PTI

New Delhi, Mar 22: Contrary to popular belief, the word 'satyagraha' that became synonymous with Mahatma Gandhi was "not coined by him" but his cousin who helped him decide on a name for his non-violent struggle, a book by a former diplomat claims.

"He (Mahatma Gandhi) offered a prize for an appropriate name for the new non-violent struggle they had decided upon. A cousin, Maganlal Gandhi, suggested 'Sadagraha' (firmness in good cause). Gandhi amended it to 'Satyagraha' (firm adherence to truth)...," the book, 'Gandhi's Outstanding Leadership', authored by former diplomat Pascal Alan Nazareth, claims.

Releasing the book on the Father of the nation last evening, former Prime Minister IK Gujral said Gandhi is more relevant today as he has the capacity to influence our lives.

"World history would have been entirely different today had Gandhi chosen to remain silent after being thrown off on a South African station from a train," he said.

Senior journalist B G Verghese said Gandhi was much ahead of his times and his "vibrant principles" still remain active. 

(Note: Pascal Alan Nazareth IFS Retired, son of the late Pascal Ambrose Nazareth, erstwhile retired district and sessions judge, Coimbatore, and the late Elizabeth Lucy Nazareth, is a Mangalorean of Shirva origin, and is a brother of AICC functionary, former Kanara MP and former union minister Margaret Alva. He was India's ambassador to Mexico  - Editor, Daijiworld.com)