiration." -- Joanna Macy, author/activist

 

"A remarkable job of introducing the contemporary Gandhian movement -- readable, honest, challenging." -- Jim Forest, General Secretary, International Fellowship of Reconciliation

 

"A fascinating study. . . . As useful as it is encouraging." -- Michael Nagler, founder, Peace and Conflict Studies Program, University of California at Berkeley, and author, America Without Violence

 

"A fast-moving account of a living tradition. . . . Full of good ideas for peacemakers.

Genres: India, Nonfiction

155 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 1987

Reviews

[Nayaz Riyazulla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crisp introduction of the popular Gandhians who tried to follow the pathway laid by Mr. Gandhi.

This book introduces us to the true Gandhians like JP, Vinobha Bhave, Prem Bhai, Chandi Prasad Bhatt and others through their service towards the welfare of humanity and society.

A good read...

[Anil Swarup · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are the guys that have kept and continue to keep the Gandhian practices alive though the number is fast dwindling. Acharya Vinoba Bhave was an unparalleled Gandhian. JP was a revolutionary in his own right but ultimately pursued the Gandhian philosophy of non-violence. The author outlines the work of a few more such stalwarts who are attempting to keep the Gandhian torch burning. The book thus makes for an interesting reading.

[Narinder Bhatia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice read. An opportunity to delve into Indian history post Independence and understand the Gandhian impact. Quite a well researched report into many of the key movements (Bhoodan, Chipko) by Gandhians like Vinoba Bhave, JP, and other. Enjoyable indeed !

[Mohammed omran · Rating 2 out of 5]

I must warn you against the impression that mine is the final word on nonviolence. All I claim is that every experiment of mine has deepened my faith in nonviolence as the greatest force at the disposal of mankind.

[Rochelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps the title is misleading; or I have misinterpreted it. The book speaks about how Gandhi, serving as an inspiration, caused others to act in his ways. It focuses heavily on what others have done.
It is outdated for now.

[Akshay Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good account of people who aren't talked much about but essential to know.
These stories are a strong testament to what it is to give back to society in various forms.

These stories I seriously believe need amplification and continued in one way or the other.

[Kasturi Rangan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good for a one-sided view of history. Does not answer what is Gandhi today.