The recent unveiling of the ‘Mahatma Gandhi Green Triangle’ in Madagascar as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations has drawn attention around the world. This tribute to India’s iconic leader, Mahatma Gandhi, signifies Madagascar’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.
‘Mahatma Gandhi Green Triangle’: A Tribute to Sustainability
The term ‘Green Triangle’ in the memorial’s name is a reflection of Madagascar’s dedicated approach to sustainable development. It signals the country’s ambition to create green spaces and protect the environment. The decision to name this park after Mahatma Gandhi pays homage to this Indian leader renowned for his role in India’s freedom struggle.
Gandhi, a ‘Pravasi’ who returned to India from South Africa, is an inspirational figure for the large Gujarati diaspora in Madagascar. Particularly since Mahatma Gandhi himself hailed from Porbandar in Gujarat. The dedication of this green space in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, offers a fitting tribute.
The Urban Municipality of Antananarivo has expressed gratitude towards the Indian Embassy’s efforts to green the area. This initiative aligns with the municipality’s goal of maximizing green space within Madagascar’s capital.
Key Facts about Mahatma Gandhi: Birth, Leadership, and Legacy
Born on 2nd October 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was a lawyer, politician, social activist, and prolific writer. During his life, he emerged as a leader in the nationalist movement against British colonial rule in India.
Gandhi first garnered international attention in South Africa (1893-1915), where he successfully fought the racist regime using a novel method of mass agitation called ‘Satyagraha’. He returned to India from South Africa on 9th January 1915, a date now commemorated as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) to honor the contributions of the Overseas Indian community towards India’s development.
Gandhi’s Revolutionary Satyagraha Movements in India
Upon his return to India, Gandhi deployed his philosophy of non-violence, or Satyagraha, in several landmark movements. He believed that non-violence was integral to unifying Indians. In 1917, he traveled to Champaran in Bihar to rally peasants against an oppressive plantation system. Soon after, in 1919, he launched a nationwide satyagraha against the proposed Rowlatt Act.
At the Calcutta Congress session in September 1920, Gandhi persuaded other leaders to initiate the Non-Cooperation Movement in support of both Khilafat and Swaraj.
Mahatma Gandhi’s Later Movements and Social Work
For several years after the Non-Cooperation Movement, Gandhi concentrated on social reform. In 1930, he led a march to break the state monopoly on the manufacture and sale of salt, an event which triggered the Civil Disobedience Movement.
In the backdrop of World War II, the nationalist struggle in India entered a crucial phase. Gandhi’s call for the British to ‘Quit India’ marked the beginning of this phase. Concurrently, Gandhi worked tirelessly for the upliftment of the untouchables, whom he lovingly termed ‘Harijans’, meaning ‘children of God’. This work culminated in the Poona Pact negotiated by B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi in September 1932.
Gandhi’s symbol of self-reliance – the spinning wheel – became a popular emblem of the Indian Independence Movement. He wrote several impactful books, including ‘Hind Swaraj’ and his autobiography, ‘My Experiments with Truth’.
Gandhi’s Martyrdom and Legacy
Gandhi’s life was tragically cut short when he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on 30th January 1948. This day is observed as Martyrs’ Day in India. Yet, despite this tragedy, Gandhi’s legacy lives on, not just in India but across the globe. His philosophies continue to guide social and political movements, and his commitment to non-violence and truth remains more relevant than ever in today’s world. The Mahatma Gandhi Green Triangle in Madagascar is a testament to this enduring legacy.
