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THE MAHATMA AND THE MONKEYS; What Gandhiji Did, What Gandhiji Said
INTRODUCTION: ANUPAM KHER HACHETTE INDIA CHILDREN'S BOOKS SPECIAL LAUNCH OFFER PRICE; RS.125/- PAGES;181
This book aims to present the great world leader and the father of our nation as a figure of great relevance to today's children. With well-selected quotations from Gandhiji's own writings, the book shows how his thoughts are of enduring importance. What is the art of bravery? Here's Gandhiji's simple answer; "three-fourths of the miseries and misunderstandings in the world will disappear if we step into the shoes of our adversaries and understand their standpoint." If you bravely stand by your principles and ideals, says Gandhiji, "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."
How can one walk the talk? "Strength does not come from physical capacity," says Gandhiji. "It comes from an indomitable will."
The poverty of his countrymen pained Gandhiji. Today, news reports of poor Indian farmers ending their lives in sheer desperation appear side by side with images of luxuries which few Indians can aspire to. "Farmers and workers make India," Gandhiji says. "Their prosperity alone can make India a country fit to live in." He comes down strongly on the rich-poor divide which plagues us even today. "In India it must be held to be a crime to spend money on dinner and marriage parties and other luxuries so long as millions of people are starving."
These quotes from Gandhiji are simple and apt for the most part. A few quotes are in complicated language, and taking words out of their context may make some of these quotes difficult for young readers to understand. This is, however, not a simple collection of quotations.
There are brief, simple pages explaining Gandhiji's life and work. There is also a historical timeline, a bonus quiz and a list of books you can read in print or on line. Cute stick figure images of Gandhiji on the page corners add a light, fun touch to this thought provoking book.