Book Release of ‘Gandhi :The Soul Force Warrior’ authored by P A Nazareth organized by CASK & SAC
Book Release of ‘Gandhi :The Soul Force Warrior’ authored by Pascal Alan Nazareth was organized by Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK) & St Aloysius College (Autonomous) on Friday, 18 January 2019 at Eric Mathias Hall, at 3 pm
Mangaluru : The Department of Political Science, St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru in association with Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK) organising the Release of the Book – Gandhi: The Soul Force Warrior, authored by Pascal Alan Nazareth, Ambassador (Retd) on 18th Friday 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in Eric Mathias Hall of the College.
An ‘apostle of non-violence’ is probably the most popular description of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, but is it the most accurate one? Former ambassador Alan Nazareth, a globally recognized scholar on Gandhian thought, elucidates in this book on how Gandhi was much more than that; how the essence of his ideology was a rare and distinctive combination of truth and non-violence—a pro-active, passionate and path-breaking approach, rather than a passive absence of violence. His biggest contribution, in fact, was to channelize the spirit of self-sacrifice in a revolutionary drawn to violence and convert it into a soul force.
This, in turn, led to an unprecedented thought revolution which not only resulted in India’s independence but sounded the death knell for European imperialism worldwide on one side and the most significant social reforms on the other—his work in the elimination of Un-touchability, feudalism and Indenture system is unparalleled. Scholarly and thought-provoking, this highly readable book opens new vistas in our understanding of Gandhi, Gandhian thought and its contemporary relevance.
The programme with a prayer song by the College Choir, followed by welcome address and introduction of the dignitaries by Fr Praveen Martis SJ-the Principal of St Aloysius College, Mangaluru. Introduction of the author, Pascal Alan Nazareth was done by Dr Derick Lobo, a Board Member of CASK, in the absence od Ms Nayana Fernandes, the President of CASK. The Analytical Review of the Book- “Gandhi: The soul Force Warrior” was Ms Giselle Mehta, a Bureaucrat, Author and Theatre artist. The Book was released by Chief Guest- Dr Charles Lobo- Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka and also a Alumni of St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru, along with other dignitaries on the dais namely- Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ-Rector of St Aloysius Institutions; Fr Praveen Martis SJ; Ms Isabel Nazareth-wife of P A Nazareth; Ms Giselle Mehta, Dr Rose Veera D’souza- HOD, Dept of Political Science/Convener and Dr Joyce Lobo- Asst Professor, Dept of Political Science.
Addressing the audience author Pascal Alan Nazareth said, “The reason I wrote this book because I admired the qualities, characters and beliefs of Mahatma Gandhi. The book deals with revolution and what will revolution do. I have portrayed Gandhi as a apostle of truth, who promoted Truth and Non-Violence. We need to suffer and die for truth. My book has Revolutionized Revolution and Spiritualized it. I have done in-depth look at Gandhi: The Soul Force Warrior as a revolutionary who brought the age of European empires to its knees with a people-power revolution anchored in ‘truth’, ‘justice’, ‘love’ and ‘non-violence’. It contrasts sharply with prevailing means and mores of achieving desired objectives through tactics of fear, violence, torture, guns, drones, missiles and bombs. I want the younger generation to read this book and follow the ideals of Gandhi- Truth and Non-Violence”.”
Chief Guest Dr Charles Lobo addressing the audience, mostly college students said, “How many of you think that you are Gandhi’s? If you don’t bunk classes, you are a Gandhi. If you pay attention during classes, you are a Gandhi. If you speak the truth, you are a Gandhi. And for that matter, I am a Gandhi, since I have believed in Truth and Non-Violence. Only when you read books like the one released today, you’ll influence Gandhi’s thoughts, and chapter 6 in this book will inspire you more about Gandhi. Even Hitler was convinced by Gandhi’s non-violence movement. Non violence is important and it is emotional. Let us believe in Truth and Non-Violence”.
Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ in his presidential address thanked the chief guest Dr Charles Lobo and the author of the book Pascal Alan Nazareth, both being alumnus of St Aloysius College, and for giving a in-depth thoughts on Gandhi’s non-violence and Truth. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Rose Veera D’souza, and the programme was professionally compered by Miss Prajnashree Shenoy, a II B Sc Economics student.
In conclusion, in my perspective, the insightful and enriching perspective of the author is that of a seasoned diplomat and historian. The notion of a truth-force warrior is not new in Gandhian writings. What is unique in Ambassador Nazareth’s book is the cogently and effectively made argument that Gandhi, the truth and soul-force warrior, revolutionized revolution and spiritualized it. He presents both sides of this argument with candour by giving the views of his critics, and those of his admirers and supporters, leaving it to the reader to decide which way the balance tilts. This book is a must-read for young minds in India, and here in Mangaluru, as also in other parts of the world where the struggle against injustice, oppression and violence against humans and Mother Earth is being waged, often against great odds. It will provide inspiration, encouragement and hope to all. So buy this book and read it to make a difference in your lives, the Gandhian Way!
About the Author- Pascal Alan Nazareth:
The author is a Alumni of St Aloysius Institution-Mangaluru. Holding a master’s degree in Economics from Madras University, Alan Nazareth was selected for the Indian Foreign Service in May 1959 and has served in India’s diplomatic missions in Tokyo, Rangoon, Lima, London, Chicago and New York and as India’s High Commissioner to Ghana and Ambassador to Egypt and Mexico with concurrent accreditations to Liberia, Togo, Haute Volta, Guatemala and El Salvador, apart from serving as DG, ICCR.
Since his retirement in May 1994, he has lectured at various universities and institutions including National Defence College New Delhi, National Institute of Advanced Studies and Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore and Stanford, Yale, Columbia and New York Universities, and San Francisco World Affairs Council in USA, Moscow and St Petersberg State Universities in Russia. His widely acclaimed book Gandhi’s Outstanding Leadership has been published in twelve Indian and twenty foreign languages. The Foreword for ten of its European language editions has been written by former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev.
He has been presented the U Thant Peace Award by Sri Chinmoy, Founder of the UN Peace Meditation Group for his ‘Lifetime of World Service’. Among previous recipients of this award are Pope John Paul II, the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He delivered the keynote addresses on the International Day of Non-violence at the UN in New York in 2012 and at the UN Library in Geneva in 2017.
