Gita and Gandhiji

Dr. Ramesh Betai’s *Gita and Gandhiji* offers a comprehensive exploration of Mahatma Gandhi’s interpretation of the *Bhagavad Gita* (B.G.), situating it within broader philosophical and literary traditions. The book, published by the National Gandhi Museum and Gyan Publishing House, spans Gandhian studies and B.G. scholarship, aiming to bridge the spiritual teachings of the text with Gandhi’s socio-political approach. Betai, a scholar of Indian jurisprudence, philosophy, and aesthetics, analyzes Gandhi’s unique perspective, contrasting it with classical interpretations by Adi Sankara, Ramanuja, and modern thinkers like Tilak and Aurobindo. The work is structured into nine chapters, beginning with an introduction to the B.G. and a survey of its principal interpretations—both ancient and modern. Betai then examines Gandhi’s engagement with the text, including his allegorical readings of the *Mahabharata* and *Ramayana*. Chapters delve into Gandhi’s ethical framework, his views on nonviolence (*ahimsa*), and his relevance to contemporary society. The final chapter assesses Gandhi’s place among B.G. interpreters. The book includes a detailed bibliography, glossary, and index, though some entries lack publication details like editions and publishers. Minor critiques include the absence of diacritical marks for Sanskrit terms (e.g., “krupa” instead of “Kripa”) and Gandhi’s B.G. translations not being appended. Despite these oversights, the text remains a valuable contribution to Gandhian studies, offering a balanced analysis of Gandhi’s spiritual and social vision.

Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.