Mahatma Gandhi's nonviolent approach to liberation from British colonial rule was successful not only in gaining India's independence—it also inspired similar approaches in other parts of the world, most notably in Martin Luther King's civil rights movement.  The Mahatma's political philosophy, however, extended beyond the struggle for independence; it included important ideas about the political and social organization of the country after independence, such as religious tolerance, rural development, and elimination of caste-system injustices.

October 2, Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, traditionally is celebrated in India and by Indians living abroad as an occasion of great rejoicing and pride.  Professor Rajmohan Gandhi is in a unique position to talk about Mahatma Gandhi's legacy on this day, because he is able to combine the scholarly expertise of the specialist in India's political and social developments with the inside perspective of being a grandson of the Mahatma.

Professor Gandhi's talk is part of a year-long series of events in recognition of India's fiftieth anniversary of independence.

Cosponsored by: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Social Work, Department of History, Department of Political Science, International Programs and Studies, Program in Arms Control, Disarmament and International Security, Program in South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Indian Cultural Society of Urbana-Champaign