Prime Minister Narendra Modi sparked controversy with his recent remarks claiming that the world only came to know about Mahatma Gandhi after the release of the 1982 movie ‘Gandhi’ directed by Richard Attenborough. In an interview with news channel ABP, Modi expressed his views on the lack of global awareness about Gandhi prior to the film. He questioned whether it was India’s responsibility to ensure Gandhi’s recognition on the global stage over the past 75 years. Modi emphasized that while figures like Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela were well-known internationally, Gandhi’s global impact was not as widely recognized. He stated, ‘If the world knew Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Gandhi was no less than them and you have to accept that.’ The Prime Minister’s comments drew sharp criticism from the Congress party, with senior leader Jairam Ramesh accusing him of ‘destroying the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.’ Ramesh contended that Gandhi had already achieved global recognition prior to 1982 and highlighted the contributions of the Mahatma to India’s independence movement. Ramesh described the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as a battle between the followers of Gandhi and those of Nathuram Godse, Gandhi’s assassin. The controversy surrounding Modi’s remarks has reignited discussions about Gandhi’s international influence and the importance of preserving his legacy. Critics have pointed to Gandhi’s interactions with world leaders and his advocacy for non-violence as evidence of his global stature. The enduring reverence for Gandhi is reflected in various countries’ tributes to him, such as the release of commemorative stamps and statements from world leaders acknowledging his impact. As the debate continues, it raises broader questions about historical figures’ legacies and the onus of nations in promoting their cultural icons on the global stage.
