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Gandhi, Bose, Nehru and the Making of the Modern
Indian Mind
Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhash Chander Bose have been subjects of innumerable writings on every sphere of their activity, yet the readers’ appetite has not reached the saturation point. Although no new research has been thrown up in the book, what keeps the readers’ interested is the way the characters have been woven into one canvas. There is an insightful analysis of the freedom struggle and its three protagonists. Reba Som writes about their ideas, ideologies and strategies on many major themes, including nationalism, democracy, secularism, social justice, gender equality, international relations etc. The writer contrasts these ideas between the three leaders and juxtaposes their thoughts and responses. According to Som, the value of anti-colonial nationalism lay not only in the actual struggle to gain freedom but also in the articulation of anti-colonial ideology. All three leaders evolved and modified their ideologies. Even while remaining consistently committed to samya or equality as the ultimate goal, all three changed positions. Subhash moved considerable ground in envisioning the political structure that India of the future should assume from his initial commitment to democracy. He changed dramatically to support a totalitarian state. Nehru evolved on socialism. His socialism was not about chasing out the whole tribe of landlords and capitalists, but was about developing capitalism rather than combating it. Gandhi changed his stance on anti-imperialist formulations and strategies. The turbulent relationship of all three comes in for close scrutiny. There has been immense speculation about the discordant notes between Gandhi and Subhash on most major issues. Subhash comes out as the person who was thrown out of Congress because the latter could not face opposition, but Som’s assessment is that both arrived at a greater appreciation and understanding of each other’s position once circumstances came to distance them. Both appreciated the qualities of the other and knew each other to be a true patriot. The title of the book encompasses all three names, but the maximum footage is reserved for Subhash, rebel, non-conformist, but a true patriot and nationalist to the core. Som tries to delve deep into his mind and offer justification for most of his actions. On his seeking Hitler’s help, she writes: "He (Subhash) did not have an inkling about Hitler’s motives. In fact, Subhash showed a daredevil forthrightness in asking the Fuhrer to remove sections in his Mein Kampf which made derogatory references to India. Nehru has been given short shrift. In dealing with his relationships with Gandhi and Subhash, he comes across as a person who easily succumbed to pressure. With Gandhi, he had an emotional bond: "language, no bar to union of hearts." Nehru became the chosen one, even though Subhash had more in common with Gandhi in terms of following the same tradition. Both believed that Indianness would solve most of the country’s problems, while Jawaharlal’s western education, international exposure and deep commitment to liberal thinking gave him notions of leadership that were markedly different from Gandhi’s. Women had been brought into the mainstream of the national movement by Gandhi, who realised their potential to define the non-violent struggle. However their participation was kept within well-defined parameters; it was not to extend into active political career. Men and women had different roles; women were natural homemakers. In Gandhi’s colourful imagery, women who sought to ride the horse that men rode only succeeded in bringing down both. Nehru was more liberal. He saw women getting larger social and economic freedom for themselves. They should be fully empowered for this. In his views, the state should provide the legal framework to support women’s plea for greater freedom. Subhash, like Gandhi, spoke about the superior moral and spiritual strength of women, but felt women had to show more spunk and stop being treated as weak. He encouraged them in the INA’s Rani Jhansi Wing, which he thought would shake up in-built social conditioning. It’s a work that sustains your interest, even though you feel in the end that it showcases Subhash Chander Bose to the detriment of the other two. |
THE author has skilfully woven the relationship of
the three national icons who are placed on the highest pantheon of
Indian firmament along with giving an insight into their minds and how
each moulded the course of modern India’s thinking.