Gandhi – The Messiah by Rajeshwar Prasad
Many people of the world have followed the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi and have brought prosperity to themselves and their societies. It is often thought that the principles of Mahatma Gandhi are too hard to be followed by a common man. But when we share success stories of everyday people who have followed his teachings and prospered, we come to know that his principles are easily followed by anyone, anywhere, anytime, and would produce the same results – prosperity and welfare. Undoubtedly, he is ever relevant. Forgetting him is equal to forgetting love, peace, truth, justice and ahimsa* in the world. To inculcate good manners, respect, peace, harmony, values, culture and ethics to young children and youth in the world so as to ensure that they can become good citizens across the world in the future and to educate against the evil effects of wrongs, this book will help because the thoughts and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi are most relevant today.
Book Review: Gandhi – The Messiah by Rajeshwar Prasad
Winner of the Sahitya Sparsh Award 2025 for Non-Fiction (Inspirational)
Rajeshwar Prasad’s Gandhi – The Messiah is a timeless tribute to the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles in shaping a just and harmonious world. The book eloquently illustrates how Gandhi’s teachings—centered on love, peace, truth, justice, and non-violence (ahimsa)—are not only profound but also practical and achievable by ordinary individuals in their everyday lives.
Universal Applicability
Prasad dismantles the common perception that Gandhi’s philosophy is too idealistic for the common person. Through inspiring anecdotes and real-life examples, the author demonstrates how Gandhi’s principles have empowered individuals and communities globally, leading to prosperity and societal welfare. This focus on accessibility makes the book a powerful motivator for readers seeking personal and collective growth.
Relevance for Today
The author emphasizes that forgetting Gandhi’s teachings is akin to forgetting the foundational values of humanity itself. The book shines as a guide for instilling good manners, respect, culture, and ethics in younger generations. It serves as a critical reminder of the importance of peace, harmony, and moral responsibility in today’s turbulent world.
Why It’s Inspirational
Gandhi – The Messiah inspires readers to reflect on their own lives and challenges them to incorporate Gandhian values in simple yet meaningful ways. The narrative is both motivational and instructional, making it a valuable resource for educators, parents, and leaders aiming to cultivate a more compassionate and equitable society.
About the Author
Rajeshwar Prasad, born on August 26, 1970, is a distinguished academician and literary figure whose works seamlessly blend storytelling with profound philosophical exploration. With a PhD on “Lyricism in the Plays of Christopher Marlowe” from Magadh University, Bodh-Gaya, and a tenure as Professor and Head of the Department of English at Sarvodaya Post-Graduate College, Ghosi, Mau, UP, India, Prasad’s academic and literary credentials are unparalleled.
As an Indo-English poet, playwright, novelist, and essayist, his diverse portfolio includes plays such as The Travellers, The Wife, Zero into Four, and The Tribute, as well as the thought-provoking poetry collections Gandhi – The Messiah and Bullet Land. His epic work The Gandhi-Gita, the novel Dance of Democracy, and the essay Hello Life showcase his commitment to exploring the intricacies of the human condition. A prolific writer, Prasad has also published over two dozen research articles, cementing his place as a significant contributor to contemporary literature.
Beyond his publications, Prasad serves as a Member of the Board of Studies at Maharaja Suhel Dev University, Azamgarh, and is a Fellow Member of the Screenwriters Association, Mumbai. His work is a testament to his belief in the power of literature to inspire a fairer world and foster happiness, making him not just a writer but a thinker and philosopher dedicated to the betterment of society.
Conclusion
Rajeshwar Prasad’s Gandhi – The Messiah is a beacon of hope and inspiration, urging readers to reconnect with Gandhi’s timeless wisdom. By proving that his teachings can be followed “anyone, anywhere, anytime,” the author underscores their universal applicability. The Sahitya Sparsh Award 2025 is a fitting recognition for this enlightening work, which deserves a place in the hands of anyone seeking to make a positive difference in the world.
