Editorial Introduction to Regional Update, Issue 11
December 13th, 2007
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Dear Readers,
In reflecting upon the 60th anniversary of Gandhi’s death, which is coming up at the end of January, I thought to include a quote of his as a way to introduce the new format of the North American Regional Update Newsletter (which shall hitherto be referred to on frequent occasion as simply “the Newsletter”), and to announce that his grandson, Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Govenor of West Bengal, will be the keynote speaker at the 2008 Global Assembly in Mayapur, India. In searching for an appropriate quotation, I went with my “A plan” whenever doing research. I Googled it.
Searching “Mahatma Gandhi” gave me 1,760,000 hits. Searching “Mahatma Gandhi quotes” gave me just under a million. Though he is more famous for his actions, the man has been cited for having said a great deal. Eventually, I came upon two especially appropriate quotations for the occasion, both of which Gandhi is rather famous for having said:
When a reporter asked him what he thought of Western Civilization, Gandhi replied, “I think it would be a good idea.” He was also allegedly quoted for having said, “I believe in equality for everyone, except reporters and photographers.” In both instances, I am certain that Gandhi spoke in jest. He is also famous for having had a sense of humor.
As the Newsletter’s editor (and a fellow humorist), I feel it necessary to point out two commonalities between my new role in URI and Gandhi’s aforementioned words of wisdom.
1. At the time of Gandhi’s death, 1948, Western Civilization had much of the same (frequently negative) connotations as it does today in terms of its religious and cultural understanding. While Gandhi was referring largely to the British Empire, many believe that North America lacks a certain cultural civility, as well. However, it is because this region’s cultural and religious understanding is so strong, that I am honored to present this Newsletter as a means of further communication, to show the world how passionately interfaith exists in this region, and how deeply we are helping it to grow.
2. When Gandhi poked fun at “reporters and photographers,” I do believe he meant the Press. As it turns out, my duty to provide this region with an organized and informative update places me into the one category of people that Gandhi’s infinite belief in equality excludes.
To my relief, however, on a Google blog I later discovered an obvious Gandhi guru, after having been asked if the quote was authentic, replied, “Gandhi said many important, intelligent, and even amusing things, but he most likely did not say, ‘I believe in equality for everyone, except reporters and photographers.’” A statement leading this reporter to conclude that Gandhi did, in fact, believe in equality for all.
I had originally planned to share a thought of his that would surely define peace and interfaith with better grace and wisdom than I would ever be able to, but then I figured there are about a million of Gandhi’s quotes out there (some of which he may not have said) waiting to be found by anyone seeking the inspiration.
Just Google it.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading and may peace forever prevail on earth,
Bailey S. Barnard, Jr.
Editor—Na Newsletter