This chapter focuses on Parekh’s views on Mahatma Gandhi—from his efforts to counter the melancholia and pessimism of the Indians during the British rule to some of his lasting insights. An advocate of intercultural dialogue and the most influential anti-colonial activist and political thinker during the twentieth-century, says Parekh, Gandhi was probably the only political leader during the British rule of India who could communicate to both the Indian elites and the masses. Gandhi’s connections to the Khilafat Movement, as well as the criticisms he received from modernist Muslims for his...

This chapter focuses on Parekh’s views on Mahatma Gandhi—from his efforts to counter the melancholia and pessimism of the Indians during the British rule to some of his lasting insights. An advocate of intercultural dialogue and the most influential anti-colonial activist and political thinker during the twentieth-century, says Parekh, Gandhi was probably the only political leader during the British rule of India who could communicate to both the Indian elites and the masses. Gandhi’s connections to the Khilafat Movement, as well as the criticisms he received from modernist Muslims for his support of the movement, are discussed. It then studies Gandhi’s views on modernity and how he distinguishes spirituality and morality. Finally, the chapter considers if Gandhi can still be considered as relevant in modern times.