Recently I see there has been some discussion on Gandhi. As a point of information, I would like to offer the following. It appears that the last word(s) uttered by Mahatma Gandhi is still a matter of debate. Venkita Kalyanam, former personal assistant to Mr. Gandhi, said that he was present at the spot and Gandhi did not utter a single word.

For example we find at Despardes India News briefs the following report:

JAN 31 2006- “According to Bapu's personal assistant Venkita Kalyanam, the father of the nation said nothing after he was shot by Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948. Countless biographers have recounted that Mahatma Gandhi exclaimed "Hey Ram" when he was shot.

Kalyanam told media persons that "I was right behind him when he was shot. He did not say anything. He died immediately".

According to him, Gandhi fell backwards with a groan and his spectacles and sandals fell off on impact. The 83-year-old aide also said Gandhi was not keen on Jawaharlal Nehru becoming the Prime Minister and wanted an ordinary man such as a farmer to be Prime Minister.

This revelation is quite a thought provoking.

Jai Srila Prabhupada,

Balavidya dasa