A Comparative Study of Raja Rao and R. K. Narayan: In relation to their views on Gandhism

Abstract

One can be perplexed why I am going to start this Paper with these lines; the answer lies within the eternal verse; like God, literature too serves the very purpose to enlighten our soul; as it is the mirror of society; it never reflects fake world. Though this paper I would like to discuss a comparative analysis of R. K. Naryan and Raja Rao in special reference of their views on Gandhism, first of all, the meaning of ‘Gandhism’ should be clear in our mind– ‘Gandhism ‘means the values and gospels  liked by Mahatma Gandhi himself and practiced by him throughout his life ; irrespective of  whether they are from Bhaghvad Gita, Quran Or Bible, whatever he gathered from others; he picked some gems out of them and created his own creed and followed them  whole heartedly. Thus Gandhism is a genre of philosophy. Whenever we talk about Gandhism, we refer to all the gospels, faiths, beliefs of Gandhiji .But we should always remember that Gandhiji is not a philosopher in real sense of the word, He did not propounded any philosophy. Whatever he liked, he believed and practiced as well as he preached it to all for the welfare of the society. The story behind Gandhi’s transformation from a common man into a ‘Mahatma’ a pious saint is an interesting one. In South Africa, Gandhiji became acquainted with a British vegetarian, Henry S.L. Polak, assistant, editor of The Transvaal Critic ’. One evening, when Gandhi was taking a train, Polak lent him a copy of Unto This Last by John Ruskin, English essayist and art Critic. Gandhi sat up all night reading it that book ’’ he said in October, 1946, ‘‘marked the turning point in my life.’’ Straightway, he decided to settle on a farm and live simply. Along with all great Holy Scriptures; Unto This Last too laid a great impact on Gandhi. But Gandhiji was not ready to accept this Title ‘Mahatma’ with him. He often used to say that this word is too divine to be with his name. He always considered himself as a simple seeker of Truth; neither saint nor a wicked man, for him Truth is more respected and welcomed than Mahatamahood.