Calling Mahatma Gandhi racist, Ottawa student wants his statue removed
Kenneth Aliu, President of Institute of African Studies Student Association (IASSA), has spearheaded a campaign for the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's statue from Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. He accused Gandhi of anti-black racism and wrote a scathing opinion piece for independent weekly Charlatan. However, it is unlikely that the varsity will accept Aliu's demand.
What's written in the piece which led to debate
In the opinion piece that has started a debate, Aliu said Gandhiji referred to blacks as 'kaafirs', which is a condescending word. He said, "Gandhi was a racist. He utilized anti-Black racism as a weapon to bargain with the British about the subjugation of Indians living in South Africa." Here's the op-ed.
Gandhi's statues faced criticism in the past too
In the recent years, there have been numerous demands for removal of Gandhiji's statues. Citing racism concerns, University of Ghana had removed the Mahatma's statue in 2016. Gandhiji's statue was demanded to be removed by Indian minorities, from a public park in Sacramento, California. Similar demands were raised in San Francisco and Cerritos, California. The statues, however, are still erect.
Allegations against the Mahatma are varied
Critics of Gandhiji have levelled multiple accusations against him, including that he slept with naked young girls to understand his sexual constraint, did not want untouchables to find a foothold in politics and wanted Indians to be treated better than people of color.
Community that celebrates Mahatma Gandhi opposes Aliu's demands
Aliu's demands met resistance from the Ottawa-based Mahatma Gandhi Peace Council (MGPC), which promotes his values. President Rashmi Gupta said the University's President considers Gandhiji a revered figure and removal of statue is not something he would encourage. Saying the protests were inspired by misplaced prejudice, Gupta accepted Gandhiji made racist remarks, but that was way before he evolved to become the Mahatma.
