There has always been a question about whether former leaders with racist history should be honored especially on the African continent. Mahatma Ganhdi is most recognized for his peaceful protests that led the revolution which gave India her independence from the British.
What most people do not know is that while working in Africa as a lawyer for over 20 years, Ganhdi had passed several comments termed as racist and degrading of Africans. A statue of Ganhdi was erected in the University of Ghana in 2016. The statue was launched by the then Indian President, Pranab Mukherjee.
Since the statue was unveiled there have been several debates as to why someone with a racist history should be honored at the University rather than have statues of African heroes and heroines. Lecturers and students alike had taken upon themselves the task of stating obvious reasons why the statue should be taken down as they saw it as major disrespect.
A student of the university said having the statue of Ganhdi at the university meant they supported his values and stood for all he stood for while alive. She went on to say that if he is recognized for being racist at some point, then his statue shouldn’t be found on campus.
While living in South Africa, Ganhdi is alleged to have used words derogatory to the African race and calling Africans “naked savages” which has been termed as “uncharitable towards Africans” by lecturers at the University of Ghana.
Elsewhere in Africa there have been campaigns to take down or halt plans to erect Gandhi statues, majorly because of his racist writings and language towards Africans.
See also:
