Gurudev Vs Gandhi

20th century will be remembered as a period of transition in the

history of India. Transition from dark period of ignorance, penury,

alien rule and cultural as well as economical abyss to knowledge,

prosperity, self rule and cultural and economical renaissance. Two

persons who led this transition were Mahatma Gandhi and Gurudev

Rabindranath Tagore.

The fact that these two stalwarts walked this subcontinent at the

same time is not only a matter of pride but also a source of

amazement as well as a phenomenon seldom encountered in the

history of mankind.

Relationship between the two was as unique as the period they lived

in. When in need, they were friends indeed but on ideological

grounds, they held their own and criticized each other in no

uncertain terms. Such bifocal relationships serve as a beacon in the

present times when intolerance leads to macabre actions and

activities which are a blemish on the human civilization.

Based upon the letters and essays they wrote, the play reading being

presented on May 9, brings alive a forgotten chapter of our history

which should make us proud as well as prompt us to contemplate

about the journey we have undertaken in the last 7 or 8 decades

since the two departed.