AMERICAN GANDHI – BERNIE MEYER
Activist and Ex-Priest in US
church Bernie Meyer dubbed as American Gandhi dressed like Gandhi used to visit
India every year since 2005. At 82 he is actively involved in climate change
and anti-nuclear weapon campaign.
Recently he was at Central University of Karnataka in
Kalaburugi.
His message: Take the essence of Gandhi's principles
and apply it to modern situations.
In 2004 he was invited to come to
India to teach the youth about Gandhi. Hence from 2005 he began coming to India
and the present one is his 15th trip.
As per his view Gandhian
principles rather than Gandhian ideology are to be followed since ideology is rigid
while principles are flexible.
He explained: I am with Gandhi
and beyond Gandhi.
I am opposed to copying of ideas
in toto. I don't use spinning wheel today as Gandhi did. Now it won't work.
We can take some of the ideas
from Gandhi to create an alternative. We have to come up with a way to use
natural resources in a more equitable way.
In short American Gandhi is great
in his own way and his love for truth is strong like Gandhi.
Gandhi's legacy has an universal
appeal and application.
Mahatma Gandhi Ki Jai.
Comments