Bill Clinton Raises Concerns Over Gandhi's Vision Amid Internal Divisions in India

Bill Clinton, the former US president, recently expressed concerns about the realisation of Mahatma Gandhi's vision for India. He highlighted ongoing internal divisions, particularly between Hindus and Muslims, as a significant challenge. "Today, India is enjoying brisk growth and has become the world’s most populous country, but the persistence of internal divisions, especially between Hindus and Muslims, leaves open the question of whether Gandhi’s vision will ever be fully realised," Clinton wrote in his new book "Citizen: My Life After the White House," released last week.

Clinton recounted his visit to Gujarat following the devastating 2001 earthquake. During this trip, he visited a hospital and interacted with young Indians at Ahmedabad's Gandhi Ashram. With assistance from Indian-American friends in Silicon Valley, Clinton helped establish the American India Foundation (AIF), which raised millions for earthquake relief efforts. "Just six days after I left office, my first opportunity for post-presidential service came when a massive earthquake struck the Indian state of Gujarat, killing 20,000 people and destroying thousands of homes, schools, hospitals, health clinics, and other buildings in cities, towns, and small villages," he wrote in a chapter titled "The Man with No Face."

Clinton's Humanitarian Efforts

Clinton described his experience visiting a hospital to meet earthquake victims. He recalled seeing a man whose face was severely damaged by a falling stone. "As I made my way through the group, I noticed a man at the far end of the room, in a section not well-lighted. He was sitting on his bed talking to a woman I assumed was his wife. I glanced at him several times, wondering why he hadn’t come forward. When the man turned to see the goings-on, I understood why. He had no face," Clinton wrote.

The former president also shared his interaction with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during this period. Clinton offered assistance due to his experience with natural disasters as governor and president. Vajpayee appreciated Clinton's offer and requested help in organising support from the Indian-American community to rebuild towns and villages affected by the quake. This collaboration led to the formation of AIF.

Legacy of AIF

AIF continues its work today under founder Lata Krishnan's leadership as board co-chair for several years. The organisation is highly rated by Charity Navigator and attracts strong support. Clinton reflected on AIF's impact: "Founder Lata Krishnan is still there and has been board co-chair for several years. Charity Navigator is highly rated and continues to attract strong support. Lata’s children were eight and eleven when she started with AIF. They grew up watching their mother, and supportive father, AJ, prove you can do well and make a difference to others."

Clinton also visited Kolkata to fulfil a promise made to Mother Teresa before her death in 1997. He toured Shishu Bhavan or Homes for Children and observed many children with disabilities or mixed-race backgrounds who had found loving homes there.

The former president expressed gratitude for his involvement with AIF and its role as a precursor to future initiatives through the Clinton Foundation and Clinton Global Initiative. "But I’m grateful I had the chance to help them get organised to support their critical decision to work with dedicated local NGOs and to encounter the man with no face and feel the grace of his greeting," he said.