(Pics) Why Mahatma Gandhi is not 'Father of the Nation'?: RTI activist

Since childhood, we all have been taught that the great son of India, Mahatma Gandhi is the "Father of the Nation". But surprisingly, the government of India does not consider Gandhiji as the Father of the Nation!

According to government's documents, Gandhiji was not conferred with this title, constitutionally.

This amazing fact was revealed by the persistent efforts of the youngest RTI activist 10-year-old Aishwarya Parashar, who sought response on this from the Central government.

In a written reply, the government said that Mahatma Gandhi cannot be accorded the 'Father of the Nation' title by government as the Constitution does not permit any titles except educational and military ones.

While giving reference to the Article 18 (1) of the Constitution, the MHA had said that it does not permit any titles except education and military ones.

The MHA had transferred Aishwarya's appeal to the National Archives of India.

Unsatisfied by the government's answers, Aishwarya had filed an appeal to the Central Information Commission (CIC). Then, the Central Information Commissioner Basant Seth had stated, "There is no order/document on record by which Gandhiji was given the title of "Rastrapita". Gandhiji is reverently called the "Father of the Nation/Rastrapita" by the entire country. The title is not dependent on the presumed presence or absence of official records."

He also added, "His supreme role in the freedom struggle of our Nation is an incontrovertible part of our proud legacy. Needless controversies in such matters are hurtful and should be avoided by all. We say no more."

The government of India does not consider Gandhiji as the Father of the Nation!

Last year, the reply to an RTI query came as a shock to all those Indians who believed that Republic day, Independence day and Gandhi Jayanti are national holidays. Apparently, these three dates were never notified by the government.

Lucknow-based student Aishwarya, an ardent follower of Mahatma Gandhi's principles, said, "When I read in books that Mahatma Gandhi is known as 'Father of the Nation', I was curious to know who gave him the title. I searched on internet but nothing came out so I filed an RTI."

Driven by a patriot zeal, Class VI student Aishwarya wrote to the then President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to issue a notification declaring Mahatma Gandhi as 'Father of the Nation'.

Mahatma Gandhi: The forgotten Hero?

Since childhood, we all have been taught that the great son of India, Mahatma Gandhi is the "Father of the Nation". But surprisingly, the government of India does not consider Gandhiji as the Father of the Nation!

Mahatma Gandhi: The forgotten Hero?

According to government's documents, Gandhiji was not conferred with this title, constitutionally.

Mahatma Gandhi: The forgotten Hero?

This amazing fact was revealed by the persistent efforts of the youngest RTI activist 10-year-old Aishwarya Parashar, who sought response on this from the Central government.

Mahatma Gandhi: The forgotten Hero?

In a written reply, the government said that Mahatma Gandhi cannot be accorded the 'Father of the Nation' title by government as the Constitution does not permit any titles except educational and military ones.

Mahatma Gandhi: The forgotten Hero?

While giving reference to the Article 18 (1) of the Constitutinon, the MHA had said that it does not permit any titles except education and military ones. The MHA had transferred Aishwarya's appeal to the National Archives of India.

Mahatma Gandhi: The forgotten Hero?

Unsatisfied by the government's answers, Aishwarya had filed an appeal to the Central Information Commission (CIC).

Mahatma Gandhi: The forgotten Hero?

Lucknow-based student Aishwarya, an ardent follower of Mahatma Gandhi's principles, said, "When I read in books that Mahatma Gandhi is known as 'Father of the Nation', I was curious to know who gave him the title. I searched on internet but nothing came out so I filed an RTI."

Mahatma Gandhi: The forgotten Hero?

"Mahatma Gandhi had an exemplary passion for justice and an indefatigable spirit of service to mankind," President Pranab Mukherjee said on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti.