'Our lives were centred on Indian Opinion'

Grand-daughter of Mahatma Gandhi, Ela Gandhi grew up in the Phoenix Settlement, the first ashram established by him.

Grand-daughter of Mahatma Gandhi, Ela Gandhi grew up in the Phoenix Settlement, the first ashram established by him. She is the former member of the South African Parliament representing the African National Congress from 1994 to 2003. Born of Manilal Gandhi and Sushila Gandhi, the last editors of the Indian Opinion, Ela Gandhi shares her views on the journal, her parents' contribution and the Phoenix through e-mail.

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Could you tell us something about the tradition, culture and values that the Indian Opinion nurtured? Since it was a social and political voice, what were its highs and lows?
Indian Opinion was founded to address the needs of the South African Indian Community in the early 20th century. Its main aim was to inform the community about the various government initiatives often taken to worsen the conditions of life of the Indian people in South Africa. Every law was carefully analysed and explained so that the people could understand it and know how it would affect them. It also raised the issues faced by the Indian community for the broader society to know.