Literary scholar Rajmohan Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, was in Patna for the two-day conclave that was part of the state government's Champaran Satyagraha centenary celebrations. Speaking to Roshan Kumar of The Telegraph, Rajmohan shares his views, from communalism to corruption.

The Telegraph: Communalism and corruption are big issues plaguing the country today. Which is a bigger issue for you?

Gandhi: Freedom of an individual is very important. Neither the State nor any pressure group should intimidate an individual. The Constitution has granted freedom to every individual: The freedom to live freely in the country, freedom to live in any part of the country without fear and intimidation. Intimidation of an individual is a big issue.

Statesmen like Mahatma Gandhi and Jayaprakash Narayan, who had the charisma to lead the entire nation, are missing from the scene now. Do you think the country needs a leader who is equidistant from corruption and communalism and can also take the country on a path acceptable to all?

Corruption and communalism both should be opposed. They are dangerous for Indian society. It should be opposed in the right way. No society can develop where the government is in the hands of communal and corrupt leadership. There is no middle path.

Where does Bihar stand now? Nitish Kumar who is neither corrupt nor communal heads the government in Bihar, but his alliance partners in the government are facing corruption charges.

I came to Bihar a few hours back. I have not studied the current political situation in detail. I am not going to comment on the current political situation without studying it.

What is the way to build a society that is neither corrupt nor communal?

We Indians should be tolerant and not lose patience. We should not be excited. We should think what kind of a society we want. We should build a society where there is trust among each other. There should not be suspicion among neighbours. We should not allow any type of bitterness and suspicion to grow in our minds against any community. There should be love and respect for each and every individual.

Can refusal to say 'Bharat mata ki jai' be considered disrespect to the nation and the Constitution?

There should not be any pressure either from the government or a group/individual. If you push me I will react. There should not be any kind of pressure to say Jai Hind. If pressure is exerted, there will be reactions.

The situation in Jammu and Kashmir has worsened ever since the NDA government led by Mehbooba Mufti came to power there. How do we deal with the crisis in Kashmir?

People who want to change India into a Hindu rashtra will have to face opposite reactions. The situation in Kashmir is volatile. The government should handle the situation carefully so that it doesn't deteriorate.

Do you think there is a need for a strong alliance among regional and like-minded parties who can stop the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah storm? Who do you think will be able to lead such an alliance?

I can't comment on the issue. I am not an active student of politics. If there is a need for alliance then the gathbandhan should be at the lower level. There should be mutual love and respect among individuals. People should learn to love their neighbours. There should be sadbhavna (harmony) among neighbours. If there is love and respect among people at the lower level, they can think big and in doing so they will go for a government that cares for them and doesn't spread hatred.