As Jesus hung on a tree...he said to his father..."Forgive them, they know not what they do." That is a tough example to follow but...
I could only hope to live up to that example...I would say...I will do the best I can to brighten up my own life & if someone watching gets a little brighter for it then great.
so yes...Ghandi, Jesus, Buddah, Krishna, Mother Theresa, Osho, and any other individual that can edify or build me up are worth following when they are leading me to love. When anyone leads me away from love...I would say...run the other direction...and watch your back...