Clash of the titans
Reviewed by Nirbhai Singh


Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose — A Clash of Ideology 
By Ramesh Kumar. 
Regal Publications.
Pages xvii+246. Rs 950

The book is very interesting because it deals with apparently antagonistic ideologies of two patriotic sons of India who wanted to realise the independence of India. Both had "a vision of free India where there would be no exploitation and the basic necessities of life would be satisfied without any discrimination." This is the rationale of the present book.

The book is written against the background of the ideological clash of Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose.

The author takes up these issues which are scattered in the book. After the "Introduction," the second chapter compares the ideology of Gandhi and Subhas and differing viewpoints about means to realise the ideal. Subsequent chapters narrate ideological differences and divergent approaches.

Gandhi is of the view that "Difference of approaches is no bar to union of hearts" (page xv). It gives birth to new dynamic creativity of thought that facilitates the translation of the ideals into living socio-political realities. Gandhi often differed with Subhas.

Thus, the present research work is articulated on the paradigm of opposing political approaches of ideology, despite the passion for national unity and freedom of the Motherland that was common to both the icons. In the past history, India had never come under one flag and the national Independence movement was a struggle in this direction.

Mahatma Gandhi wanted to unite masses with ahimsa, under a banner of nationalism. He believed that superior weapons of the mighty could create havoc. However, Gandhi "found Englishmen amenable to reason and persuasion" (page 179). This faith kept Gandhi steadfast to ahimsa. Gandhi was influenced by Christ, Leo Tolstoy and the Bhagvadgita.

Gandhi inherited the weapon of non-violence from the Indian epics. It is the weapon of the strong person. When one has full victory over one’s self, then one can embrace the technique of non-violence. This is Gandhi’s concept of sway raj (self-rule). This concept has not been clarified in the book. The struggle for truth (Satyagraha) is the natural method for achieving complete independence. The author rightly claims that: "History did not offer any parallel." He continued his successful experiment of non-violence in South Africa (in 1915) in India as well.

Subhas, on the other hand, was influenced by Aurobindo Ghose, Vivekananda and Tagore. They were revolutionaries. Subhas had, "been a close student of international affairs" (page 212). Subhas was convinced in his heart that the British ruler would not quit India without revolution. The first abortive attempt which was made was the Mutiny or the First War of Independence in 1857 .

Then, the Indian National Congress was founded on August 22, 1894 for continuing the suppressed agonies of the Indians. Though Gandhi was not the member of the working committee, yet he had a remote control over it. He became a national leader of the suffering masses.

Subhas, being of rebellious nature, advocated complete independence with sword (page 123). When Subhas lost all hope, he left India and finally created a provisional government of Azad Hind. The book is informative as it can help researchers to develop other dimensions along this theme.

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