July 29, 2007 - New Delhi, India

"I have nothing new to teach the world. Truth and non-violence are as old as the hills."
~ Gandhi

When I arrived in India a month ago, I walked everywhere, completely overwhelmed. "Culture shock" caused be extremes. The poor living on sidewalks in front of billionaire mansions. The smell of rancid sewage combined with fragrant Jasmine. The shock of men wearing practically nothing, while women are covered from neck to toe in 100 degree + temperatures. But now... I've got this country "tapped".

I knew while here, it was necessary to dedicate an entire day to Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi was born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and then received the namesake, Mahatma, meaning 'great soul' by his people.

My trip began at the Birla House where Gandhi last lived and was shot. The home is completely dedicated to Gandhi's life, including commemorative footsteps from his bedroom, out a screen door, down the path to where he was going to pray, and then stop where he was shot. Mahatma Gandhi was shot and killed on January 30, 1948. A large monument has been erected at this exact place. A picture is shown above of this remembrance.

I continued my tour to the National Gandhi Museum where original artifacts are preserved, including the blood-stained dhoti and shawl worn the day he was killed.

While walking through the life of Gandhi displayed in a timeline of pictures, I became more fascinated with the experiences of his wife. Through an arranged marriage at the age of 13, Gandhi married Kasurbai, age 12, in 1883. They were together for 63 years when Kasturbai died in Gandhi's arms, while jailed together. Kasturbai was wrapped in a cotton sari woven from yard spun by Gandhi's own hands.

My final stop on the journey was to Raj Ghat where Gandhi was cremated and his ashes remain. Gandhi taught religious and societal tolerance of all, especially between the Hindi and Muslim religions. Gandhi was killed by a fellow Hindu follower, who did not believe Muslim's should be accepted in Indian Society.