William Shirer and Mahatma Gandhi

An American journalist’s friendship with Mahatma Gandhi gave India a megaphone around the world

The article first appeared in Scroll.in on Aug 24, 2024

The friendship between American journalist William L. Shirer and Mahatma Gandhi marked a significant chapter in the global awareness of India’s struggle for independence. Shirer, a prominent foreign correspondent, played a key role in amplifying Gandhi’s voice and the ideals of the Indian independence movement to audiences far beyond the subcontinent.

Shirer first encountered Gandhi’s work during the early 1920s, drawn by the Mahatma’s profound speeches and writings during his trial for sedition in 1922. By 1930, as a correspondent for the Chicago Tribune, Shirer had the opportunity to visit India and witness firsthand the nation’s fight against British colonial rule. His admiration for Gandhi deepened during this period, as he was struck by the leader’s simplicity, moral courage, and unyielding commitment to non-violence.

Their relationship grew over the years, rooted in shared correspondence and personal meetings, including their final encounter during the Second Round Table Conference in London in 1931. William Shirer was not merely an observer; he became an advocate for India’s cause, articulating the struggle for freedom in terms accessible to Western audiences. His writings often portrayed Gandhi as one of the most significant moral and political figures of the era.

This admiration culminated in Shirer’s reflective work, Gandhi: A Memoir (1979), in which he recounted the profound impact of Gandhi’s philosophy on global thought. In the book, Shirer confessed to being deeply moved by Gandhi’s life, calling him “perhaps the greatest living man on our planet.” Shirer’s engagement with Gandhi was not just personal but also deeply professional; his journalism carried the message of non-violence and self-determination to a world engrossed in political turmoil.

Beyond Gandhi, William Shirer became widely known for his meticulous chronicles of global events, particularly his book The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, which remains a seminal work on Nazi Germany. However, his lifelong respect and advocacy for Gandhi and India’s freedom struggle distinguished him as more than a historian or journalist. He became a bridge between India and the West, ensuring that the story of its fight for independence reached far and wide.

The celebration of Gandhi’s 75th birthday in 1944, attended by Shirer and other luminaries, was a testament to the enduring impact of their friendship. Shirer’s role exemplifies the power of cross-cultural alliances in shaping world opinion and advancing the causes of justice and liberty…

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