Bapu -As a child I wondered why would anyone listen to man who insisted on being “non-violent” in spite of being provoked . One could not withstand humiliations for ever. I could never appreciate the technique. As I assimilate my gatherings in life I realize how strong the technique is. Bapu is indeed a super hero.The monks of the Burma have shown to the world the power of this tool. Some may ask if “would Burma achieve freedom from a peaceful protest”. Yes It could have , had the neighboring countries like us (India) and China participated in a dialog going beyond Oil.

The protest in Burma -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Burmese_anti-government_protests

As everything , A single approach is never panacea to all our suffering .Will non-violence deliver against tyrants like Hitler , Idi Amin etc or as in this case a Military Junta (Committee of Military leaders) .It is debatable .Social changes at times can be coerced and at times cajoled.

Would like to leave you with that thought and an excellent reading on Gandhi’s ideas on Swaraj

http://www.mkgandhi.org/swarajya/coverpage.htm

Eswaran