On this day in 1948, bullets were fired—but they could never kill an idea. Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, yet his legacy lived on. In 2003, this ad film titled GANDHI, created by Y&R Roma for Telecom Italia was released.
Watch it. Feel the goosebumps. 1/11
In the late 1930s, Gandhi stands before a modern webcam, his voice carried across the world through telecommunication devices. Millions listen as he speaks of love and peace. 2/11
Gandhi sits in a simple hut, turns on a webcam, and begins speaking. Though alone, his message travels across the world—projected on skyscrapers, giant screens, mobile phones, and PCs—reaching massive crowds and intimate spaces alike. 3/11
Then, a powerful question appears on the screen: "Imagine the world today if he could have communicated like this." The ad fades out, leaving only the Telecom Italia logo—an idea that still lingers. 4/11
This 2004 Telecom Italia commercial “Gandhi”, directed by Spike Lee, won the “Best Ever Forever” award at the Key Awards. A thought-provoking vision of what the world might have been like if modern communication had existed in his time. 5/11
Here are some comments from Italians on YouTube that we translated to share the deep admiration and emotions they feel for Mahatma Gandhi.
Something we once held close, now made to be forgotten. 6/11
"This advertisement has always given me shivers... there's something touching about it... maybe it's the music... maybe it's Gandhi's silent charisma... men like that aren't born anymore, unfortunately!"
(~ user 30myuu) 7/11
"If only everyone could listen to it....maybe today we would truly live in a better world!"
(~user SpadadiRuna) 8/11
"if everyone had really followed Gandhi...everything would be different by now!!! the song is amazing...."
(~ user prixxi89)
9/11
"I don't know if it is moral to use the figure of Gandhi in an advertisement, but the more I look at it, the more I am convinced that this is the best advertisement ever, Gandhi is my idol, I have based my whole life on his teachings."
~ user JoutenShin 10/11
History has a way of reminding us, even when we try to forget.
The truth, no matter how buried, always finds a way to resurface. And when it does, it carries with it the power to stir hearts, change minds, and shape the future.
Gandhi is the truth.
11/11
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