Public sanitation was a subject about which Mahatma Gandhi was deeply interested throughout his life. Gandhi devoted a great deal of time to instilling in Indians an appreciation of the importance of sanitation and tried to rouse the Nation’s consciousness on this vital issue. It is important to note Gandhi’s published works devote significant attention to the cause of public sanitation, on parity with his focus on Satyagraha, Ahimsa and Khadi.

When Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait in 1990, Mathunny Mathews better known as Toyota Sunny stepped in as ‘Messiah Mathews’. Sunny’s immense contribution played a crucial role of saving 1,70,000 Indians from the Kuwait war in 488 flights.  (Read in Hindi: दूर देश रह रहे भारतवंशियों के मन में बसा है भारत...)

The year was 1942. Monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean had already arrived. With them the news of vigorous naval battles also came. World had become bipolar, India too was on the boil, waiting to unshackle the chains of age old slavery. At this juncture Sir Stafford Cripps came with an offer of dominion status in return of India's support for the war. The British offered allegiance to Queen in lieu of self-rule but did not realize the likes of Bhagat Singh and Chandra Shekhar Azad hadn't sacrificed their lives for dominion status. Demand of freedom fighters across the country was unanimous and it was for 'Poorna Swaraj', total independence. Therefore, on the eve of 8th August, 1942 Gandhi ji gave a clarion call to the nation. He said, "Here is a mantra, a short one that I give you. You may imprint it on your hearts and let every breath of yours give expression to it. The mantra is: 'Karo ya Maro', ‘Do or Die’."

"Quit India" resolution of 8th August, 1942, marked a decisive moment in the history of India's freedom struggle. Gandhiji found the tenet of Truth and nonviolence put to most severe test. (Read in Hindi: अगस्‍त क्रांति : 'भयावह' स्थितियों में लड़ाई का 'अहिंसक' तरीका)

Quit India Movement or the August Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi on August 8, 1942 to gain independence from British rule. Gandhiji gave call to the British to withdraw from India. He decided to launch a mass civil disobedience movement 'Do or Die' call to force the British to leave India. The Cripps Mission and its failure also played an important role in Gandhi's call for the Quit India Movement. The British government on 22nd March 1942, sent Sir Stafford Cripps to negotiate terms with the Indian political parties and secure their support in Britain's war efforts. A Draft Declaration included terms like establishment of Dominion, establishment of a Constituent Assembly and right of the Provinces to make separate constitutions. These would be granted after the cessation of the Second World War.

Dadabhai Naoroji (1825-1917) – one of the makers of modern India- passed away on June 30, in year 1917. His death centenary is an apt occasion to revisit his legacy. Two features of his long and distinguished career stand out prominently a) sustained advocacy of Indian cause abroad and b) use of statistics to shape public discourse.