Mangaluru: The St. Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru and the Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK) organised the book release of “Gandhi: The soul force warrior”, authored by Ambassador (Retd) Pascal Alan Nazareth at Eric Mathias Hall on Friday, January 18.
Nazareth is a renowned Gandhian writer and a recipient of the U Thant Peace Award by the Sri Chinmoy Peace Meditation Group at the United Nations, for his ‘Life Time of Dedication and World Service by promoting of the Gandhian values of truth, non-violence, communal harmony and humanitarian service.’ He shares this prestigious award with world peace leaders like Pope John Paul II, The Dalai Lama, Mother Theresa, Mikhail Gorbachev, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. This is his second book on Gandhi, the first being his widely acclaimed book ‘Gandhi’s Outstanding Leadership’, also released at his alma mater the St. Aloysius College.
Giselle Mehta, the author of ‘Blossom Showers’, former IRS officer and a promoter of veganism gave an eloquent review-cum-overview of the released book. She pointed out that the book brought out the soul force of Gandhi wherein he could shake the British Empire through a revolution unlike the ones never seen elsewhere.
Nazareth explained to the audience his ambitious choice of calling Gandhi a “soul force warrior” while comparing the bloody revolutions that had taken around the world. Gandhi was able to answer the oppressor (the British) with his simple yet original and powerful techniques of truth and non-violence that relied on spirituality for which the British had no answer. Gandhi revolutionised the concept of ‘revolution’ and spiritualised it.
Dr. Charles Lobo, the Chief Postmaster General of Karnataka Circle recommended the book to the students, peace lovers and as an answer for the uneasy phase that modern India faces. Rev. Fr. Dionysius Vaz, the Rector of Aloysian institutions gave his presidential address in which he appreciated the works of Nazareth and drew the attention of the audience to remember Gandhi’s talisman.
“Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to that person. Will he gain anything by it? Will it restore his control over his own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to Swaraj for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find that your doubts and your self melt away.”
Principal of the College Rev. Dr. Praveen Martis welcomed and introduced the dignitaries. Dr. Derek Lobo, representative of CASK introduced Nazareth and Dr. Rose Veera D’Souza proposed a vote of thanks.
