Gandhi Gitanjali: A poetic pen portrait of Mahatma Gandhi by Rashtra Sant Tukdoji Maharaj

Rashtra Sant Tukdoji Maharaj (1909–1968) was a saint, social reformer, and literary figure whose works fused spiritual depth with practical social ethics. His writings are not confined to devotional or mystical themes; they extend into the realm of socio- political consciousness, human rights, rural development and moral regeneration. Among his literary contributions, ‘Gandhi Gitanjali’ stands out as a heartfelt poetic tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. ‘Gandhi Gitanjali’ is more than an elegy or commemorative poem; it is a spiritual- political manifesto, weaving together Gandhiji’s life, ideals and sacrifices into lyrical verses that inspire action and moral introspection. Through this work, Tukdoji Maharaj channels the emotional grief of the nation after Gandhiji’s assassination in 1948 and transforms it into a call for the continuation of Gandhian principles in daily life. The ‘Gandhi Gitanjali’ emerged in a period of deep national mourning. Gandhiji’s assassination shook India’s moral and emotional core. The loss was not merely political; it was spiritual. For millions, Gandhiji symbolized truth (Satya) and non- violence (Ahinsa). Tukdoji Maharaj, who himself had been a participant in the freedom movement and an admirer of Gandhiji’s philosophy, saw the assassination not as the end of Gandhiji’s work but as a sacred responsibility passed on to the nation. Composing ‘Gandhi Gitanjali’ allowed him to articulate the grief of the masses while reaffirming the moral framework Gandhiji had gifted to India. The title ‘Gitanjali’ is significant. Borrowing from the tradition of devotional offerings, much like Rabindranath Tagore’s Gitanjali, Tukdoji’s ‘Gandhi Gitanjali’ treats Gandhiji not merely as a political leader but as a saintly figure, a Mahatma whose life was an offering to God and humanity.