Mario Cini, Novi, Michigan, USA
Why Gandhi?
San Ġwann council has unanimously agreed to name a recently built garden at the entrance of the locality 'Garden of Peace - Mahatma Gandhi, icon of peace, 1869-1948'.
I know I am opening a can of worms, but couldn't the local council come up with a better name for that garden? What did Gandhi do to help the cause of people in San Ġwann - or Malta, for that matter? Here are some alternative Maltese names that come to mind, even after living away from Malta for some 30 years: Ġnien il-Mensija; Ġnien San Ġorġ Preca; Ġnien l-Assedju l-Kbir; Ġnien l-Ewropa.
Or how about naming the garden for some Maltese 'icon' like Dom Mintoff or George Borg Olivier? It is also fitting perhaps to name the garden after the 47 Maltese who were most unjustly exiled during the war as a full and unqualified apology for the wrongs done to them. And while they are at it, I suggest the council rename the town Il-Mensija. I am sure these are move fitting names than Gandhi.
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Matthew Vella
Aug 26th 2011, 10:42
Yeah it's not as though the liberation of India Gandhi inspired many former British colonies to seek freedom and self-reign, oh wait Malta wasn't one of those countries was it?
We should opt for a better personality, Dominique Strauss-Kahn springs to mind.
Franco Farrugia
Oct 26th 2008, 20:08
The comments which some people put in this blog show that in spite of the fact that some of us, Maltese, use their wings and fly to countries away from Malta, their insular, narrow-minded mentality, remains. As if they were living in a time-warp. This is what I remind myself of when I read such letters.
s.bugeja
Oct 26th 2008, 17:39
Why must we always name these places for politicians? Why are we obsessed so much with politics that we can't come up with other names belonging to other sectors of society? There are so many people who are not involved with politics yet have given society a lot like artists, philanthropists, thinkers, historians, authors, and plain good old workers. Perhaps they don't bear the title 'honorable' but they are honorable just the same (I dare say compared to some of our 'honorables' even more so)
J. Borg
Oct 26th 2008, 11:38
......What had Gandhi ever done for Malta and the Maltese?
Why not ask what Gandhi represents to mankind - his principles of non-violence, perseverance, complete altruism, multi-cultural unity and co-operation, and respect for Nature.
If only we show a glimpse of Ghandi's generosity in our lives, Malta and the world will be such a better place!
Our children have much more to learn from Ghandi's qualities - than all the local politicians past & present put together!
Cgatt
Oct 26th 2008, 11:36
@Em C Spiteri
"What had Gandhi ever done for Malta and the Maltese? "
Ironically the concept of passive resistance, which ultimately rid us of Mintoff and KMB.
The very thought of giving our politicians even more importance than they have sends a shudder through my body. These little Napoleons need to be put in their place not a pedestal.
Ramon Casha
Oct 26th 2008, 11:26
Guess what. San Ġwann itself is named after a non-Maltese. So is Santa Luċija, San Ġiljan, St. Andrews and many other place names. We've also got streets named after Popes.
Gandhi was inspirational to the whole world. He is not alone. Many other figures have inspired millions around the world, extending far beyond the borders of their countries. How about Martin Luther King? How about Nelson Mandela?
It's not as if we've forgotten our own people either - there are many gardens, streets and other places named after historical Maltese figures.
Just because we're an island doesn't mean we must be insular in our mentality at all times.
Em.C.Spiteri
Oct 26th 2008, 10:23
I agree with Mr Cini.
Isn't it time that we start thinking of honouring our own people. What had Gandhi ever done for Malta and the Maltese?