An ‘apostle of non-violence’ is probably the most popular description of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, but is it the most accurate one? Former ambassador Alan Nazareth, a globally recognised scholar on Gandhian thought, elucidates in this book on how Gandhi was much more than that; how the essence of his ideology was a rare and distinctive combination of truth and non-violence—a pro-active, passionate and path-breaking approach, rather than a passive absence of violence. His biggest contribution, in fact, was to channelise the spirit of self-sacrifice in a revolutionary drawn to violence and convert it into a soul force. This, in turn, led to an unprecedented thought revolution which not only resulted in India’s independence but sounded the death knell for European imperialism worldwide on one side and the most significant social reforms on the other—his work in the elimination of Untouchability, feudalism and Indenture system is unparalleled. Scholarly and thought-provoking, this highly readable book opens new vistas in our understanding of Gandhi, Gandhian thought and its contemporary relevance.