Is Historian Ramachandra Guha the Right Choice for the Mahatma Gandhi Seva Award?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ramachandra Guha receives the Mahatma Gandhi Seva Award for 2025.
- The award recognizes efforts to promote Gandhian values.
- Guha’s works are influential in contemporary discussions on history and society.
- The Karnataka government celebrates Gandhi's legacy through various programs.
- This recognition aims to inspire future generations.
Bengaluru, Oct 1 (NationPress) The Karnataka government has officially announced the selection of the celebrated Indian historian, columnist, and intellectual Ramachandra Guha for the Mahatma Gandhi Seva Award – Karnataka for the year 2025.
This esteemed accolade, awarded annually by the Information and Public Relations Department, recognizes individuals and organizations that significantly contribute to promoting the life values of the Father of the Nation, Mahatama Gandhi, as stated in a recent official release.
The state government has planned various initiatives to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation across Karnataka, engaging the public, school, and college students in meaningful ways.
As part of these celebrations, Ramachandra Guha, noted for his impactful work in disseminating Gandhiji’s principles and socially directed thoughts, has been honored with this year’s award, the statement indicated.
Globally recognized for his extensive studies and writings on contemporary Indian history, political movements, environmental activism, and cricket, Guha has secured a prominent position in academic circles.
His significant publications include: ‘India After Gandhi’ (a history of India post-independence), ‘A Corner of a Foreign Field’ (a social history of Indian cricket), ‘Gandhi Before India’ (the first part of Mahatma Gandhi's biography), ‘Gandhi: The Years That Changed the World’ (the second part of his biography), and ‘The Unquiet Woods’ (an investigation into grassroots environmental movements).
These works not only enhance historical understanding but also stimulate societal reflection, written in a style that appeals to the general public.
Guha holds a distinctive role in deeply analyzing Gandhian principles and interpreting them concerning modern India. His two-volume biography of Gandhi has been translated into numerous languages, including Kannada.
Hemant M. Nimbalkar, the Commissioner of the Information and Public Relations Department, emphasized that the state government aims to instill Gandhiji's ideals in the younger generation through this award, reinforcing the values of truth, non-violence, peace, and service.
“Awarding Ramachandra Guha serves as a powerful motivator for advancing the dialogue and study of Gandhiji's principles within society,” he remarked.