Subaltern Studies: Writings on South Asian History and Society, Vol. 5 Book

Mixed feelings, and none of which confirm with popular perceptions.

On one hand, I've been a fan of Gandhism (before it become fashionable to be so). What strikes me as being the most relevant is Gandhiji's insistence on improving and cleansing the self - premonition tells me that once the inner world is sorted, the outer world can go take a hike. Gandhiji's nuanced approach to several (most?) issues, emphasis on patience and search for (largely spiritual) peace resonate very strongly with my own (premature, half-baked) beliefs.

At the same time, I do find Gandhiji to be rigid while addressing several issues - particularly those relating to science. A lot of these ideas will not find any relevance in today's India. For instance, Gandhiji's views on the railways or on the medical profession seem to be an over-simplification.

Perhaps, I myself am at fault for reading the book too critically - "reading to respond, not to absorb". But ultimately, mixed sentiments. Some parts I agree with, some I disagree with - and I am not sure if Gandhiji himself would have been in support of the disagreement.