Monday: Today, we reflected on our Bal Gangadhar Tilak assignment and analyzed if we've chosen appropriate information from the text source. Most of my points were mentioned and fitted the answer. We also looked at Tilak more as he played an important role in the Indian Independence Movement and served as its first popular leader, according to Wikipedia.
We also looked upon factors that motivated the split and reunification of Bengal and its causes, particularly for divide and conquering purposes, suppressing uprisings and the allowance of concessions. We also touched upon the reactions from the British and Indian perspective regarding the Bengal partition.
Lastly, we also noted on the impact of the 1st World War on the Indians and the British Colony.
Reflection on Gandhi, "Person of the Century" for Time Magazine
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi has been known as a "Mahatma" (Sanskrit for 'greater soul') and also a "Bapuji" (respectful way of addressing elder men in India) in his life. A moral icon to many yet an icon of mere novelty to some.
Gandhi is known for is non-violent movements, his leadership in the Indian National Congress, religious tolerance and Swaraj( self -governing) but I can't help but to notice how these ideas were originally derived from Bal Gangadhar Tilak, whom is also a source of inspiration to Gandhi as he applies acts such as boycotting as practiced by Tilak before. This make Gandhi seem like the 'finisher' of a task instead of a pioneering leader like Tilak, whose ideas where shunned because of its 'extreme' value during his time.
Moreover, Gandhi's forceful "insistent on absolute regularity boldly appears as acts of novelty at times as he indulges in "faddish dietetic experiments" as if trying to show off or make a point, obvious. Through acts of defiance against British manufactured goods and sewing his own robes, bathing in ashes etc., Gandhi's "(Call) for a nation that would turn its back on technology to prosper through village self-sufficiency" simply appears as a "backward, romantic vision of a simple society" that may not be pragmatic.
However, these acts could be a symbolic way of showing a deeper meaning as Gandhi describes, "Action is my domain". Hence in this sense, his public acts aim to perhaps, ignite an epiphany for others and to allow them to ponder on the drastically and exaggerated acts. These simple acts, act as great symbolism and inspiration to others.
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