Revisit Mahatma Gandhi's timeless teachings with this curated list of podcasts

Mahatma Gandhi at Birla House in Mumbai, August 1942. Pic courtesy/Wikimedia Commons

Love, peace and compassion - simple values etched in stone by the Mahatma that seem to have eroded from the world with time and shifting political priorities. As the nation observes the 76th death anniversary of one of the most widely recognised proponents of peace across the world tomorrow, we pick three podcasts that serve as a timely reminder of what Mahatma Gandhi stood for.

Words to live by

Hosted by Srimati Karuna, director of the Gandhi Memorial Center in Washington, this podcast dives deep into the life and legacy of the Mahatma. Each episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of one of his principles like truth (satyagraha), non-violence (ahimsa), and sarvodaya (welfare of all) across an eight-part series. Intriguing topics range from his early experiences in South Africa that shaped his anti-colonial activism, to his pivotal role in leading India's independence movement through non-violent civil disobedience. The podcast includes excerpts from speeches and writings. It examines his personal struggles, relationships and views on issues like caste and gender.
Log on to: Speaking of Gandhi on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Shaping of a leader

Ramchandra Guha, the historian behind two biographies of Mahatma Gandhi joins host Amit Varma for this two-part series on The Seen and the Unseen podcast. The first part titled Mohandas features Guha discussing Gandhi's early life, his exposure to Western literature and philosophy, and pivotal experiences that ingrained within him the ideas of satyagraha and non-violent resistance. The second part, Mahatma, explores Gandhi's transformation into the iconic leader of India's independence movement and his strategies to mobilise mass support. Peppered with lesser-known anecdotes, Guha's narration will keep you glued to the three-hour-long series.
Log on to: The Seen and the Unseen on YouTube

Family speaks

In this series, veteran journalist Ashraf Engineer speaks with peace activist Tushar Gandhi, great-grandson of Mahatama Gandhi, who transports you to the twilight of the Mahatma's life over six episodes. Scratching beneath the surface, they navigate stories about an India fractured along religious lines, and the leader's unwavering commitment to non-violence tested at every turn. There's an intimacy in Tushar's reflections that unveil the struggles which the Mahatma kept hidden from the world. With conversations reflecting upon the striking similarities between the Mahatma's final years and the current era, this podcast will leave you with some questions to reflect upon.
Log on to: Gandhi The Final Years on Spotify and Apple Podcasts