India of my Dreams by Mahatma Gandhi

The book INDIA OF MY DREAMS is a collection of passages from writing and speeches of Mahatma Gandhi. In this book author discusses about the various aspect of Indian culture its heritage and about the society at large. The changing socio-economic and political scenario is compared with that of past and various experiences of Gandhi has been discussed in this book.

As the author observed that from time immemorial our country is known as KARMBHUMI worldwide not as the BHOGABHUMI . It is essentially the land of duty not the land of enjoyment. The author envisages an India which is free and strong so that for the betterment of world at large, she may offer herself a willing and voluntary sacrifice. The destiny of the nation lies not in the bloody way of the west, because it shows the characters of tiredness. Rather the destiny lies along the bloodless way of peace which comes from a simple living and high thinking.

When discussing about the idea and philosophy of Swaraj, the author is crystal clear in observing that unless until there is acquisition of capacity by all to resist authority when it is abused, the real Swaraj will not see the day of light. Swaraj means complete independence of alien control and complete economic independence. Author further argued that Swaraj can be maintained only when there is a majority of loyal and patriotic people for whom the nation is paramount. If the many are immoral or selfish , there will be only anarchy in the government.

Author argues that the democracy is the highest form of freedom. But this freedom along with itself also carries the gauge of discipline and humility. He rightly argued that democracy is the greatest institution in the world so there is a high chance of being greatly abus...

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On the cause of communalism i.e Hindu Muslim conflict Gandhi observed that there can’t be any issue which is more important and more pressing than this, cause it blocks all progress. His observation on the importance of finding a solution to the conflict for India’s future integrity and wellbeing continues to be valid , although he might not have appreciated that what appears to be perennial conflict between India’s two largest communities is not about religion. The dominant Hindu image of Muslim encountered in many parts of the country, and especially when tension between the communities is high, is of the powerful and animal like Muslim. Muslim also see Hindus as a cruel and cowardly people. And in both the communities, communal identities also tend to be less salient for women then man, a difference that seems to be rooted in their developmental histories.