Dear Editor:
A new chapter in the history of Secaucus will be written on May 31, when the statue of Mahatma Gandhi will be inaugurated in town. The theme of this new chapter shows and proves the spirit of true democratic influence of the residents and the municipal government of this town. We know that in the last 10 years, the population of Secaucus has steadily increased. Immigrants from many different countries prefer to live and settle in this town because they can live and enjoy a free and safe life without any prejudice or racism.
Mahatma Gandhi was born to a Hindu family in the Indian state of Gujarat. He led the Indian freedom movement against the ruling British and became known to the whole world because of his unique principles.
Here are some brief details of Mahatma Gandhi’s fascinating life.
Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian nation, is known as Bapu in India. He was the most influential political leader not only in India, but in the entire world. He is the only political leader who led a successful independence movement without shedding a drop of blood. Satyagrah, which is the force of truth, love, and nonviolence, was his powerful weapon.
When Gandhi went to South Africa in 1893 as a legal aide to his client, the country was racially divided. People were judged by the color of their skin, religion, and occupation. Once, while he was traveling by train in the first class compartment, Gandhi was thrown off the train with his luggage at Pietermaritzburg Railway Station. He passed the entire night at this railway station, trying to decide whether he should go back to India or stay in South Africa and oppose racial injustice. Gandhi decided to stay and fight against this injustice through Satyagrah, the most successful weapon. He had full faith in Nonviolent Civil Disobedience which is based on truth and peace.
Gandhi came back to India in 1915 and joined the Indian independence movement. He often used fasting as a way to draw attention to his political demands. Under his leadership, three key movements became successful: The Movement of Noncooperation, the Dandi March for Salt, and Britishers Quit India.
Gandhi strongly believed in simplicity, peace, nonviolence, truth, and equality in society. Though he was Hindu, he respected all religions heartily. Lincoln once said, “If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong in the world.” In the same way, Gandhi believed that untouchability is a great sin to human society. Gandhi was a man of action. He always did what he said and said what he did.
No man should be measured by his caste, religion, language, race, or birthplace, but by his principles, virtues, and service to the community. Mahatma Gandhi fought for this principle throughout his entire life. Thus, although he was Indian, Gandhi is honored and respected in the whole world.
The Indian community is thankful to all the residents of the town and municipal authority for the cooperation for such noble deed.
Bhikhubhai Patel