Kolhapur: Mahatma Gandhi's grandson and eminent writer Arun Gandhi passed away this morning in Avani Sanstha at Hansbarwadi near Kolhapur after brief illness, family sources said. He was 89 and is survived by his son Tushar, daughter Archana, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. His last rites will be held here later today.
Son of Manilal Gandhi and Sushila Mashruwala, Arun Gandhi was born in Durban on April 14, 1934. He was living in Kolhapur for the last two months. Like his grandfather, Arun Gandhi was a socio-political activist and made significant contribution in the social and political fields.
Among the books written by Arun Gandhi include 'The Gift of Anger: And Other Lessons from My Grandfather Mahatma Gandhi', 'Kasturba, The Forgotten Woman and others.
Arun Gandhi had settled in America with his family in 1987. There, he set up an organisation promoting non-violence. He arrived in Kolhapur in February and since then was staying at the house of Anuradha Bhosale, president of the Gandhi Avani Sanstha in Hanbarwadi. Avani Sanstha works for the less privileged and homesless girls and women. Arun Gandhi has been visiting this organisation for the last 24 years.
The eminent author was earlier admitted in hospital with flu-like symptoms. He had recovered and released but doctors adviced him not to travel, family sources said. He was writing till late last night and breathed his last on his bed, they added.
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His son Tushar is on his way to Kolhapur for the last rites. With the consent Tushar and other relatives, Arun Gandhi will be cremated between 5 to 6:30 pm at the Gandhi Foundation premises in Vashi Nandwal in Kolhapur.
