It is. We have a great sense of historical connection with India. Gandhi inspired Dr (Martin Luther) King and Mandela. He helped build a dynamic multicultural coalition in South Africa.
Is Gandhi’s heritage still relevant?
We all remember Dr King, Gandhi and Mandela fondly, but we do not hear their message. We’re still dealing with the extremes of prosperity and poverty.
But you see hope in countries like India?
The sheer size of this democracy is a hope for the world.
The outsourcing debate makes it seem there’s a conflict of interest between the working classes of the US and developing world.
Among all the things globalisation has done—it has globalised capital, technology, but it hasn’t globalised workers’ rights, so it is exploitative.
But where is the common ground?
The tendency is to play one working class against another, when they should be joining together to fight for universal healthcare and eliminating poverty.
Which Indian leaders have you met?
About three weeks before Rajiv Gandhi was killed, we were together in Namibia.
And you’re continuing to communicate with the Indian leadership?
At the last UN Assembly, I met Mrs (Sonia) Gandhi and extended an invitation to join the strong multinational movement for economic justice alongside the US and South Africa.
You’ve supported struggles for basic rights. Any movements in India you’ve followed?
No. You’re not getting me in that trap. I’m here as a guest of the iccr.
So how do you plan to use your time here?
To talk to Musharraf and Bhutto and ask them to choose coexistence over coannihilation.
And see something of India?
I want to see the Taj Mahal and also the Gandhi samadhi.
