Even before the era of instant news and digital connectivity, humanity demonstrated profound forms of interconnectedness. 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 ideas of peace, non-violence, and human dignity, which 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), organized in collaboration with the Russian Embassy and the Indian High Commission to commemorate the birthdays of Tolstoy (September 9, 1828) and Gandhi (October 2, 1869). The event celebrated these two global icons, whose philosophies continue to shape modern society, while also highlighting the enduring cultural and political ties between Russia, India, and South Africa.

Philosophies That Transcend Borders

The discussion was opened by Prabhat Kumar, the Indian High Commissioner to South Africa, who recalled Gandhi's journey, beginning with his formative years in South Africa. He highlighted the pivotal moment at the Pietermaritzburg train station, where Gandhi was thrown off a train for sitting in a compartment reserved for whites – an injustice that ignited his path of resistance. He pointed out how Gandhi drew inspiration from Tolstoy's work, particularly "The Kingdom of God Is Within," which profoundly shaped his philosophy of satyagraha (the force of truth).

Ilya Baranov, a counselor at the Russian Embassy, reflected on the remarkable patience and conviction embodied in the correspondence between Gandhi and Tolstoy. In an era when letters traveled across continents for months, their exchange reflected a deeper interconnectedness that transcended physical limitations. He emphasized that their dialogue demonstrates how the shared cultural heritage of Russia, India, and South Africa can form the foundation for modern cooperation – especially within the BRICS framework, as South Africa celebrates its Month of Cultural Heritage.

Letters between Tolstoy and Gandhi – photo UNISA

A Shared Historical Journey

The historical connection between the three countries is both deep and practical:

  • Language and Culture: The Slavic roots of Russian and the Sanskrit of India trace back to the Indo-European language family, reminding us of ancient cultural ties.
  • Trade and Civilization: Indian traders interacted with early African civilizations, such as Mapungubwe, centuries before the region was transformed by colonization.
  • Colonial Struggles: During the South African War (Anglo-Boer War), the Russians supported the Boers, while Gandhi paradoxically organized an ambulance corps for the British – only to discover that his "British passport" made him a second-class citizen. This bitter realization strengthened his determination to confront colonial oppression.
  • Tolstoy's Farm in Johannesburg: The settlement founded by Gandhi embodied Tolstoy's philosophy of simplicity and non-violence. It became the cradle of Gandhi's experiments with satyagraha, which later inspired the South African struggle against apartheid.

It is no coincidence that Nelson Mandela himself considered this connection, famously saying: ""You gave us Mahatma Gandhi, and we returned him to you as Mahatma Gandhi." Russia, in turn, provided material support to South African liberation movements, forging a deeper bond of solidarity.

Relevance in a Modern Context

The events at UNISA also served as a platform for contemporary reflections:

  • Professor Boitumelo Senokoane, Executive Director for Institutional Development at UNISA, argued that some of the challenges facing South Africa after apartheid stem from the adoption of values from former colonizers rather than a genuine cultural revolution. He quoted Tolstoy: "Money is a new form of slavery, different from the old one only in that it is impersonal; there is no human relationship between master and slave."
  • Tatiana Zagorodnikova from the Russian Academy of Sciences, Alagan Annamalai, Director of the National Gandhi Museum in New Delhi, Boris Gorelik from the Institute of African Studies in Moscow, and Charlie Naidoo from the Albert Luthuli Museum, contributed their insights on the legacies of Gandhi and Tolstoy, and on the responsibility of contemporary societies to pass on their messages.
  • Galina Alexeyeva, Academic Director of the National Museum-Estate of Leo Tolstoy in Yasnaya Polyana, emphasized Tolstoy's enduring influence, not only as a literary figure, but also as a global moral compass.

Moving Forward – BRICS and Beyond

The celebration of Tolstoy's and Gandhi's birthdays was not just about history, but also about future cooperation. As the global order evolves, Russia, India, and South Africa are finding new ways to collaborate within the BRICS and G20 frameworks. These platforms reflect the values of dialogue, equality, and inclusivity – ideals that both Tolstoy and Gandhi championed in their lives.

This trilateral relationship is now expanding beyond philosophy and literature into areas such as trade, technology, security, and cultural exchange, reflecting the dynamism of the Global South. Just as Gandhi and Tolstoy corresponded across continents without ever meeting in person, today's partnerships demonstrate that interconnectedness can transcend political, religious, national, and ethnic boundaries, fostering shared progress.

The celebration of Tolstoy and Gandhi at UNISA highlighted the deep interconnectedness of the human experience. From the battlefields of the Crimean War to the train 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 great figures offers guidance: that peace, justice, and shared humanity remain the foundation of lasting relationships.

Kirtan Bhana

Thediplomaticsociety/gnews.cz - GH