An Appeal by
Tushar Gandhi, great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi
Mohandas Gandhi believed that it was the duty of every human to study and respect every religion in pursuit of this he studied the holy scriptures of every religion.
All his life, in all his Ashrams in South Africa and in India prayers were held every morning and evening. In them prayers from all religions were included and given equal importance. The Hymn Abide With Me was one of his favourite Hymns and would be sung many a times. After Independence after India became a Republic. Republic Day commemoration would end with the Beating The Retreat Ceremony on Raj Path on 29th January. Marching Bands of all three Services performed several songs. ‘Abide With Me’ was always performed all these years. It symbolises the syncretic culture of our nation where all religions were included and given an equal status and respect. This year inexplicably ‘Abide with Me’ has been replaced. It is hurtful more so because the next day January 30th is The Day Bapu was martyred in 1948. In his memory and as a tribute to his desire for an inclusive all embracing respectful and loving nation, Citizens of India should take it upon themselves to perform, recite or play, Abide with me as a tribute to Mohandas Gandhi.
My Appeal to the Church is to sing Abide With Me in as many Churches as possible all over India on 30th January, as a tribute to Mohandas Gandhi and as an affirmation of our Syncretic Culture and our secular belief of equal respect to all religions. Unfortunately today hate has taken center stage in our nation, changing the narrative of so many decades and corrupting the ideal on which our nation was founded. Gandhi said that hate must be countered solely with love a very Christian ethic. Let us all make the singing, reciting or playing of Abide With Me our reply to hate. Let love prevail.
Sincerely,
Tushar Gandhi,
Abide With Me | Madan Gopal Singh | Karwan e Mohabbat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9LMUWE04rA
Feb 1, 2022
Fast falls the eventide;
the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
When the mountains of oppression and cruelty.
Will scatter away like cotton.
Lord, with me abide.
O abide with me.
Abide With Me was Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite hymn, which was always played by the Army band at the end of the Beating Retreat ceremony, as the sun went down at the Parliament. This year, the hymn was dropped from the ceremony.
Singer and composer, Madan Gopal Singh, in his rendition of the hymn inspires hope amidst the darkness that surrounds us today.
This republic day, we're taking inspiration from Gandhiji, an outstanding Indian world-leader who did things differently. Like Gandhiji, may we al l ‘march to the beat of our own drum'. Here is one of Gandhiji’s favourite songs that’s steeped in tradition. We’ve interpreted it in our own way. May it give you the energy to forge ahead when people around you are trying to drown out your own voice. Happy Republic Day to all 🇮🇳 Love
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