Before the era of instant messaging and digital connectivity, humanity exhibited deep forms of connectedness. A striking example is the correspondence between the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy and the Indian lawyer Mohandas Gandhi, who was then living in South Africa. Despite postal delays of up to six months, their exchange of letters captured the ideas of peace, non-violence and human dignity that spread across nations and generations. Their connection resonates with the theory of quantum entanglement - distant yet inseparable lives that deeply influence each other.
This interconnectedness was the theme of a recent event at the University of South Africa (UNISA), organised in collaboration with the Embassy of Russia and the High Commission of India to mark the birthdays of Tolstoy (9 September 1828) and Gandhi (2 October 1869). The gathering celebrated two global icons whose philosophies continue to shape modern society, while highlighting the enduring cultural and political ties between Russia, India and South Africa.
Philosophies that cross borders
The discussion was opened by Prabhat Kumar, High Commissioner of India to South Africa, who recalled Gandhi's journey beginning with his formative years in South Africa. He recalled the defining moment at Pietermaritzburg station where Gandhi was thrown out of the section reserved for whites - an injustice that sparked his journey of resistance. He noted how Gandhi drew inspiration from Tolstoy's work, especially The Kingdom of God is within youwhich fundamentally shaped his philosophy of satyagraha (the power of truth).
Ilya Baranov, Counselor of the Russian Embassy, reflected on the remarkable patience and conviction embodied in the correspondence between Gandhi and Tolstoy. At a time when letters traveled across continents for months, their exchange reflected a deeper connectedness that transcended physical limitations. He stressed that their dialogue shows how the shared cultural heritage of Russia, India and South Africa can form the basis of modern cooperation - especially in the BRICS framework as South Africa celebrates Cultural Heritage Month.
A common historical journey
The historical connection between the three countries is both deep and practical:
- Language and culture: The Slavic roots of Russian and Sanskrit from India trace back to the Indo-European language family, reminiscent of ancient cultural ties.
- Trade and civilization: Indian traders interacted with early African civilizations such as Mapungubwe centuries before colonization transformed the region.
- Colonial struggles: During the South African (Anglo-Boer) war, the Russians supported the Boers, while Gandhi ironically organised an ambulance corps for the British - only to find that his "British passport" made him a second-class citizen. This bitter realisation strengthened his resolve to confront colonial oppression.
- Tolstoy Farm in Johannesburg: The settlement founded by Gandhi embodied Tolstoy's philosophy of simplicity and non-violence. It became the cradle of Gandhi's satyagraha experiments, which later inspired South Africa's struggle against apartheid.
It is no coincidence that Nelson Mandela himself contemplated this connection when he famously said: "You gave us Mohandas Gandhi, we gave him back to you as Matma Gandhi." Russia in turn provided material support to the South African liberation movements, forging a deeper bond of solidarity.
Links in a modern context
The event at UNISA also served as a platform for contemporary reflection:
- Prof Boitumelo Senokoane, executive director of institutional development at UNISA, argued that South Africa's post-apartheid difficulties stemmed in part from adopting the values of its former colonisers instead of its own cultural revolution. He quoted Tolstoy: "Money is a new form of slavery, different from the old only in that it is impersonal, in that there is no human relationship between master and slave."
- Tatiana Zagorodnikova of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Alagan Annamalai, Director of the National Gandhi Museum in New Delhi, Boris Gorelik of the Institute of African Studies in Moscow and Charlie Naidoo of the Albert Luthuli Museum contributed their insights on the legacies of Gandhi and Tolstoy and the responsibility of today's societies to pass on their messages.
- Galina Alexeyeva, Academic Director of the National Leo Tolstoy Museum-Residence in Yasnaya Polyana, emphasized Tolstoy's lasting influence - not only as a literary figure, but also as a global moral compass.
The way forward - BRICS and beyond
The celebration of Tolstoy and Gandhi's birthdays was not only about history, but also about future cooperation. As the world order evolves, Russia, India and South Africa are finding new ways to work together within the BRICS and G20. These platforms reflect the values of dialogue, equality and inclusiveness - ideals that both Tolstoy and Gandhi espoused in their lives.
The triangular relationship is now expanding beyond philosophy and literature into trade, technology, security and cultural exchange, reflecting the dynamics of the global South. Just as Gandhi and Tolstoy corresponded across continents without ever meeting in person, today's partnership demonstrates that interconnectedness can transcend political, religious, national, and ethnic boundaries to promote common progress.
The celebration of Tolstoy and Gandhi at UNISA recalled the profound interconnectedness of human experience. From the battlefields of the Crimean War to the railway station in Pietermaritzburg, from Tolstoy's farm in Johannesburg to the halls of the Kremlin and the plains of Gujarat, their stories continue to resonate.
As South Africa, India and Russia deepen their cooperation in a changing world order, the wisdom of these two giants offers a clue: that peace, justice and shared humanity remain the foundation of enduring relationships.
Kirtan Bhana
Thediplomaticsociety/gnews.cz - GH
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