Remembering heroes like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr is as appropriate as studying their life and philosophy in times where brutality seems to be threatening the delicate fabric of our society. These paragons of peace and justice are among the greatest people to lived in the last century.

Mahatma Gandhi devoted his life to the freedom of India from British rule through non violence and truth; Martin luther King who won the Nobel peace prize in 1964 used non violent weapons to fight for racial equality and civil rights in America. Today, we are commemorating the regrettable death of Gandhi who was sacrificed at the altar of nationalist extremism 60 years ago; while King?s was assassinated on 4th April 1968, 40 years ago. Is it just a coincidence that these commemorations coincide with a no less major event: the 40th anniversary of our own independence!

They seem to be drawing our attention on the importance of truth, justice, responsibility and non violence to mention but the prominent values of Martin and Mohandas, two names beginning with ?M? like Mauritius ! Giving one?s life for humanity is no easy thing. Those who dare do so have been few. They are like the pinch of salt, which enhances the quality and taste of life. Would it not be interesting to know where they drew their flavour from?

I strongly believe that people like Gandhi and King should be studied at school, the more so as the former has contributed in the emancipation of our country towards more justice by sending Manilall Doctor to the rescue of oppressed workers. Some aspects of their childhood and school life might indicate a few ingredients used in the crucible, which brewed such exceptional personalities, pending appropriate programs in schools and media. It is interesting to note that both Gandhi and King were born of strong-willed and religious parents

Gandhi?s father Karamchand was an able and generous administrator, while his mother Putlibhai was a religious woman who worshipped everyday at the temple. King?s father and grandfather were church ministers and his mother a pious and devoted school teacher. They thus bathed in moral waters since childhood. Is it the case in our households? If not, what are the obstacles to responsible parenting? What are the areas we can improve?

At school, Gandhi was a conscientious student who disliked cheating and believed ?handwriting should be regarded as a sign of an imperfect education?. He also respected his teachers? authority. Besides he felt it his duty to nurse his ailing father, hence sacrificing his gymnastics classes quite often. King was a ?good almost model student, deferential to his elders, considerate of his peers?. He was so regular that he skipped two classes, graduating at19. ?Between school sessions, he sought jobs that would expose him to the plight of the masses.?

Are our children taught the sense of duty? Do they help at home and in society? Are they fully taking advantage of free education? Are teachers and parents guiding students to develop values other than academic skills? At this auspicious time when SC and HSC results are coming out, it would be desirable to reconsider the meaning we give to education, looking at it through the lives of two men who contributed to change the world.

Gandhi believed ?an education, which does not teach us to discriminate between good and bad, to assimilate the one and eschew the other? was a misnomer. King thought that ?education, which stops at efficiency may prove the greatest menace to society. The most dangerous criminal may be the man gifted with reason, but no morals?. Would it not be unfair to deprive the Mauritian population from better knowing them? Let's take our responsibility towards our country and posterity. Meanwhile long live the memory of King and Gandhi.