Gandhi is beyond politics: Kamal Haasan

Kamal Haasan, a self-confessed follower of Gandhi, was in Coimbatore recently, for an event that saw the launch of the existing Tamil version of Mahatma Gandhi���s Sathya Sothanai, in a Tamil-friendly format, authored by Kovai-based poet Kalaimamani Andal Priyadarshini.
Speaking at the event, Kamal said, ���I have been doing research on ahimsa for decades and it took me so long to realise that non-violence is the most powerful tool in the world.It has won many powerful battles and created world-class leaders. There was a time when even the rationalist Periyar was critical of Gandhi. But he changed his stance towards the end, and praised him for his work. I fall in the same category. I used to criticise Gandhi, but now I am an ardent follower of his principles. Every time I thought I knew something about the man, I would learn more about him. It���s not easy to be Mahatma. The reason Gandhi could reach such great heights was because he was more of a thondar (follower), than a thalaivar (leader). Today, he is a symbol of the nation.���
He added, ���Politicians today are busy gathering votes, chasing power and scheming against others. Where do they have the time to discuss Gandhi? That being said, Gandhi is beyond politics. He should not be associated with any political party and neither should any party claim him.���
The actor also took out time to meet his friend, poet and translator Puviarasu (who had recently lost his son) during the trip. Kamal Haasan had earlier expressed his grief on his micro-blogging page. He had posted, ���My friend my elder poet Puviarasu���s son died. I asked him to give that vacant position 2 me. It was heart rending to talk to the parents.���