Mahatma Gandhis closest aide pained by existing inequalities and religious divide

While India celebrates its 61st Independence Day, Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhis one of the closest aide has expressed his disappointment over the persisting inequalities and religious divide in the country.

By Arun Kannan

Chennai, Aug 15 : While India celebrates its 61st Independence Day, Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi's one of the closest aide has expressed his disappointment over the persisting inequalities and religious divide in the country.

Eighty-five-year old V. Kalyanam, who was once a personal secretary to Gandhi, believes that present India is a far cry from the vision Mahatma had in his fight against the British imperialism for an independent and united India.

He laments a bleak future for the nation, saying extreme divides and existing inequalities hamper the nation's growth.

"Unless there is equality, I see no future. I mean the future will be bleak...It will continue to be like this. Today, you are celebrating 60th birthday of the nation, you see after 20-years, it will be the same condition. Rich people will get richer, poor will get poorer. We are two extremes in this country, the rich are too rich and the poor are too poor," Kalyanam said who now resides in Chennai.

Kalyanam was secretary to Mahatma Gandhi from 1944 till the latter's assassination in January, 1948 by a Hindu fanatic Nathu Ram Godse.

ANI