Gandhi

Today is Gandhi's birthday so it is a national holiday. I thought that was kind of funny when I first heard about it, but then I realized that we have Washington's birthday as a holiday so there really is no difference, it just seems odd to me since Gandhi is a modern figure.
Of course that is kind of where the corollary between the two stop. Washington is someone we read about in history books but hardly ever talk about. Gandhi is seriously loved here. His face is on all of the money. There is a huge memorial to him here in Delhi, it is in the location where he was cremated, and it is somewhat of a pilgrimage site. I imagine that today there are many people at the memorial praying and paying their respects.
I even heard someone in the office explaining to a vegetarian in the office that it was okay if they tried out meat because even Gandhi tried meat when he was young.
Seeing how much he is respected and loved I can only imagine just how difficult life was for Indians when they were still under British control since really, life is still pretty tough for a lot of people in the country.
So, happy Gandhi's birthday all.
Side note: I have noticed that some of my posts show as posting the day before depending on when I post, so today is Oct 2nd my time.