Gandhi on Google

Pleasant surprise on an October 2nd morning in the UK. MK Gandhi's face adorns the now iconic "G" of the Google logo on its search home page. Other than Santa Claus, i haven't seen any other person living or imaginary scribed on what is perhaps the most expensive "carpet space" in the online world.

This start to a 2nd Oct birth anniversary prompted me to contemplate the mixed feelings that most Indians nurture for "father of our nation". I like so many others have had an almost paternal relationship with his persona. When i was younger the feeling was of hatred, at his humility, his abject adopted misery and his stubborn countenance. As time grew, i understood him better, like any youngster understands his father. Today he is closer to the heart, i can understand him for his little faults and his towering greatness in the same breath. Despite his life and message being so far removed from what i practice and represent, he is still "Bapu" to me.

On seeing "G for Gandhi" in the Google home page today, i was left wondering......what could he contribute to this world of ours? Where does one start?

May your memory live long "Bapu".