Gandhi Returns

Some of the Indian Independence leader Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes have been scattered into the ocean off the coast of South Africa 62 years after his death. “The ashes were sprinkled on to the Indian Ocean in a Hindu ceremony attended by about 200 people to mark the 62nd anniversary of Gandhi’s death. They were handed over to the family last year after the family friend died. After Gandhi’s assassination, his body was cremated and the ashes distributed among family, friends and followers. According to Hindu custom, ashes are scattered over a body of water shortly after cremation. Correspondents say it is difficult to estimate how many people received a portion of Gandhi’s ashes. Boats carrying about 200 family members and friends were joined by South African navy vessels in the sea near Durban for the ceremony.”