Jesse Jackson, a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, passed away recently. He was known for his advocacy for civil rights in the US, following in the footsteps of leaders like Martin Luther King. Jackson highlighted Mahatma Gandhi’s influence on him and other leaders during an event commemorating Gandhi’s martyrdom in 2008.
M.R. Rangaswami, the founder of Indiaspora, expressed gratitude to Jackson for his role in advancing civil rights, which also facilitated immigration reform benefiting Indian immigrants. Jackson emphasized the enduring significance of Gandhi’s principles of democracy, peace, and human rights, even six decades after his death.
Reflecting on Gandhi’s impact, Jackson praised the decolonization efforts inspired by Gandhi and Martin Luther King, noting the progress made in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. He underscored the importance of non-violence and soul force in achieving peace and addressing global challenges. Additionally, Jackson acknowledged Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle.
During a visit to Kolkata in 2014, Jackson highlighted the potential of globalization to improve the world and advocated for international cooperation based on economic justice. He emphasized the need for unity in addressing global issues, using the analogy of saving a burning house to illustrate the importance of collective action. Jackson’s advocacy for diversity and inclusion was exemplified in his support for nominating a woman as a vice-presidential candidate during his presidential campaign in 1984.
