The Second Crucifixion
- Larry Collins
The essay “The second crucifixion” is written by Larry Collins. It deals with the death of Mahatma Gandhi. This essay compares the death of Mahat Gandi to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Gandhiji was assassinated on 30th January 1948 on his arrival to Birla Bhawan. Lord Mountbatten, the first Governor General of India, reached the spot on hearing the news. The official announcement of the death news was delayed to find out whether the assassin was Hindu or Moslem. If the assassin turned out to be a Moslem, India would face a most ghastly massacre. In All India Radio, it was announced that the assassin was Naturam Godse, a Hindu. Thus, the slaughter was averted.
The two great leaders Nehru and Patel were sitting overwhelmed with sorrow near by the dead body of Gandhi when Mountbatten arrived. Already Gandhiji had told Mountbatten about the disagreement between Nehru and Patel and asked him to bring them together. He informed the leaders about Gandhiji’s last wish and advised them to work together. Moved by his words the two leaders reconciled.
Mountbatten suggested that Gandhiji‘s body should be taken in a special train throughout the country, giving millions of people a chance for the last darshan of their great leader. But Gandhiji‘s secretary said that Gandhi had expressed his wish that his body would be cremated within twenty-four hours as per Hindu custom. Nehru and Patel unwillingly consented to the idea.
Mountbatten asked Nehru to address the mourning nation. In his radio address, Nehru said “The light has gone out of our lives and there is darkness everywhere”. Further, he said “The light that illumined this country for these many years will illumine this country for many more years.”
Many world leaders sent condolence messages from England, France, South Africa, the Vatican, the US and Pakistan. People from the nearby states reached Delhi to have a last glimpse of their leader. Gandhiji‘s body was placed on the balcony of the Birla House for public view. Millions of people paid their last respect to their beloved leader.
The next day Hindustan Standard printed a single paragraph as editorial which can be considered as the best tribute to Mahatma. It read,
“Gandhiji has been killed by his own people for whose redemption he lived. This second crucifixion in the history of the world has been enacted on Friday – the same day Jesus was done to death one thousand nine hundred and fifteen years ago. Father forgive us.”
Larry Collins concludes the essay saying that Gandhiji‘s death is a great loss to the whole world. However, he will remain at the hearts of people as Mahatma forever.
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