Ailing World Gandhian Alternatives

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This is the eighth draft of the present book the first was when I presented a paper for the International Seminar organised by the Institute of International Peace Studies, King He University Seoul, South Korea. Titled 'World Peace through United Nations' In September 1984 where I presented my paper 'A Peaceful World Order: Gandhiji's Concepts and Contribution' This paper was later on published in World Encyclopaedia of Peace published by Pregamon Press.

Thereafter I revised my paper several times. I remained dissatisfied with earlier drafts. I am not fully satisfied with the present draft either. The more I read and contemplate the more I feel how little do I know about Mahatma Gandhi who in the words of Lord Altrincham, 'Lit beacons on distant hills towards which posterity must grope its way in darkness.

This is a humble effort to share my thoughts with fellow thinkers and seek enlightment from all who are trying to follow in the footsteps of Gandhiji under adverse circumstances.

The world today is faced with catastrophic situation. Albert Schwetzer remarked, "It is clear now to everyone that the suicide of civilisation is in progress some feel that if the present way continues there may be no one to write our obituary.

It is in this background that Gandhiji's Ideas become relevant for the present ailing world.

I have quoted profusely from the writings of Gandhiji as also writings of other scholars. I acknowledge my Indebtedness. Omissions if any, are inadvertent. A few quotations appear at more than one place because of their relevance.

I owe a deep debt of gratitude to my father Shri Basant Bihari Lal Mathur who initiated me to Gandhian Thought. He was actively associated with the Mainpuri Conspiracy Case. Later on he came under the infulence of Mahatama Gandhi and was instrumental in bringing him to the district of Mainpuri. He worked as Gandhiji's 'loudspeaker' at various meetings that Gandhiji addressed. It was during this period that my father took a vow to spin his cloth at least for fourteen years and serve the country either as a teacher or as a doctor. He was both a teacher and an amateur homeopath. He chose to be a silent nation builder away from the gaze of public and publicity.

Words fail as I want to express my gratitude to my son late Shri Atul Kumar Mathur. He was a tower of strength in my academic pursuits. The present book is essentially because of his constant promptings. He left for his heavenly abode at an early age of 37 years creating a vacuum not to be filled. I dedicate this book to my son.