The anthology presents a diverse array of essays delving into Gandhi's political activities, ethical beliefs, and philosophical stance. Distinguished Gandhian scholars contribute to this collection, setting it apart from similar compilations by focusing not just on Gandhi's impact or the debate over his relevance, but on maintaining his bold ethical ideals and progressive views in an era of skepticism. The essays delve into Gandhi's comprehensive dissection of political logic, his concept of neighbourly political bonds, his fearlessness and adeptness as a yogi. The work also discusses the worldwide landscape of nonviolence, Gandhi's perspectives on Palestine, his legal work in South Africa, his dialogues with Tagore, the pursuit of his ethical goals, and the portrayal of his persona, as well as the ongoing relevance of his nonviolent resistance methods, as seen in India's anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests. These pieces portray Gandhi as a perpetual participant in limitless endeavours, as described by philosopher James Carse. The book concludes with an interview with Rev. James Lawson, a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement, which offers a fresh perspective. The Gandhi that emerges from these reflections and intellectual explorations has become all but a stranger to India, and especially to his native Gujarat.
Vinay Lal is Professor of History at the University of California, Los Angeles, USA. Lal studied history, literature, and philosophy at the Johns Hopkins University, before earning his doctorate from the Department of South Asian Languages and Civilizations at the University of Chicago. He has also taught at Columbia University and the University of Delhi. He is the author or editor of twenty books, eight of them from OUP, and his writings span a vast canvas of modern Indian and colonial history, historiography, public culture, global politics, cinema, political psychology, and the politics of knowledge systems.