Modi like Mahatma Gandhi? Yes, he inspired generations, says Mahesh Sharma

Mahesh Sharma was speaking at the launch of a book on Mahatma Gandhi's salt satyagraha

Union minister Mahesh Sharma on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi propagated "the ideals of the Gandhian era" and, like the father of the nation, inspired generations.

The Culture minister was speaking at the launch of a book on Mahatma Gandhi's salt satyagraha.

"Today among us, we have a propagator of the ideals of the Gandhian era in the prime minister," he said.

The minister, while talking about Gandhi's contribution to the independence struggle, noted that the salt satyagraha was not just about a pinch of salt, but about inspiring generations, something that the prime minister was also espousing.

"He (PM) started with the promise that the glow of freedom would reach every person in the country. His dream is to fulfil the dreams of Gandhiji. The ministry of Culture is duty bound and committed to spreading his dreams and thoughts throughout the world for the sake of humanity," Sharma said.

The salt march, also known as the dandi march and salt satyagraha, was an act of non-violent civil disobedience in colonial India, initiated by Gandhi in 1930, to produce salt from seawater in the coastal village of Dandi.

The book 'Historical Background to the Imposition of Salt Tax under the British Rule in India (1757-1947) and Mahatma Gandhi's Salt Satyagraha (1930-31) against the British Rule' has been authored by Y P Anand, former Director, National Gandhi Museum.

"This book is extremely important for India, especially in the present times, wherein there is a need for humanity in the world," the minister added.