What became of the Gandhian tradition in India following the death of Mahatma Gandhi? Did it quietly die away? Or were there still Indians who believed in his philosophy and methods, committed to continuing his work?
These were the questions that sent journalist Mark Shepard to India in 1978-79, where he found that the tradition begun by Gandhi was very much alive in such individuals, groups, and movements as:
-- an acclaimed saint who collected over four million acres in gifts of land for the poor
-- a leader of a nationwide protest movement that helped topple India's ruling party in the mid-1970s
-- a Peace Army that fought riots with nonviolence
-- a "Hug the Trees!" movement that physically blocked excessive logging in the Himalayas
-- a People's Court that even tried cases of murder and government corruption
-- a development center that was helping 400 villages rise from poverty
-- a nationwide movement of villages in which all land was held in common and decisions were made by unanimous consent
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Mark Shepard's writings on social alternatives have appeared in over 30 publications in the United States, Canada, England, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Japan, and India.
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"A masterpiece of committed reporting. . . . History that needs to be better known, told in clear, compelling, common language." -- American Library Association Booklist, Feb. 1, 1987 (starred review)
"Shepard has done a marvelous job describing individuals and groups keeping the spirit of Gandhi alive in India and throughout the world. His book presents living proof the ideals of the Mahatma will never die." -- Cesar Chavez, founder and President, United Farm Workers of America
"This lively book fills a critical gap in our understanding of Gandhi's way. . . . A source of hope and inspiration." -- Joanna Macy, author/activist
"A remarkable job of introducing the contemporary Gandhian movement -- readable, honest, challenging." -- Jim Forest, General Secretary, International Fellowship of Reconciliation
"A fascinating study. . . . As useful as it is encouraging." -- Michael Nagler, founder Peace and Conflict Studies Program, University of California at Berkeley, and author, America Without Violence
