Mahatma Gandhi in Parliament Square
Some controversies are coming up rather needlessly (?) about the Gandhi statue, in the Parliament Square in London – a few hundred yards from the Houses of Parliament. There are already other statutes of eminent world-wide personalities and many felt that the statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been missing long enough on that historic site.
Some ten years back Mr D.T. Tanna, launched a campaign and submitted petitions signed by thousands to the then London Mayor – Ken Livingston. This campaign of erecting Gandhiji's statue in the Parliament square, was supported by the Mahatma Gandhi foundation, which has been active in London for forty years as well as by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. However, with Boris Johnson being elected as the new Mayor of London, this proposal took a back-seat.
Now since the thumping victory of the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) and Shri Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India, there has been a sudden yet pleasant development. Some five months back, two senior British cabinet ministers – Chancellor George Osborne and William Hague, rushed to Delhi to announce the construction and unveiling of Mahatma Gandhi's statue in the Parliament Square on January 30, 2015. The British media indicated ample motives for such a surprise visit and spectacular announcement by the UK Govt. , such as gaining preferential trade relations, defense contracts, Indian investments in UK, etc. However not much was said about the impending general elections in UK in May, 2015 and the huge advantage that the Conservative Party especially PM David Cameron could derive, with the arrival of the hugely popular Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for the unveiling of the statue.
Sir James Bevan, the British Ambassador in New Delhi encouraged and assisted Lord Meghnad Desai to form a special trust to raise funds for the construction of the statue. Since then for the past four-five months, Lord and Lady Desai, the trustees, are spearheading this project and have claimed that the funds are flowing in, less than a £1 million is required. However the details on pledged or paid donation amounts have not been made public as yet.
In the meantime, Lord Swraj Paul and some others have raised questions on whether the funding for the statue creation should be state-financed or through public funds and donations. Such questions, need not be ascribed to party politics, but never the less, this issue has the potential to become a controversy to say the least.
Also, we have Ms Kusoom Vadgama vigorously protesting against the construction and erection of Mahatma Gandhi's statue (see page 8 for her latest salvo). She has little following, but she has managed to keep her flag flying.
There are reports in the Asian media that some groups have already started planning for a huge celebration and reception by hiring the Wembley Stadium, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives here, as they foresee the scale of the event to be much larger than any of its predecessors in New York or Australia.
We now know for sure that the US President Barack Obama, will be attending the 65th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on January 26, 2015 as the Chief Guest. Think whatever you may wish about this whole political jamboree, but keep in mind Shri Narendra Modi's astute political sense as he may wish to keep away from this project for the moment since it has raised several eyebrows both here and in India for various reasons, especially since his presence and personality could not be made available to a political party in Great Britain.
Respect for the Elders – Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar way
We see more and more elderly people living longer amongst us, but little do we understand the gravity of thier problems and challenges they face in their twilight years. The extended Indian family is now a matter of the past. As much as children and grand-children would love to look after their elderly folks, it is very difficult if not impossible for these younger generation to keep pace with their modern lives and yet take care of their elderly. As old age dawns, so does the health problems. Besides all the various health issues, the elderly also face isolation, loneliness and various other fears.
With all these harsh facts of the society that we live in, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar have been organising some simple but inspiring events specially for elders. One such event took place on November 8, 2014 where your two news-weeklies in association with the Sangat Community Center, Harrow, organised a reception for elders over 85 years of age. We had 49 elders present for this event, with the eldest one in the group being 104 years of age. Each of these 49 elders were accompanied by 3 of their relatives or friends. At this event, we had 2 doctors talking on health care, diet, medication etc., also a yoga teacher spoke about simple yoga asanas to keep them relaxed and happy. Two entertainers kept them amused with jokes, music and songs. This program which lasted for about an hour and half, also felicitated each of the elders with a specially framed citation. The eminent dignitaries of the afternoon included Mr Navin Shah (Member of London Assembly), Mr Dhimant Trivedi (CEO of Bank of Baroda – Europe Operations), Mr Manubhai Ramji (a successful public spirited entrepreneur) who went to each of the respected elders, bowed down in the traditional Indian way and handed over the citation to each recipient. Towards the end of the program, a vegetarian buffet was served for all.
We have organised such events in the past and surely many others would be doing something similar. However let me share some experiences that I got by listening to the elderlies and several other people present for the event as well those who had a second hand account of the event. Many of the elders told me that they haven't been out of the house to socialise with other people let alone meeting people of their same age group. Some of the elders who live on their own or those not in touch with their families, felt happy to converse, share and discuss their problems and getting adoration from everyone during the event. Atleast two younger generation people called me to say how happy they felt to see their grand parents receiving the citation, which has now proudly found its place on the mantle piece or amongst their deities in their homes. Many grand children were proud to see their grand parents being loved and adorned this way with respect, importance and honor publicly.
By giving our elders the much deserved dignity I feel that such a simple ceremonial, communal program for our elders is good for all. Post this program we have been contacted by several readers in South London, Leicester, Birmingham, Cardiff and Preston to organise such ceremonies there. But I believe that we all can help in our own way. By giving joy we create a positive environment and harmony in the society. Once again, I am most thankful to Kamal Rao, Kokilaben Patel, Harish, Ajay as well as Kanti Nagada of Sangat Community Center Harrow, Dr Sheetal Shah, Dr Jayashree Shah, Manisha Wala, Kanti Patel, Amit Kansara as well as others who have helped us organise such an event, felicitating our elders.
