Sunday, 27 January 2019

Sunday Snap – Father of India


We were looking at a statute of a freedom fighter for last week's Sunday Snap. I asked who is was and the answer is

Nelson Mandela

Walking the long run to freedom with the right answer were Minoru, Sarah, Mary, Kara, Anne and Susan.

This week we are moving just along from Nelson Mandela's statue on Palace Green to another icon of the 20th century. He was born in 1869 in a part of India that is now in the Gujarat state. His mother was extremely religious and he was brought up to believe in a non-violent life, a respect for all living beings and in turn vegetarianism plus mutual tolerance between creeds and sects.

He trained as a lawyer and went to work in South Africa. It was there that his methods for non-violent civil disobedience became apparent. He returned to India in 1915 and started to campaign for the fair treatment of peasants, farmers and urban labourers. This in turn led to him becoming leader of the Indian National Congress in 1921.

During World War I India sent solders to fight for the British in Europe. In return they hoped they would get self-rule away from the confines of the British Empire. This was not to be. He urged non-violent protests in the form of shunning British made goods, British institutions and law courts, to resign from government employment and reject any British titles or honours. He hoped this would systematically bring the British India government to its knees.

Throughout all his years of campaigning for independence India remained a deeply divided nation in terms of religion. Once independence was finally granted in 1947 it was partitioned into two separate countries with the north-west becoming the new country of Pakistan. The partition was met with riots and violent disputes as people crossed the countries to find their new homes. Despite his lifelong attempts to bring peace to India he was not liked by all. In January 1948 he was shot three times on the way to a prayer meeting which resulted in his death.

Not only is he remembered for his political achievements but also for his distinctive look. His extremely simple outfit of a cloth dohti and shawl, sandals, wire glasses and his bald head has left its own mark in cultural history. This week's question is

Who is the man known as the 'Father of India'?

We were joined last week by Susan and a stunning red sunrise. Minoru has been to Nepal and visited Katmandu and Pokhara. At parkrun Sarah has made it to 150 runs. In black and white Mary has been been capturing the arches at Lacock Abbey. There's been a Cubs investiture for Kara and a walk across wood. Anne remembers family times at Bournville. The Lego has been laid out at Sam's. Sara's favourite things this week include a heamanthus albiflos or paintbrush lily and a orchid bouquet. In New Zealand Betty has been photographing land and sea. At Jaipur Gardening the Christmas Cactus has gone from bud to bloom. Finally, Jesh is hoping to get busy with some art projects.

If you want to join in with this week's Sunday Snap then add your link to the linky below. Any theme is allowed. It doesn't have to be published today as you have until 23.55 on Friday 1st February 2019 to join in. Grab my badge below for your blog post. Just make sure it is your photo and you hold the copyright for it.
Sunday Snap

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5 comments:

  1. It's definitely Ghandi! I didn't actually know much about him, so I've learned something by reading this, thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It has to be Ghandi, such a distinctive look. Thanks for hosting x

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think it’s Ghandi. Hope you’re good x

    ReplyDelete

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