A President Who Interviewed Mahatma Gandhi: An Untold Story
Abhishek dehariya | Apr 17, 2025, 14:50 IST
History is filled with stories that don’t make the headlines but have a profound impact on the course of events. Have you ever heard that an Indian president once interviewed Mahatma Gandhi in his early years? This is not a work of fiction but a true event. This story is about K. R. Narayanan, a man who began as a journalist, became a diplomat, and ultimately became the President of India. In this article, we’ll explore the historic interview and how Gandhi's thoughts shaped a young journalist's vision.
The name Mahatma Gandhi evokes thoughts of truth, non-violence, and social reform. Gandhi's ideas shook the world. But imagine a young, ordinary journalist interviewing him, who would later become the President of India. Isn’t this story worth exploring?
K. R. Narayanan’s life is nothing short of inspiring. In 1945, he interviewed Mahatma Gandhi, an encounter that remains hidden in history but is a significant event. Let’s delve into this fascinating story.
K. R. Narayanan was born on October 27, 1920, into a poor Dalit family in Kerala. His economic situation was so dire that he had to walk several kilometers to attend school. Yet, he never gave up. Through hard work and dedication, he earned a degree in English literature and moved to Delhi to pursue journalism. His writing reflected seriousness, analytical depth, and social sensitivity
In 1945, early in his journalistic career, Narayanan got the opportunity of a lifetime — to interview Mahatma Gandhi. This was the time when India was on the brink of independence and Gandhi was at the peak of his popularity.
In this meeting, Narayanan asked Gandhi bold questions: "What will be the status of social equality in an independent India?" "Will Dalits get their rights?" "Can politics function with morality?"
Gandhi’s responses were simple yet profound. He said that true freedom for India would be when even the last person in society could live with dignity. This conversation had a lasting impact on Narayanan’s worldview.
The interview with Gandhi was more than just a conversation; it was a turning point that changed Narayanan’s inner being. Gandhi’s values — truth, non-violence, and compassion for the lowest strata of society — became a part of Narayanan's core belief system. He began to view journalism not just as a career but as a means for social reform.
That one conversation made him realize that true change could not come from just the pen, but also through participation in policy and governance. This belief eventually led him into politics.
A few years after his interview with Gandhi, Narayanan was selected for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). He represented India in Burma, Japan, the UK, and Vietnam. His simplicity, sensitivity, and foresight were appreciated everywhere.
In 1984, he entered politics as a member of the Congress Party, later serving as a Member of Parliament and a Cabinet Minister. In 1992, he became the Vice President of India and in 1997, he became India’s first Dalit President. This wasn’t just a personal triumph but the victory of the values Gandhi had instilled in him — inclusiveness and social equality.
As President, K. R. Narayanan didn’t just uphold the Constitution; he was far from being a rubber stamp. Whenever the government made morally or socially contentious decisions, he did not remain silent. He showed that the President, if willing, could use his constitutional powers to guide the nation.
His leadership displayed a clear Gandhi influence — decisions based on morality, simplicity in behavior, and care for the most marginalized. His statements are still inspiring today. He often said, “I am the custodian of the Constitution, and the most important thing for me is the welfare of the people.”
The interview between K. R. Narayanan and Mahatma Gandhi, though not heavily documented in history books, left an indelible mark on India's soul. It wasn’t just an interview but the planting of an idea that would later blossom into a vision for leadership and governanceToday, when journalism is loud, politics lacks morality, and leadership is often superficial, this encounter between Narayanan and Gandhi teaches us that a single honest question, a genuine thought, and a true purpose can go a long way.
It also reminds us that the most untold stories in history can often offer the greatest lessons.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!
K. R. Narayanan’s life is nothing short of inspiring. In 1945, he interviewed Mahatma Gandhi, an encounter that remains hidden in history but is a significant event. Let’s delve into this fascinating story.
1. From Humble Beginnings to an Extraordinary Journey
Extraordinary Journey
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
2. The Rare Opportunity to Interview Mahatma Gandh
Mahatma Gandhi
( Image credit : Freepik )
In this meeting, Narayanan asked Gandhi bold questions: "What will be the status of social equality in an independent India?" "Will Dalits get their rights?" "Can politics function with morality?"
Gandhi’s responses were simple yet profound. He said that true freedom for India would be when even the last person in society could live with dignity. This conversation had a lasting impact on Narayanan’s worldview.
3. A Deeply Influenced Mind Shaped by Gandhi's Ideology
Gandhi's Ideology
( Image credit : Freepik )
That one conversation made him realize that true change could not come from just the pen, but also through participation in policy and governance. This belief eventually led him into politics.
4. From Diplomatic Service to the Rashtrapati Bhavan
Rashtrapati Bhavan
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
In 1984, he entered politics as a member of the Congress Party, later serving as a Member of Parliament and a Cabinet Minister. In 1992, he became the Vice President of India and in 1997, he became India’s first Dalit President. This wasn’t just a personal triumph but the victory of the values Gandhi had instilled in him — inclusiveness and social equality.
5. Living Gandhi's Ideals as President
Gandhi's Ideals as President
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
His leadership displayed a clear Gandhi influence — decisions based on morality, simplicity in behavior, and care for the most marginalized. His statements are still inspiring today. He often said, “I am the custodian of the Constitution, and the most important thing for me is the welfare of the people.”
The interview between K. R. Narayanan and Mahatma Gandhi, though not heavily documented in history books, left an indelible mark on India's soul. It wasn’t just an interview but the planting of an idea that would later blossom into a vision for leadership and governanceToday, when journalism is loud, politics lacks morality, and leadership is often superficial, this encounter between Narayanan and Gandhi teaches us that a single honest question, a genuine thought, and a true purpose can go a long way.
It also reminds us that the most untold stories in history can often offer the greatest lessons.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!