ABSTRACT
To any Indian, the dramatic exit of Mahātmā Gāndhi was unmistakably cosmic. It marks, pointedly, the end of a classic tradition which began with the Buddha and Mahavīr, and periodically surged in varying themes voiced by Nānak, Kabīr Chaitanya and many others. It is difficult to appraise the deed that brought about this exit, or to trace back in history the coiling roots of the wrath that sought it so relentlessly. We stand to lose the whole fabric of our faith if in anger or shame we fasten the guilt for this deed on groups or movements rather than take it as a warning. The main issue is one of completing the work of our Bapu cut short by his death. Nothing else matters.
