Summary of Mahatma Gandhi – dying for freedom | DW Documentary
The documentary "Mahatma Gandhi – dying for freedom" explores the complex legacy of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, known as the Father of India. Throughout his life, Gandhi was a polarizing figure—viewed by some as a saint and by others as a fanatic. He dedicated himself to a philosophy of non-violence and led a peaceful resistance against British colonial rule, but his assassination by a Hindu nationalist on January 30, 1948, underscores the tensions that surrounded him.
The film recounts key events in Gandhi's life, including his early experiences in South Africa, where he first confronted racial discrimination. Upon returning to India, he transformed from a barrister into a political activist, promoting civil disobedience and the spinning wheel movement as symbols of Indian independence. His Salt March in 1930 gained international attention and showcased his ability to mobilize masses through symbolic acts.
The documentary delves into Gandhi's relationships with other leaders, notably Jawaharlal Nehru, highlighting their differing ideologies—Gandhi's spiritual approach contrasted with Nehru's secular socialism. The film also examines the religious tensions that escalated during the struggle for independence, particularly between Hindus and Muslims, culminating in the tragic partition of India in 1947, which resulted in widespread violence and displacement.
Gandhi's efforts to foster communal harmony were met with resistance, and his fasts for peace were seen by some as sympathetic to Muslims, drawing criticism from Hindu nationalists. The documentary details the events leading up to his assassination, emphasizing the ideological motivations of his assassin, Nathuram Godse, who justified the act as a necessary response to Gandhi's perceived betrayal of Hindu interests.
The film concludes by reflecting on Gandhi's enduring legacy and the challenges faced by contemporary India, where his principles of non-violence and self-sufficiency are often overshadowed by modern consumerism and globalization. Despite the changes, Gandhi's message of peace and forgiveness continues to resonate.
Presenters/Contributors:
- Notable historians and commentators featured in the documentary include:
- Matt McCarthy
- Gopal Godse
- Various unnamed historians and political analysts.
Notable Quotes
— 19:16 — « He refused to relinquish his vision of an India where the two communities could live in friendship and peace. »
— 31:00 — « At that one moment Mahatma Gandhi rose from the ashes from the earth and he became larger than life. »
— 31:48 — « The light has gone out of our lives and there is darkness everywhere. »
— 34:02 — « He described the assassination as a salutary act undertaken in the public interest, not the rash deed of a lunatic. »
— 39:43 — « He preached the importance of self-sufficiency for each village, the defense of the weak, and a form of asceticism. »
Category
News and Commentary