How relevant are our Gandhis?

I would rather ask how Gandhian are our Gandhis. Two namesakes are at the helm of the nation, and how do they really figure as Gandhians? Do they actually understand and respect the views of Mahatma Gandhi. These are the questions I am trying to find an answer to.

Gandhivaad or the recent filmi style Gandhigiri has been flouted ever since Gandhiji passed away. Why did they all speak so highly of Gandhiji and yet did not put his teachings into practice? I think gradually all the political Gandhians, including Nehru's descendents lost the focus on Gandhiji's ideology, and became entangled in ruling the country, by whatever means possible. That is one reason why the Bofors scandal did not surface properly. The desire to continue ruling has seriously affected their output, and the resolve to find the truth has weakened, instead of being strengthened.

My mother had the good fortune of being blessed by Gandhiji. Her group of friends performed a play about Ramayana, and Gandhiji suggested that next time they should perform a play about Raja Harishchandra. Gandhiji was a keen observer, always interested in arts and social culture.He ws not a ruler by any measure. He ruled our hearts, and continues to do so.

I think our politicians must go into serious introspection, get around their differences, practice what they preach, and give up desires to rule by hook or crook or by the book. People like Rahul are young blood and may take time to become truly Gandhian in their outlook, the heavy conditioning of the western education does take a toll. I hope he becomes a true Gandhian, lives upto Mahatma Gandhi's name, and leads India well, because ruling is one thing he cannot give up easily, so as long as the desire exists, he must rule well, like a true Gandhian. I think it is a hard journey for him, and here I stand wishing him well all the way.