"The purpose of this very well written book sets out to cross examine the source of Mahatma Gandhi's triggering episode in 1893 - an incident suspicious of racial injustice that Gandhi used as the focus of his fight for nonviolent resistance in the struggle for racial equality. Whether the reader of this book will have the perception of the 'Saint Gandhi' as the leader of the Civil Rights movement altered or not, there is no denying that authors G.B. Singh and Tim Watson do present a careful cross examination of Gandhi's own writings as well as those of his biographers that give healthy cause for thought. " - Grady Harp (Amazon.com)
Embarking on a historical analysis of Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) - the most revered politician/saint of the 20th century - is a daring enough adventure in itself. Any author attempting to remove the halo from this glorified character risks his own reputation in today's politically correct intellectual world. Books on Gandhi number in the thousands, yet none of them can escape the fact that it is in South Africa where Gandhi nourished his purported ideals following a series of public disgraces encountered at the beginning of his career there.
History books teach that Gandhi's life changed drastically when, as a young lawyer traveling by train from Durban to Pretoria in pre-South Africa, he faced a series of racial humiliations in 1893. These humiliations galvanized him to fight against apartheid and later against British colonialism. These far-reaching consequences have been attributed to what transpired at the Pietermaritzburg train station where he was evicted from a first class train compartment.
In this provocative text, retired U.S. Army Col. G. B. Singh and Dr. Tim Watson subject the 20th century's most revered figure to a rigorous cross-examination on the witness stand. Who would have dreamed Gandhi would ever be questioned, let alone be cross-examined in court? The court room lessons learned through the historical scrutiny of Gandhi's racial encounters must spark a re-evaluation of our perceived "historical truths."
The authors recognize a modern culture of deception and propaganda, and simply wish to set the record straight on this issue. They request that their supporters and detractors alike view the book as a search for honesty in the historical account. This book is sure to provoke lively debates inside and outside the halls of learning. The authors hope all will benefit from the revelations within this book - however shocking - and that the verdict will help free the world from the yoke of "propa-gandhi."
About the Authors:
Col. G. B. Singh (Ret.) served in the U.S. Army. He is a professional student of Indian politics, world religions and their true historical values and political impacts, and the life and teachings of Gandhi. He lives in Tennessee, USA.
Dr. Tim Watson gained his higher education in Europe and taught for several years in East Asia. He currently teaches philosophy and communications in Toronto, Canada, and hosts a weekly radio show at ThatRadio.com.
