“Silver Linings” in Indian Freedom Struggle: Moses P. Manohar

“Silver Linings” in Indian Freedom Struggle: Moses P. Manohar

Gurukul Independence day Celebrations

Dr. Moses P. Manohar, Executive Director of Inter Church Service Agency (ICSA, Egmore, Chennai) and a Visiting Faculty at Gurukul was the chief guest for the 61^st Independence Day celebrations in Gurukul on 15^th August 2008. He hoisted the National Flag and gave a very meaningful Independence Day Message. Dr. Moses P. Manohar in his speech recollected the contributions of the freedom fighters and outlined four “silver linings” that made Indian freedom movement unique and remarkable:

First, commitment to non-violence. It is the most fascinating feature which has become an article of faith for the Indian National Congress under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. “Indeed,” Dr. Manohar said, “ history has very rare examples where freedom struggle against an imperial force was conducted on non-violent terms.”

Second, commitment to democracy. The sixty-two years of struggle for independence was a training period in democracy for the nation. “Democracy stands on the Rule of Law. In a civilized society the law replaces the gun. In a democracy voting right is more lethal than the military. Elections in a democracy can be described as controlled revolutions,” he said.

Third, commitment to inclusiveness. A good number of Europeans were part of the freedom movement, like Annie Besant who clamored for “Home Rule,” C. F. Andrews, who in his book featured “Independence - The Immediate Need.” People with little academic background like K. Kamaraj could rise to national prominence. Dalit leaders like Ambedkar could even guide the discussions of national governance and chalk out a constitution that guaranteed constitutional protection for the untouchables and other marginalized sections of the society. Indian Christians like Dr. John Cornelius Kumarrappa from Tamil Nadu who was recognized by Mahatma Gandhi for his brilliance in economics, were part of the freedom movements. There were many women who played leadership role in the freedom struggle like Sarojini Naidu. She became “the President of the Indian National Congress, in 1925, that was 50 years earlier than Margaret Thatcher, the first woman leader in a British political party.

Fourth, the spirituality: “Political struggle became an expression and inseparable extension of one’s inner struggle in search of Truth, the God. The freedom fighter was a satyagrahi, the searcher of truth. Prayer with multi-faith resources was very much part of Indian National Congress under the leadership of Gandhiji. “He even wanted to dedicate the first Independence Day as a day of Prayer,” Dr. Manohar said. He concluded his speech by raising the question, whether the Indian Church can give an institutional hope to the state in the areas of non-violence, democracy, inclusiveness and open-spirituality.

Sports Committee and the Fine Arts Committee jointly organized the Independence Day programmes. Mr. Pa Hmo Convenor of the Sports Committee welcomed the guests. Mr. Vunnammatla Prabhakar, member of the Sports Committee read the Bible Text (Matt. 5: 13-16). Gurukul BD II trio, Ms. G. Vasthi Charisma, Ms. P. Joice Esther, and Ms. Chrisida Nithya Kalyani presented a charming traditional dance item. Mr. V. Samuel Jabaraj (BD III), rendered a beautiful solo. Dr. P. Manoharn, Director of Gurukul offered the Independence Day Greetings. Ms. Sonia John, Student General Secretary (MTh II), proposed the vote of thanks. Rev. Dr. Suneel Bhanu, Dean, Post Graduate Studies, offered the closing prayer and benediction. Ms. Belinda Gracelyn Praisy compered the morning programme. Games, Volleyball match and Cultural Night were other programmes for the Independence Day.