POSTMODERNISM AND GANDHI

The text has presented a very comprehensive and lucid account of the views of Mahatma Gandhi on the central themes of human conditions. The author has provided a critical exposition of emergence, evolution and growth of modernist and postmodernist world outlook in the western philosophical thought.

The author rightly points out that Gandhi’s ideas of Swaraja, Ahimsa and Satyagraha provide not only a critique but also an alternative to modernity. Since Gandhi was critical of many evil practices such as untouchability, social stratification and oppression of women, many interpreters tend to interpret Gandhi as a modern thinker.

But, the author, through her analysis demonstrates that Gandhi is neither a modernist nor a postmodernist thinker. In fact, any attempt to place Gandhi in such categories would miss the richness and uniqueness of Gandhi’s theory and practice.

In view of the lucidity, clarity of thought, depth of comprehension, soundness of exposition and interpretation, the book will prove to be very relevant as well as useful writing on this contemporary discourse— Postmodernism and Gandhi.

Upasana Pandey is Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Vasanta College for Women, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. She was awarded Ph.D. degree by Banaras Hindu University in 2005. She also served as a lecturer in Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi, Delhi. She has authored several books, research papers and articles on Gandhian Thought, Political Philosophy and Women’s Studies.