The Challenge: “I attempted to shed English blood intentionally and of purpose, as a humble protest against the inhuman transportations and hangings of Indian youth. In this attempt I consulted none but my own conscience; conspired with none but my own duty. I believe that a nation unwillingly held down by foreign bayonets is in a perpetual state of war. Since open battle is rendered impossible I attacked by surprise - since canon could not be had I drew forth and fired a revolver. As a Hindu I feel that the slavery of my nation is an insult to my God. Her cause is the cause of freedom. Her service is the service of Sri Krishna. Neither rich nor able, a poor son like myself can offer nothing but his blood on the altar of Mother’s deliverance and so I rejoice at the prospect of my martyrdom. The only lesson required in India is to learn how to die and the only way to teach it is by dying alone. The soul is immortal and if everyone of my countrymen takes at least two lives of Englishmen before his body falls the Mother’s salvation is a day’s work. This war ceases not only with the independence of India alone, it shall continue as long as the English and Hindu races exists in this world. Until our country is free Sri Krishna stands exhorting, if you are killed you, attain heaven; if successful you win the earth. It is my fervent prayer, may I be reborn of the same mother, and may I re-die in the same sacred cause, till my mission is done and She stands free for the good of humanity and to the glory of God.” —Madan Lal Dhingra Immerse yourself in the gripping tale of Madan Lal Dhingra, a courageous freedom fighter who sacrificed his life for India's independence struggle. This historical account sheds light on Dhingra's revolutionary activities, his martyrdom, and his enduring legacy as a symbol of patriotism and selfless devotion. The Life and Times of Madan Lal Dhingra, biography, Vishav Bandhu, historical account, revolutionary figure, Indian independence movement, political activism, martyr, freedom fighter, colonial era, nationalist, historical context, sacrifice, patriotism, anti-imperialism, inspiring legacy, political dissent

On Shiv Kumar, 1937-1973, Panjabi poet and Sahitya Academy award winner.

Who is responsible for the Mahatma’s death? Just one single, but determined, fanatic, the whole ideology of Hindu nationalism, the ruling Congress-led government whichfailed to protect him, or a vast majority of Indians and their descendants who considered Gandhi irrelevant? Such questions mean that Gandhi, even after his tragic and brutal death, continues to haunt India – perhaps more effectively in his afterlife than when he was alive. The Death and Afterlife of Mahatma Gandhi is a groundbreaking and profound analysis of the assassination of the ‘father of the nation’ and its after-effects. Paranjape argues that such a catastrophic event during the very birth pangs of a new nation placed a huge burden of Oedipal guilt on Indians, and that this is the reason for the massive repression of the murder in India’s political psyche. The enduring influence of Gandhi is analysed, including his spectral presence in Indian cinema. The book culminates in Paranjape’s reading of Gandhi’s last six months in Delhi, where, from the very edge of the grave, he wrought what was perhaps his greatest miracle, the saving of Delhi and thus of India itself from internecine bloodshed. This evocative and moving meditation into the meaning of the Mahatma’s death will be relevant to scholars of Indian political and cultural history, as well as those with an interest in Gandhi and contemporary India

Whilst drawing to some extent on recent theoretical studies, this book restores Clarissa to its largely neglected eighteenth-century context.