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New Book Shreds Fabrications of Indian Civil Rights Icon

NEW YORK, April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- In "Gandhi Under Cross-Examination" (Sovereign Star, 2008), renowned Gandhi scholar G. B. Singh and his colleague, Tim Watson, examine the very roots of Mahatma Gandhi's position as an icon of the Civil Rights movement.

In 1893, Gandhi claims to have been thrown out from a first-class train compartment at Pietermaritzburg, South Africa for refusing to give up his seat to a white man. This racial incident allegedly galvanized him to fight against British colonialism. Yet in 1895, just two years later, Gandhi was promoting segregation in Durban, South Africa. The local post office had two doors -- one for blacks and Indians and another for whites. Calling it an "invidious distinction," Gandhi successfully campaigned for a third door for Indian use only.

G. B. Singh, who also authored "Gandhi: Behind the Mask of Divinity" (Prometheus, 2004), said: "My previous book proved Gandhi's own writings demonstrate his vehement racism against black Africans. This new book goes a step further, debunking the propaganda behind the favorite icon of modern American and Indian politicians."

"Gandhi Under Cross-Examination" challenges the historical accuracy behind Gandhi's pivotal story of racial discrimination aboard a South African train, exposing his divergent accounts of the incident. By placing Gandhi on the witness stand and weaving courtroom drama into the analytical text, the authors ultimately conclude the famous incident has no basis in fact. There are thousands of books about Gandhi, but this is one of the few willing to place his claims under the lens of historical scrutiny.

"We're confident this book will emphasize our dedication to publishing thought-provoking but essential works," said Pieter Friedrich, Sovereign Star's editor-in-chief. "With so many world leaders, from Obama to the Dalai Lama, crediting Gandhi as their inspiration, the world deserves to see a critical examination of the Gandhi story."

Singh will appear at the official book release at 10am, May 2, 2008, Best Western Garden Court Inn, 5400 Mowry Ave., Fremont, CA 94538.

Col. G. B. Singh (Ret.) served in the U.S. Army. He is a professional student of Indian politics, world religions, and the life and teachings of Gandhi. He lives in Tennessee, USA.

Dr. Tim Watson teaches philosophy and communications and hosts a weekly radio show. He lives in Toronto, Canada.

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