Mahatma the great soul!

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First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.

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Concept & Editor Pandarinath Prabhala

THE GREAT SOUL: MAHATMA FOR A BETTER WORLD

Associate Editors K Surya Putra Dr Bhaskara Reddi K Manibhushan

Advertising support Sri Charana Communications, Hyderabad. Ph: 040-27677086 Marketing M Nikhil Reddy

Circulation M Hanumantha Rao Cover & Layout Srinivas Tripurana

Printed & Published by Pandarinath Prabhala on behalf of FAIR media,

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AN IDEAL STUDENT

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FIGHTING RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

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FIRST SPARK OF PROTEST

MAKING OF AN UNLIKELY HERO! GANDHI AND GIRMITIAS

Content coordination Silveri Srisailam P Anjaneyulu Kashyap Addanki P Akash

TRYST WITH CONGRESS AT KOLKATA BAPU AND BRAHMACHARYA SATYAGRAHA

KHILAFAT, KHADI & CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

FISTFUL OF SALT & THE FREEDOM FIGHT

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QUIT INDIA, THE FINAL JOUST

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CHRONOLOGY OF MAHATMA GANDHI’S LIFE

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HEY RAM!

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INDIA RIPE FOR REVOLUTION

CHILDHOOD SHOWS THE MAN

Editorial Consultants Vijay Nellutla

- Mahatma Gandhi

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is voice was feeble…. But through his life. Albert Einstein My Word it swayed countless said: "Generations to come, it Indians and millions world may well be, will scarce over! believe that such a man as this His frame frail….But, he one ever in flesh and blood defeated the empire on which walked upon this Earth.” the Sun would never set!

To Tagore, he was He was derided as a halfMahatma – the great soul. To naked fakir…. Yet, he was millions of Indians, he was just adored by the vast multitudes Pandarinath Prabhala Bapu. Decades after he of Indians! departed, Gandhi continues to Concept & Editor Under his leadership, inspire millions –within and simple tools like spinning wheel, salts outside India.

Ramdhun and fast became powerful Gandhi continues to guide world weapons. Under his guidance, Ahimsa, leaders. Gandhi was the only one who Satyagraha, Hindi and Harijan Seva had the courage of conviction and became potential political weapons. unshakable belief to say: MY LIFE IS From non-violence to naturopathy, MY MESSAGE. from Brahmacharya to Swadeshi, from FAIR media pays its humble goat’s milk to salt satyagraha… he homage to our dear Bapu by bringing walked the talk. He believed that the out a special edition – dedicated to his leader should serve and did the same all life, beliefs and his actions.

MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL | 1

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FOR A BETTER WORLD

ill our world always be one of violence? Will there always be poverty, starvation, misery?"

"Will we have a firm and wider belief in religion or will the world be Godless?"

"If there is to be a change in society, how will that change be brought about? by war or revolution? Or will it come peacefully?"

"The world of tomorrow will be, must be a society based on non-violence. This is the first law; out of it all other blessings will follow."

"It may seem a distant goal, an impractical Utopia. But it is obtainabl obtainable; it can be worked for, here and now."

"Individuals, groups and Nations must adopt the

path of nonviolence, the way of love."

"I see then no poverty in the world of tomorrow, no wars, no revolutions, no bloodshed."

"And, in that world there will be a faith in God greater and deeper than ever in the past. The very existence of the world, in a broad sense, depends on religion. All attempts to root it out will fail."

"A world federation, a 'One World' can be built only on a foundation of non-violence. Violence will have to be totally given up in world affairs."

MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL | 3

INDIA RIPE FOR REVOLUTION

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Deep discontent and resentment began brewing in India by mid-19th Century.

This revolution exploded as a full-scale rebellion in March 1857. The whole nation had fought the Britishers with all its might. Though a failed attempt, the rebellion paved way for latter battles and the final push to free India

y early 19th Century, India was usurped by the East India Company. On the pretext of offering protection from the French and Portugese, the British gained control of several princely states. By 1913, most of the princely states had titular heads as British became firmly entrenched.

The East India Company eyed the vast riches of the country and began interfering in financial affairs. Native trade, economy and handicrafts were

systematically destroyed.

Raw material and production of goods stood completely subjugated. Slowly but surely, a one-way trade system took shape, where only British goods were peddled.

Indian raw material exports were subjected to high customs duty, while the imports were not taxed. This had virtually barred export of highlyvalued Indian cotton and silk clothes to England, but British goods made their way into the Indian hinterland

unhindered. As a result, native industries were choked and artisans became farmhands. Indian native technology of smelting fell into disuse, while metal and jewellery industries received crippling body blows. Once-wealthy India was pauperized and was turned into a mere raw material provider.

UNPRECEDENTED FAMINES

The East India Company had also resorted to massive and

4 | MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL

"Realisation of Truth is not at all possible without Ahimsa.

That is why it has been said that Ahimsa is the supreme Dharma"

unprecedented land grab, which dealt a death blow to the rural economy.

Till then, land taxes were paid in kind. But the Britishers collected taxes in cash. Also, food crops began to be replaced by cash crops. These led to further impoverishment of India. The land-owning farmers soon became landless labourers and famines became the order of the day.

Unprecedented and irreversibly crippling famines decimated populations and destroyed economy.

The North Indian famine (1837-38), Odisha famine (1865), South Indian famine (1876) wreaked havoc.

Plague had hit India for four years since 1896. The already weakened agriculture received another fatal blow when the British began encouraging the migration of Indian farmers as indentured labourers to its far-flung colonies.

Indian farmers were sent to Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa, Burma, Guyana and West Indies.

INTELLECTUAL IMPERIALISM

Besides economic subjugation, the British also resorted to academic imperialism which turned Indians into mere slaves. The Macaulay system of education, introduced in 1835, with the express aim of providing clerks and servants to the British masters,

had led to intellectual slavery. English became the official language. Indian Civil Service was created to take care of tax collection, administration and enforcement of British laws.

The East India Company brought in an Army Act in 1856. This caused deep resentment as it advocated discriminatory promotion procedures and transfer of personnel anywhere in India and even abroad. The soldiers were asked to bite off the paper cartridges for their rifles which were greased with animal fat, namely beef and pork. This was, and is, against the religious beliefs of Hindus and Muslims, respectively.

At the same time, the Company pushed through the Doctrine of Lapse to usurp one kingdom after another.

The Doctrine of Lapse was an annexation policy according to which, any princely state or territory under the British paramountcy, would automatically be annexed if the ruler was either incompetent or died without a direct heir". This doctrine supplanted the long-established right of an Indian sovereign without a heir to choose a successor through adoption. This also made several personalities to rise in revolt.

ASSAULT ON INDIAN CULTURE

By the second half of 19th

MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL | 5

Sacrifice is Gandhi’s religion

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andhi was neither adamant, nor obscurantist and was never a fundamentalist. His ideology believed in accepting truth regardless of its source. He read other religious scriptures with the same devotion with which he read Gita. He was deeply attracted to the Sermon on the Mount. He felt the sermon and Gita were one and the same. The words “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also,” have profoundly influenced him. He read Bhagavadgita, The story of Buddha

by Arnold, Christ’s sermons, Heroes and Hero Worship, which depicted Mohammad’s life, with equal delight and devotion. He believed and practiced the dictum that ‘Sacrifice is the greatest religion.”

"We must respect other religions even as we respect our own.

Mere tolerance thereof is not enough."

Century, the East India Company also began attacking Indian social and religious beliefs. Government-aided and British-promoted proselytisation was viewed as an assault on Indian traditions and way of life. Attacks grew on Indian languages and Indian scriptures. Those converted were given right to enjoy hereditary properties. All these led to a rebellion of pan-Indian magnitude.

FIRST WAR OF INDEPENDENCE

Deep discontent and resentment began brewing in India, The people began hating the English education, which alienated youth from traditions and customs. This discontent exploded as a full-scale rebellion in March 1857. The Army mutinied at several places. The first strike was by Shaheed Mangal Pande, who led the 34th Battalion. The British had swiftly put down the rebellion, hanged Mangal Pande and disbanded the mutinous battalion.

In May 1857, Indian jawans rebelled against the Britishers in Meerut. The war cry of “Maro Firangi Ko” rent the air. Thousands of rebels marched towards Delhi.

They anointed titular Moghul emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar as the emperor of India.

From September 1857, the Meerat Army held on to Delhi.

But, by

Queen Victoria, by a Proclamation announced on 1 November 1858, directly assumed the responsibility of the Indian administration in her own hands. And it was in accordance with the Queen's Proclamation that the honorific title of Viceroy was added to the Governor-general of India. A secretary of state was appointed to rule India. This has paved way for construction of railways, establishment of telecommunication system, development of roads and ports in the country.

Yet, the life of an ordinary Indian became more miserable. Their lot worsened by the end of the 19th Century. The Aryan invasion theory of TRANSFER OF POWER German philosopher Max Mueller However, the rebellion continued caused the north-south divide. The for over two years from March 1857 gap between the ruler and the ruled till April 1859 before it was put down became more gaping and the Indian by the Britishers. But, the British intelligentsia felt alienated.

Parliament by an Act transferred the It was amidst this all-pervading control of the Indian government from discontent that the Indian National the East India Company to the British Congress was set up to represent the Crown. The East India Company’s viewpoints of the Indian middle class.

Board of Directors were removed and Several more fora came into being a new 14-member council was set up. and Indian Associations were started at several places.

They began pleading and petitioning to the European masters.

But, they Hanging of two also helped in the rebels in 1857 rebillion growth of nationalism.

September, the Britishers gained an upper hand. Bahadur Shah Zafar was taken a prisoner, his sons and grandsons were killed in his presence.

Zafar was shifted to Rangoon prison, where he breathed his last as a lonely, dejected and depressed man in 1862.

The rulers of Lucknow, Gwalior, Jhansi, Kanpur, Bihar, Faizabad, Avadh and Jagdeeshpur fought the Britishers for over one year. In 1858, Laxmibai of Jhansi was martyred, while Nanasaheb and Tatya Tope took Kanpur, but forfeited it soon. Nana escaped to Nepal, where he died later and Tatya, who waged a lonely battle till 1859, was caught and hanged.

The epic plays of Shravan Kumar and Raja Harishchandra left an indelible impression on this child. From the Shravan Kumar’s story, Gandhi learnt to respect his parents, while the story of Raja Harishchandra taught him to be truthful.

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CHILDHOOD SHOWS THE MAN

hen a seemingly ordinary man becomes a mighty force that shakes off the oppressors, moves the masses and inspires generations, the world begins to take notice of him. It adores him, reveres him. People would become curious about how he evolved into a fountainhead of inspiration and what his legacy was! Everything that associated with him became a veritable pilgrimage. No one exemplifies this better than Mahatma Gandhi.

Gandhi was born on October 2, 1889 in a Kathiawadi family that has served the courts of various principalities as Dewans. His father Karamchand worked as Diwan of Bikaner, Rajkot and Porbander.

Gandhi was the son of the his fourth wife Putlibai. Gandhi was the youngest in the family.

The Gandhis shifted to Rajkot from Porbander as Karamchand joined the Rajkot Bar. The Mahatmato-be had his primary education in Porbandar and Rajkot. The epic plays of Shravan Kumar and Raja Harishchandra left an indelible impression on this child. From the Shravan Kumar’s story, Gandhi learnt to respect his parents, while the story of Raja Harishchandra taught him to be truthful.

Gandhi the child was extremely shy and found it difficult to mingle with even his classmates and friends.

By his own admission, he was an ordinary student. But, he was always truthful and honest, never afraid to admit his fault. While in Classes V and

Gandhi With his brother Laxmidas, 1886

VI, he was given a scholarship of Rs 10 each. It was a princely sum in the 1880s. But, the scholarship was given not for his academic excellence. It was an incentive given to the students of Saurashtra region. Once, he was fined two annas for not attending to the school. Though he was not at fault, Gandhi could not prove his innocence. This fact profoundly influenced him in the days to come and he used to always say that those who speak truth and wish to remain honest should always remain alert in life.

Gandhiji’s handwriting was illegible. This was due to his neglect of handwriting as a child. He always felt that bad writing was a sign of academic neglect. Gandhi’s success with geometry is proof enough of how he mastered difficult subjects. As a child, he was afraid of geometry. But,

MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL | 7

imaginative efforts and hard work made geometry easy and likeable.

Similarly, he mastered Sanskrit.

As was the custom in those days, Gandhi was married quite early. He was barely out of high school when he was married. Both he and Kasturba were 13 years of age at the time of marriage. There were two earlier attempts to marry off Gandhi, but in both cases, the brides were died due to illnesses.

As an adolescent, Gandhi read about the value of monogamy and so influenced was he that he made it an inalienable part of his life. He had never tried to be unfaithful to his wife and never ever looked with lust at other women. Gandhi always used to say that Kasturba was more courageous and was never afraid in life.

Durig his childhood, a friend of

"Let us always beware of false knowledge.

That knowledge is false which keeps or turns us away from Truth."

GANDHI AND HIS ANCESTERS

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Stickler for punctuality

andhi was a stickler for punctuality. He never used to be late for any of his programmes. He strongly believed in following daily time table to the T. He allocated some time to learn Tamil and Urdu and had learnt those languages. Gandhiji was fond of Telugus. He had seen their determination and strong will during his Africa days. He also admired Telugu women for their sincerity and hard work. Gandhi tried to learn Telugu, but could not master the language. He could read Telugu alphabets

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Pile of Iron

hink Paris.. think Eiffel Tower. But, for Mahatma Gandhi it was no more than a pile of iron. Gandhi attended the inaugural of the Eiffel Tower as a student in England. But, he was not impressed by it. He felt the tower is like a toy that an adamant child wants. He did not find any attraction in it. Instead, he attended the prayers associated with the inaugural and touched the feet of Virgin Mary statues. He derived deeper spiritual solace from this.

Gandhiji’s great grandfathers were ministers in the principalities in Kathiawad.

Uttam Chand aka Ota Gandhi was Gandhi’s grandfather.

Ota Gandhi worked as a Dewan in Junagarh and Porbandar principalities.

Ota Gandhi had two wives. Gandhi’s father was the son of the second wife.

Karamchand aka Kaba Gandhi was Gandhiji’s father.

Kaba Gandhi had four wives. First and second wife had one girl child each. Fourth wife was Putlibai. She had a daughter and three sons.

Mahatma is the last son of Putlibai.

Gandhi inherited loyalty to the ruler and discipline from his grand father. From his father, he learnt truthfulness, dedication, liberal outlook, impartiality and ethical behaviour. From his mother, he inherited practicality, god-fearing nature, fasting and other great qualities.

Gandhiji convinced him that he would become stronger and fearless if he ate meat. That had made both Gandhi and his elder brother eat meat. Later, they took to smoking. These indulgences proved costly and pushed them into indebtedness. Slowly, Gandhi realized his mistake and began to repent. He wrote a letter expressing his repentance to his father. Kabaa Gandhi, who went through the contents with tearful eyes, did not utter a word. His fortitude, silence and forgiveness had a profound effect on Gandhiji. It was then that he realized the power of silence, forgiveness and non-violence. This was to influence his action for life.

After father’s demise, Gandhiji sought admission into Shyamaldas College in Bhavnagar to pursue graduation. But, Gandhi family wellwisher Mavuji Dave suggested that Gandhi pursue legal education in England. But, his mother and uncle did not like the idea of sea journey and foreign education as it could mean alien influence on Gandhi. His mother asked him to make a vow not to eat

Gandhi at the age of seven

meat, drink liquor and keep away from women. She allowed Gandhi to go to England only after Gandhi made a promise of abstinence. By then, Gandhi already had a son. Gandhiji’s Modh Vaishya community threatened to excommunicate him if he undertook sea journey. But, Gandhi was unafraid.

With generous support from his elder brother, Gandhi set out on his sea journey on September 4, 1888.

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Gandhi’s life is a testimony of how a student could stay focused on academics and at the same diversifies in the pursuit of knowledge. It is a source of unending inspiration for the students of the country.

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AN IDEAL STUDENT

is mere utterances were clarion calls. His gesturing was a command. Countless millions did not mind waiting for hours to listen to this frail man with a weak voice. The mighty British used to tremble at the prospect that he would undertake a fast. That was Mahatma Gandhi.

But, as a student, Gandhi was shy and self-effacing. He was no more than an ordinary student when he went to England. But, he worked incessantly for self-improvement. In England, he remained true to the vow of vegetarianism that he took before his mother. He was deeply influenced

by Henry Salt’s “A plea for Vegetarianism” and Howard Williams’ “Ethics of Diet”. These books reinforced his faith in vegetarianism.

He had even joined the local Vegetarian Club and worked for propagating vegetarianism as the general secretary of the club. It was the experience of running this club that stood him in good stead in the days to come when he launched organizations and ran them successfully.

As a student of law, Gandhi used to attend several meetings in England. But, he was mortally afraid of speaking. He was reticent to talk to people and withdraw into a shell when he met anyone. It was this fear that made him to lose his first case in Mumbai court. It was only after he went to South Africa that the leader in Gandhi blossomed. He became articulate and cogent and spoke boldly. But, Gandhi was never

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Tears of forgiveness

vainglorious. His speeches were clear and concise. He never liked the longwinding and time-consuming speeches. He alway felt they were exercises in futility.

As a student, Gandhi was mired in pursuing legal education. At the same time, he was deeply involved in experimenting with vegetarianism and study of various religious scriptures like Quran and Bible, besides Hindu holy books. He studied “Heroes and Hero Worship” to know the lives of great religious leaders. He became a

MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL | 9

is friend Sheik Mahtab also taught him to smoke. Sometimes Gandhi had to steal the servants’ money to meet these expenses and once he also stole some gold from his brother’s bracelet to repay the debts. These incidents pained him and he could not have a peace of mind. He decided to confess everything to his father in order to get forgiveness.

He did not want to hide this from his father but did not have the courage to face him directly.

Gandhi thought that he would write a letter begging forgiveness and gave it to his father. He wrote all his mistakes and requested his father to give him with suitable punishment. He gave the letter to his father and stood silently by his bedside. When his father read the letter of confession, tears were rolling from his eyes. His father did not scold him or did not use any harsh words. He remained silent. This act of his father had pained Gandhiji immensely. This was his first lesson in non-violence. Needless to say, never again in his life did Gandhiji touch meat. In fact, he also propagated vegetarianism among the people.

"For the relisation of Truth, it is necessary to read the lives of the saints and ponder over them."

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Kasturba’s education

asturba was 13 when she married Gandhiji. She was illiterate, but was of a woman of great qualities of head and heart. She was independent and hard-working. Gandhi tried to teach her, but all his efforts came to a zilch. Soon, he became too embroiled in public life and had no time to teach her. As a result, Kasturba remained semi-literate. She could barely write and read letters.

“Had I been more committed to make her educated Kasturba could have emerged as a scholar,” Gandhiji used to say.

Gandhiji was strongly in favour of women becoming equal partners in the freedom fight and other social struggles. He felt women should not be confined to purdahs.

The house at Porbandar, where Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869

staunch theist after reading Anne Beasant’s “How I became a Theosphist.” He became a life-long subscriber to values like honesty, truthfulness and character. While his friends lusted for women, Gandhi shunned them steadfastly in deference to the word he gave to his mother.

He did not care if his friends called him an impotent for not seeking the company of prostitutes.

He used to say that God stood by him every time there was an occasion to test his character.

Gandhi’s spiritualism transcended religions. He found the same solace when he prayed in the Paris churches during the launch of Eiffel Tower. He used to say that kneeling and praying before the statue of Virgin Mary were no mere

superstitions and bigotry. As a student, Gandhi stayed focused on his text books. He mastered Latin as most legal textbooks were in that language.

This stood him in good stead when he studied the South African Laws. He had also gained mastery over England Common Law and Hindu Laws.

Gandhi’s life is a testimony of how a student could stay focused on academics and at the same diversifies in the pursuit of knowledge.

On June 10, 1891, Gandhi became a barrister. The next day, he registered himself at the Bar in London High Court. But, he never wanted to stay a day more in England after his studies were over. The very next day, on June 12, 1891, Gandhiji set out on his journey back to his motherland.

10 | MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL

Gandhi fought for his right to wear a turban. This caused a furore and led to criticism and counter criticism. Some papers even went to the extent of calling him an unwelcome visitor. But, Gandhi was unrelenting.

Igniting spark of Protest

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As a satyagrahi in South Africa

andhiji set his foot on Natal after a two-month-long sea journey. It was May 2, 1893. He was 24 yearsold and father of two children. Soon, he realized that Indians had no respect whatsoever in South Africa.

Gandhi was sharp in intellect and quick to grasp.He realized even his master Abdullah Seth commanded no respect.

Initially, Abdulla Seth was lukewarm towards Gandhiji.

But soon Seth warmed up to Gandhiji. As the discussion among them veered towards Islam, Seth understood his depth and soon this entrepreneur began liking young and enterprising Gandhi.

On the third day after his arrival, Gandhi visited Natal Court. He did not then register himself in the bar and went as a court visitor. Finding that Gandhi was wearing a turban, the judge asked him to remove it. Gandhi found this insulting and refused to remove the turban. He walked out of the court. That was Gandhi, the courageous and self-respecting.

In order to wear a turban in South Africa, the Indians used to falsely claim that they were Muslims, Egyptians or even converted Christians. The turban-wearing Hindus were subjected to humiliation. Initially, Gandhi too wanted to remove his turban and sport a British hat so that his client Abdulla Seth is not put to difficulties. But Seth, who was by then deeply impressed by the young lawyers political awareness and religious opinions, insisted that he wear a turban. Gandhi received a moral boost and wrote articles to the local papers enunciating his right to wear a turban. This caused a furore and led to criticism and counter criticism. Some papers even went to the extent of calling him an unwelcome visitor. But, Gandhi was unrelenting. Soon, Gandhi became a popular name in Natal in particular and South Africa in general.

MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL | 11

FIGHTING RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

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Every time he was insulted, Gandhiji’s self-esteem grew multi-fold and he resisted oppression through non-violent means. He was not cowed down by them. He proved that victory was possible if one wages a peaceful and truthful battle.

ahatma tasted discrimination soon after he set his foot in South Africa. He had to fight for his right to wear a turban. He fought against discrimination by writing to newspapers.

But, he soon realized how difficult was life for Indians and how deep was discrimination against them was. Indians were not allowed into the hotels. They had to live in South Africa by mortgaging their self-respect. His travel to Pretoria has changed him completely and forced him to fight for the rights of Indians. This journey sowed the seeds of future movement for Indian independence. It made a non-violent freedom fighter out of an ordinary lawyer.

worst form of racial discrimination.

Inspite of carrying first class ticket, he was indiscriminately thrown out of the train by the authorities on the instigation of a White man. When Gandhi tried to argue that he had a first class ticket with him, he was attacked by the White men and the police shamelessly supported them.

His luggage too was thrown out. But, Gandhi refused to relent. He argued that he be allowed to travel in first class bogie as he had a ticket.

Gandhi went and sat him in the waiting room in protest. His luggage was in police protection. He spent the night in the station's unlit, unheated waiting room. It was bitterly cold, but

Gandhi's overcoat was in his luggage and his luggage was in the hands of the railroad authorities. Gandhi dared not request it for fear of being insulted again. The waiting room did not even have a lamp.

Instead, he sat shivering through the endless night, asking himself one question: Shall I fight for my rights or go back to India? By dawn he had made his decision. He would fight for his rights and the rights of all people.

He sent telegrams of protest to railroad officials and to his employer.

PUSHED OUT OF THE TRAIN

While traveling by train to Pretoria in connection with Abdullah Seth’s case, Gandhiji experienced the

Pietermaritzburg Railway Station: the seeds of Satagraha were sown here

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"Man can overcome mountains by faith"

Grand National Hotel, Johannesburg, where Gandhi was refused accommodation in 1893

Letter to friends in India intimating the plight of Indians in South Africa, 1897

The following evening he was permitted to take the train to the end of the line. The next portion of the journey, to Johannesburg, was by stagecoach, and the man in charge refused to permit Gandhi to sit inside with the white passengers. He was asked to sit besides the driver. But the driver refused to sit by his side. Later, when he wanted to smoke, the driver asked Gandhi to sit on the mat.

Gandhi seethed with rage.

But, he maintained his cool. He refused to sit. An enraged driver slapped Gandhiji and tried to push him out of carriage. Gandhi held the railing of the carriage firmly and refused to budge. The driver relented only after other passengers objected to his actions. Later, he allowed Gandhiji to sit by his side. After reaching Standarton, Gandhi wrote to the carriage company’s agent clearly

MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL | 13

explaining the insults he had to put up with. The company had arranged another vehicle for Gandhiji.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION DENIED

When he finally reached Johannesburg he was refused a hotel room. He complained to his owner Abdullah Seth, but he suggested that Gandhi adjust to the realities. He said first and second class tickets are not sold to Indians and even if sold, they would not be allowed into the coaches.

He then undertook a 40-km journey from Pretoria to Johannesburg. He then wrote to the station master requesting for a first class ticket. He was accordingly given a ticket, but was told that he may have to travel third class if the White men object. When a guard found Gandhi in a first-class compartment,

"True happiness does not come from without; it comes only from within"

Gandhi with veteran Indian leader Gopal Krishna Gokhale at the latter's reception in Durgan, South Africa in 1912

he asked him to get down. But the other occupant, Whiteman, that he had no problem traveling with an Indian. An astonished guard then said: "If you want to travel with a coolie, why do I care?".

Gandhi reached Pretoria that evening, but no one met him and he knew he would be unable to get a hotel room. An American Negro helped him by taking him to a small hotel run by an American who offered to let him stay for the night if he would agree to eat in his room. He said most of his customers were White and could object to his presence. However, he soon came back apologizing and said the White men had no problem with his dining in public.

INSULTS GALORE

After his return to Pretoria, Gandhi summoned the local Indians for a meeting to discuss the insulting situation. According to an 1885 Act, Indians were not allowed to travel on some roads. No Indian was allowed on

the street after 9 PM. They could not vote, own homes, go out at night without a permit, or walk along a public path. Only those with passes issued by their White masters were allowed. Gandhi too managed a pass thanks to a White friend from England currently working as a government pleader. Gandhi himself was once kicked from a path into the street by a policeman despite having a pass.

When a friend asked him to knock the doors of the court, Gandhi said he had decided never to approach the court.

In fact, he never went to the court against White men insulting him. He only sought remedies by writing letters to the officials.

BAR ASSOCIATION OBJECTS

When Gandhi tried to enroll for the Natal Supreme Court, the Bar Association objected. He brought forth frivolous objections like nonavailability of original copies of some documents. They were worried that Gandhi could rob them of their

business. But, the Supreme Court allowed Gandhi saying law did not discriminate people on the basis of colour.

After enrollment, the judge asked Gandhi to remove his turban. Gandhi, who fought on the same issue at Durban court, had complied with as he felt that he could raise several issues by being in the court. He said such retreat was essential for the Satyagraha.

During all this trials and tribulations, Gandhi never lost hope.

Every time he was insulted, his selfesteem grew multi-fold and resisted oppression through non-violent means.

He was not cowed down by the opposition or from the advice from Abdullah Seth. He proved that victory was possible if one wages a peaceful and truthful battle.

No wonder, Gandhi became hugely popular in South Afrca. The newspapers, which wrote disparagingly about him initially, had to praise him whole-heartedly.

14 | MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL

MAKING OF AN UNLIKELY HERO!

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In South Africa, Gandhi managed to unite all Indians regardless of their caste, colour, creed, region and religion. Gandhi inculcated in them the idea of Indianness. His organizational skills and the ability to guide and build movements made him a hero in the eyes of Indians of South Africa

andhiji decided to leave for India after amicably settling Abdullah Seth’s monetary dispute. The case was hanging for several years, but Gandhiji solved it amicably to the satisfaction of both the parties in just one year. Indian traders began to look at Gandhiji with greater regard. So, they organized a farewell for Gandhiji at Abdullah’s residence and several Indian traders were invited to the party. It was then that a small bit of news caught Gandhi’s attention. It was about the Natal Assembly’s proposal to disenfranchise Indians.

Those were the times when the English were jealous of the prosperity of Indian trading community. The Orange Free State had already brought in the Immigration Law Amendment Bill of 1895 that restricted Indians’ freedom amid growing Anti-Indian sentiment. Indian traders were thrown out by paying a paltry compensation.

Only Indians who could stay were those who did menial or odd jobs.

Even the Natal State was trying to bring in a similar law. The Indian community was unaware of the far reaching consequences of this legislation. In the previous elections, an advocate named Harry Escombe enrolled Indian voters in a big way and managed to win elections. But, the Indian community did not know about the importance of vote. Gandhi explained everything to the Indian community, which realized what was in store for them. They decided to fight for their rights.

Founders of the Natal Indian Congress, 1894

Gandhiji then told them that it was important to rope in the Indian Christians, who were descendents of former indentured labourers. The idea received lukewarm response from the Indian traders, who looked down upon the Christianised former labourers who mostly worked as hotel bearers.

But, Gandhi realized that the English had divided the Indian community through religious conversion. He said without taking them on board, the fight would be incomplete and that these people would continue to live a wretched life of slavery and bondage.

Indian traders agreed with Gandhiji. The farewell party was transformed into an action committee. Indian traders requested Gandhi to postpone his India-wards journey for some more time.

Meanwhile, Sethji said that his waqalatnama with Gandhiji was over

MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL | 15

and that the latter was a free man.

The question of who would bear Gandhi’s expenses came up. Gandhi told them not to link public service to fees. He said he did not need any money, but the movement needed some capital for sending telegrams and conveyance. Similarly, law books needed to be purchased to study the legal aspects. Immediately and executive committee was constituted.

The Committee met at the residence of Haji Mohammad Seth and it decided to oppose Franchise Bill.

The meeting was attended by a large number of people, including Christian Indians. They willingly joined the volunteers force. Thus, Gandhi managed to unite all Indians in South Africa, regardless of their caste, colour, creed, region and religion.

Gandhi inculcated in them the idea of Indianness.

"Even a little untruth destroys a man, as a drop of poison ruins"

Nagaraj’s pencil

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oon after Gandhi's return from South Africa, a meeting of the Congress was held in Bombay.

Kaka Saheb Kalelkar went there to help.

One day Kaka Saheb found Gandhiji anxiously searching around his desk. "What's the matter?

What are you looking for?" Kaka Saheb asked.

"I've lost my pencil," Gandhiji answered. "It was only so big."

Kaka Saheb was upset to see Gandhiji wasting time and worrying about a little pencil. He took out his pencil and offered it to him. "No, no, I want my own little pencil," Gandhiji insisted like a stubborn child.

"Well, use it for the time being," said Kaka Saheb. "I'll find your pencil later. Don't waste time looking for it now."

"You don't understand. That little pencil is very precious to me," Gandhiji insisted. "Natesan's little son gave it to me in Madras. He gave it with so much love and affection. I cannot bear to lose it."

Kaka Saheb didn't argue any more. He joined Gandhiji in the search. At last they found it - a tiny piece, barely two inches long.

But Gandhiji was delighted to get it back. To him it was no ordinary pencil. It was the token of a child's gesture!.

Gandhi farewell meeting at Durban

Thanks to Gandhi’s efforts, the English government responded quickly and deferred the debate on the bill by two days. Gandhi then got down to prepare a petition to the Assembly.

Five copies of the petition were made and signatures were collected on them. They were sent to the Assembly, the government and to the newspaper.

Despite this, the Government got the bill passed.

But, Gandhiji was not disappointed. He was happy that the movement rekindled the spirit of oneness among all Indians and it created a will among the Indians to fight for their political rights. He wanted to further reinforce this will and decided that a petition be submitted to Rippon, who was the secretary of the colonies. He prepared a detailed petition giving details of the voting rights across the nations. He demanded that Indians in Natal too be given the same rights that Indians in India enjoyed. In a matter of fifteen days, over 10000 signatures were collected. There was no coercion.

Each aspect of the petition was explained to the signatories to enable them understand the challenges facing them. Copies of the petition were sent to newspapers, reporters and intellectuals. This helped in mobilizing public opinion in favour of the Natal Indian cause.

Newspapers like the Times of India and London Times responded

positively and wrote favourable editorials.

The Indian community in Natal wanted Gandhiji to defer his return to India. They asked Gandhiji to use the donations collected for the movement to support his family. But, Gandhiji flatly refused to do so and suggested that he be given legal cases to support his family. Some 20 Indian traders came forward to give their cases to him. For Gandhiji, being a barrister held no special attraction. For him, serving the society became the raison d’tre. He launched Natal Indian Congress on May 22, 1894.

Gandhi was an expert organizer.

He built the organization in an effective and efficient manner. He maintained the detailed accounts of the funds collected and spent. There used to be complete transparency in the organizational dealing.

Gradually, he shifted his focus to employment generation also. He ensured that employable youth and the employers were provided with an interface. This made the youth to become Gandhi’s followers. Thus, Gandhiji made youth active partners in his movement.

Gandhiji wrote two pamphlets on South African Indians. They became hugely popular and they helped build a favourable opinion on Indian community. These have helped win support from various political parties in both India and England.

16 | MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL

GANDHI AND GIRMITIAS

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But for Gandhiji’s battle, Girmitias would have been decimated. But, patience, persevervance, determination, self-belief and highly effective agitational methods of Gandhiji helped the Girmitias

or Gandhiji, a movement should always have an invariable longterm objective. While making temporary and small gains, it should also focus on attaining selfsustainability and have a long-term goal.

The Natal Indian Congress, which Gandhi launched, was a small, localized movement. It began as a

movement for voting rights, but soon became the representative of every South African Indian.

Gandhiji undertook a deep study of the indentured Indian labour and understood the indenture agreements thoroughly. The indentured labour or Girmitias, as they were known, were brought to South Africa and other British colonies to work as labour

MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL | 17

force for five years. They mainly worked in the sugarcane fields. Since the local Zulu community had little experience of working on cash crops, Indians were preferred.

The indentured labour from India was lured with earning packages and the influx came mainly between 1833 and 1922. They were sent to colonies like Mauritius, Africal, Burma, British

The straight path is as difficult as it is simple.

Were it not so, all would follow the straight path only

Belief in the power of repentence

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ike all kids of his age, Gandhi too had childish fascinations and yearnings. He yearned to smoke, taste liquor and meat and liked to go to prostitutes. To cover these, he had to lie to his parents. To skip home food after eating non-vegetarian stuff outside, Gandhi used to find pretexts such as indigestion and loss of appetite. Once he went to a prostitute, but fear and anxiety got better of him. He came running away. His fascination to smoke made him puff thrown away cigarettes. He even used to steal money from his family servants to buy cigarettes. Gandhi was courageous enough to admit his shortcomings. His greatness lay in realizing his mistakes and never repeat any of them. He believed in the power of repentance and honest admission of guilt. His sincerity holds lessons for today’s youth.

Guyana, West Indies and Fiji. By 1879, the number of Indian coolies working in British colonies touched 3.5 lakh mark. After the indentured period, they were allowed to settle down in the same area. But, the enterprising Indian labour soon began to prosper and some of them had even grown into landlords. They grew mango orchards and made money. This made the White people jealous. They forced the government to impose restrictions on the Girmitias. A bill was brought in 1894 to this effect. The salient points were: • To send back the Girmitias after completion of the agreement period.

• Those who would prefer to remain would have to enter into two-year agreements.

• Those who would like to remain in South Africa independently, have to pay an annual tax of 25 pounds.

This was clearly discriminatory and Gandhiji opposed it tooth and nail. He felt such huge taxes on Girmitias, who hardly earned 14 shillings, was unbearable and

downright illegal. But, India Viceroy Lord Eldin gave an assent to the bill.

He made the Natal Indian Congress to deliberate upon the aspects of the bill and prompted them to take to agitational path. Gandhiji’s nonviolent struggle helped Indian labour force spread across the world. The government did try to suppress the movement through violent means.

Several people were shot dead and over 10000 were imprisoned. By 1913, an exasperated British Government had imposed a ban in Indian influx.

Even after returning to India, Gandhi continued to guide the Girmitias and raised their issues in the Indian National Congress meetings. He fought incessantly to protect the rights of overseas Indians.

But for Gandhiji’s battle, Girmitias would have been decimated.

But, patience, perseverance, determination, selfbelief and highly effective agitational methods of Gandhiji helped the Girmitias. By 1920, the British had to abolish the Girmitia system. Upon this, Gandhi had remarked: “Truth ultimately triumphs.”

18 | MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL

Tryst with Congress at Kolkata Meeting of the great minds: Gurudev and the Mahatma in Shantiniketan, 1940

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Gandhi found that there was nothing in the Congress conference to inspire the volunteers. There was no driving force and motivational leadership. He was also aghast to see rampant untouchability at the meet. He wondered how this could bring about a sense of unity among the participants. It was then he decided that it was important to cleanse Congress of all its ills and give it a sense of direction.

efore the advent of Mahatma Gandhi, the Congress was very much a hierarchical, feudalistic entity with each leader trying to be one up on the other. There was little dedication. The 1901 Congress conference at Kolkata was chaotic, with no one caring to listen to what the others say. Gandhi had wanted to get a resolution passed on the plight of the Girmitias. He had even convinced leaders like Dinna Wacha, Chiman Lal Setalwad and Firoz Shah Mehta on the need to pass a resolution

on Girmitias.

But, Gandhi found that the discipline and sense of purpose so evident in Natal Congress was simply lacking in Indian National Congress. He also found that there was nothing in the conference to inspire the volunteers. There was no driving force and motivational leadership. He was also shocked to find different kitchens for North and South Indians. He was also aghast to see rampant untouchability at the meet. He wondered how this could bring about

MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL | 19

a sense of unity among the participants. A stickler for neatness, Gandhi was shocked to find utter lack of hygiene everywhere. It was then he decided that it was important to cleanse Congress of all its ills and give it a sense of direction.

The resolution on Girmitias was passed late in the night. Nobody had the time and patience to listen to long-winding speeches. Gandhi too had a chance to speak, but found that the people were disinterested. But, he was happy that the issue of Girmitias

"Evil thoughts are also a sign of illness. Let us, therefore, guard ourselves against evil thoughts."

has the Congress approval.

But, Gandhi was all eyes and ears at the three-day conference. His behavior had impressed leaders like Bhupendranath Basu and Ghoshal. In fact, Gandhiji assisted Ghoshal, one of the founding members of the Congress along with AO Hume, in scanning through correspondence. This brought them closer and Ghoshal introduced Gandhiji to senior leaders. Thus, Gandhi had an opportunity to talk to legendary leaders like Surendranath Banerjea and Gopala Krishna Gokhale.

All these helped Gandhiji to understand the ways of Congress and to devise strategies to fight for the causes that were dear to him.

Gandhi was unhappy that the meetings were conducted in English alone. This excluded the vast nonEnglish speaking people of the country. He wanted the Indian languages to be promoted and the Congress business be conducted in native languages.

Gandhi stayed in Kolkata for few more days even after the Congress conclave ended. During this period, Gandhi became close to Gokhale, who strove to rid Gandhiji of his inhibitions and shyness. It was during this time that Viceroy Lord Curzon held his durbar. Gandhi found that the Indian royalty came in special attire, which looked more like royal cooks than the royalty itself. When Gandhi broached the subject with some royalty, they admitted they were aware of the British plan to insult them, but could do little as they did not dare to upset the all-powerful British.

Gandhiji utilized his stay in Kolkata to highlight the problems of Girmitias and to meet important leaders. He interacted with several organizations and religious leaders.

The Bengal tour and Burma tour helped Gandhi to understand the society better. This helped him in guiding the independence movement in the days to come.

Cleanliness next to Godliness

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andhiji was a stickler for neatness. He always argued that external cleanliness was as important as internal cleanliness was. During his legal practice in Mumbai, he had a cook by name Ravisankar.

Ravisankar was very dirty.

Gandhi had a deep dislike for his ways and mentioned about his unclean ways in his autobiography. For Gandhi it was OK if the clothes were torn and altered, but he never tolerated dirty if they were.

20 | MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL

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BAPU AND BRAHMACHARYA

andhi was indefeatable and unrelenting in the pursuit of his ideals. Every moment was put to use for achieving his objectives. In 1896, he had to come on a six-month visit to India from South Africa. He used his stay in Rajkot to write a book on Girmitias. The book, known as Green Book for its cover, brought a seachange in the attitude of Indian intellectuals towards the Girmitias.

When he had some time in Allahabad, he went to anti-India English daily ‘the Pioneer’ and tried to clear the cobwebs of confusion in the minds of the journalists about Girmitias.

When his brother-in-law was terminally ill, Gandhiji called on him at Mumbai. Even this sojourn was used for the cause. He met Tilak and Gokhale and even addressed a meeting barely a day after his brother-in-law’s demise.

When he returned to Natal, the

Whites felt Gandhi was their enemy and hurled eggs at him. Yet, Gandhi said nothing and did not resort to retaliatory attacks. He tried to dispel wrong notions about him planted by Pioneer by writing to Natal Advertiser.

Gandhiji was adept in building sustainable organizations and institutions. He collected `5000 towards the institutional capital. He purchased an asset and gave it on rents. The rents helped the organization run without any hitches.

Gandhiji always felt that his life was to be dedicated to the service of the society. During the Zulu War, he came into contact with Raichand Bhai, a jeweler. Bhai was deeply spiritual and influenced Gandhiji profoundly. Inspired by him, Gandhi decided to opt for abstinence or Brahmacharya. He secured the consent of his wife and in 1909, at the age of 40, decided to remain a

MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL | 21

A

Lost slippers

s Gandhi stepped aboard a train one day, one of his shoes slipped off and landed on the track. He was unable to retrieve it as the train was moving.

To the amazement of his companions, Gandhi calmly took off his other shoe and threw it back along the track to land close to the first.

Asked by a fellow passenger why he did so, Gandhi smiled. "The poor man who finds the shoes lying on the track," he replied, "will now have a pair he can use."

The foregoing shows that the key to happiness lies in the worship of Truth, which is the giver of all things.

GANDHI’S STONE SCRUBBER

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celibate. Gandhi had never wavered from this abstinence. He felt no need for ostentation and money.

While returning to India, several South African Indians gave him valuable gifts. But, Gandhiji gave all of them to the party. When Kasturba wanted to keep some ornaments for gifting them to the would-be daughter-in-law, Gandhi said they belong to the society and should be used for the welfare of the society. He deposited the jewellery asked the partymen to use the interest that accrued for taking up organizational work.

Such was Gandhi’s greatness. It is due to these qualities of head and heart, Gandhiji could command rare moral authority and held sway over the masses of India.

any people know that instead of soap, Gandhiji used a stone to scrub himself. Very few people, however, know how precious this stone, given by Miraben, was to Gandhiji.

This happened during the Noakhali march, when Gandhiji and others halted at a village called Narayanpur. During the march, the responsibility of looking after this particular stone, along with other things, lay with Manuben.

Unfortunately, though, she forgot the stone at the last halting place.

"I want you to go back and look for the stone," said Bapu. "Only then will you not forget it the next time."

"May I take a volunteer with me?"

"Why?" Poor Manu. She did not have the courage to say that the way back lay through forests of coconut and supari, (betel nut) and so dense that a stranger might easily lose his way. Moreover, it was the time of riots. How could she go back alone?

But, she went alone; after all she had committed the error.

Leaving Narayanpur at 9:30 in the

morning, Manu trudged along the forest path, taking the name of Ram as she went.

On reaching the village she went straight to the weaver's house that had been their last halt. An old woman lived there. And she had thrown the stone away. When Manuben found it after a difficult search her joy knew no bounds.

Carrying the precious stone, she returned to Narayanpur by late afternoon. Placing it in Bapu's lap she burst into tears.

"You have no idea how happy I feel. This stone has been my cherished companion for the past twenty-five years. Whether in prison or in a palace it has been with me. Had it been lost it would have distressed me and Miraben as well. Now, you have seen that every useful thing is worth taking care of, even a stone."

Manuben said, "Bapu, if ever I took Ramanaam with all my heart it was today." Bapu laughed and replied, "Oh yes, one remembers the Lord only when one is in trouble."

22 | MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL

THE SEER OF NON-VIOLENCE

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For Gandhiji, Satyagraha was not a mere tactic, but was an article of faith. The essence of Satyagraha is that it seeks to eliminate antagonisms without harming the antagonists themselves

atyagraha or Truth Force, was an unique non-cooperation protest that Gandhiji gave to the modern world. It was a passive resistance movement.

Gandhiji developed Satyagraha as a paradigm for waging nonviolent struggle, advocating active resistance to oppression. First used in 1907, this has become a potent weapon and a profound influence in the Indian freedom movement.

This passive resistance arose as a reaction to the Black Act or Asiatic Registration Law brought about by the Britishers in South Africa. Gandhi called it Satyagraha. Gandhiji was deeply Influenced by the Gita and wanted to purify his life by following the concepts of aparigraha (nonpossession) and samabhava (equability). Satyagraha arose from this philosophy. Gandhi believed that his taking the vow of brahmacharya had allowed him the focus to come up

with the concept of satyagraha Initially, the Natal Congress wanted to use passive resistance. But, Gandhi felt that the English expression did not represent the true spirit of Indian resistance.

Gandhiji explained his concept thus: “Truth (satya) implies love, and firmness (agraha) engenders and therefore serves as a synonym for force. I thus began to call the Indian movement Satyagraha, that is to say, the Force which is born of Truth and Love or non-violence, and gave up the use of the phrase “passive resistance”, in connection with it, so much so that even in English writing we often avoided it and used instead the word “satyagraha” itself or some other equivalent English phrase.”

In practice, a satyagrahi would resist the injustice by refusing to follow an unjust law. In doing so, he would not be angry, would bear

MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL | 23

Mahatma wanted the Satyagrahis to do the following: 1 Have no anger 2 Suffer opponent’s anger 3 Never retaliate to assaults or punishment; but do not submit, out of fear of punishment or assault 4 Voluntarily submit to arrest 5 Do not curse or swear 6 Do not insult the opponent 7 If anyone attempts to insult or assault your opponent, defend your opponent (non-violently) with your life 8 As a prisoner, behave courteously and obey prison regulations 9 As a prisoner, do not ask for favourable treatment 10 As a prisoner, do not fast in an attempt to gain conveniences 11 Joyfully obey the orders of the leaders of the civil disobedience action attacks on his person and property.

The Satyagrahi would happily go to jail and put up with all atrocities. The goal was not to win, but to make the opponent see the truth and rescind the unjust law.

During 1907, the South African Indians resorted to Satyagraha under Gandhiji’s leadership.

For Gandhiji, Satyagraha was not a mere tactic, but was an article of faith. The essence of Satyagraha is that it seeks to eliminate antagonisms without harming the antagonists themselves, as opposed to violent resistance, which is meant to cause harm to the antagonist. A Satyagrahi therefore does not seek to end or destroy the relationship with the antagonist, but instead seeks to transform or “purify” it to a higher level. This unique concept is Gandhiji’s greatest contribution to the humanity.

Movements like the Bardoli Movement had once again restored the faith of the people in Satyagraha and Gandhian ways. Had it not been for the Mahatma, the country could not have come out of the failure of Khilafat.

That shows the greatness of Gandhian leadership.

Khilafat, Khadi

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And

Civil Disobedience

y 1919, Gandhi was fully disillusioned with the British rule. He was alarmed at the British attempts to curb civil rights through Rowlatt Bill and other measures. He famously wrote about the British rulers then,” You can wake a man only if he is really asleep; no effort that you may make will produce any effect upon him if he is merely pretending sleep.” He realized the British were not just insensitive, but impervious to popular feeling.

By February 1919, he became more vocal against the Rowlatt Bills.

He called for civil disobedience if these bills become laws. “In the event of those bills becoming laws and untill they are withdrawn, we shall refuse lawfully to obey these laws and such other laws as a committee to be hereafter appointed may think fit and further affirm that in the struggle we shall faithfully follow truth and refrain from violence to life, person and property.”

He then called for a 'Hartal'. It was a masterly stroke in many ways.

It showed that India was ripe for a mass movement. It was then that Gandhi realized that the Congress should join the Khilafat movement.

THE KHILAFAT MOVEMENT

The Khilafat movement is a turning point in Indian history as it got

24 | MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL

"The more experience I gather, the more I realize that man himself is the cause of his happiness as well as his misery."

the Muslim community to throw its weight behind the struggle for freedom. While the ostensible goal was to protest the dismemberment of the Ottoman Empire by the British, the movement was mainly aimed at achieving Hindu Muslim unity. It was a political and ethical masterstroke by Mahatma Gandhi. He at once underscored the need to involve all sections of Indian society in the movement for freedom and showed the Britishers that united HinduMuslim front was a distinct possibility.

By mid-1920, the Khilafat movement facilitated the establishment of a united front of Hindus and Muslims against the British government. This combined force formed a major threat to the British rule.

In one stroke, Gandhi harnessed

the pan-Islamism for the nationalist cause. This movement became a forerunner of the freedom movement that Mahatma had launched. In fact, along with the Khilafat, Gandhi launched non-cooperation movement to give the movement a pan-Indian character. Significantly, Gandhi made this announcement from the portals of the Khilafat House in Mumbai.

MASSIVE UPHEAVAL

On mass civil disobedience, Gandhi said it should be like “an earthquake, a sort of general unheaval on the political plane…. The government ceases to function… the police stations, the courts, offices etc all cease to be the government property and shall be taken charge of by the people.”

MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL | 25

In fact, during Khilafat, Mahatma Gandhi started the practice of leading massive processions in Mumbai on Prophet’s birthday. The processions used to begin from Khilafat House and end at Digdi Chawl, where Hindus used to receive it. The first procession was initially led by Mahatma Gandhi himself and subsequently by leaders of the freedom struggle like Motilal and Jawaharlal Nehru and Madan Mohan Malaviya.

During the Khilafat, the people boycotted councils, courts and schools and made bonfire of foreign clothes.

Massive protests, strikes and acts of civil disobedience spread across India.

Hindus and Muslims collectively offered resistance, which was largely peaceful.It was during the Khilafat that Mahatma Gandhi tried to give the

Selfless action is a source of strength, for such action is tantamount to the worship of God

corner of the country. But, there were violent tendencies in the movement, which worried the Mahatma. When the Chauri Chaura violence happened, Gandhi had disbanded the movement.

This caused disappointment among the leaders. But, Gandhi stuck to his guns. He said: “The awakening of the masses was a necessary part of the training. I would do nothing to put the people to sleep again. But, I want the awakening to be diverted into constructive channels.

GANDHI’S FAST

Congress party the much-needed broad base. Village, taluq, district and provincial level committees were formed and were affiliated to the All India Congress Committee. This facilitated the involvement of masses in the freedom movement.

GANDHIAN SUCCESS

The movement catapulted the Mahatma as an unparalleled leader because of his simple demeanor, endearing attitude, humility and saintliness. Millions saw him as a Rishi and revered him. He had stuck the

inner chords of Indian heart and deeply influenced by him, leaders like Motilal Nehru, Rajendraprasad, Chittaranjan Das, Vallabhbhai Patel, C Rajagopalachary and several others shunned pompous lives and plunged headlong into the freedom struggle.

Thanks to Khilafat movement, leaders like Dr Ansari, Hakeem Ajmal Khan and Moulana Abul Kalam Azad became national figures!

During Khilafat, most leaders were imprisoned and nearly 30000 satyagrahis were arrested. The movement reached every nook and

He felt as a leader, he had to undertake a 21-day fast to purify himself and to recover the power to react on the people. Accordingly, in September 1924, he undertook the fast.

The fast had a soothing effect on the society in general. He also realized that it was time to take up nation-building from the bottom line.

He toured the country extensively and exhorted the people to fight against social evils and untouchability. During his tours, he also popularized swadeshi and khadi in a big way. It was during this time that 'Charkha' became a potent symbol of freedom and emancipation. It became a symbol of defiance of foreign rule.

How Gandhi handled the collapse of Khilafat and civil disobedience movement and brought the country back on its rails is remarkable. By 1929, he ensured that the politics recovered from the Khilafat’s failure and the people who left him immediately after the Khilafat, returned to him.

Movements like the Bardoli Movement had once again restored the faith of the people in Satyagraha and Gandhian ways. Had it not been for the Mahatma, the country could not have come out of the failure of Khilafat. That shows the greatness of Gandhian philosophy and leadership.

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Fistful of Salt and The Freedom Fight

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Gandhi, who never ate salt understood the power of salt that salt-eaters couldn’t ever comprehend. Gandhi clearly knew that salt protest would have an appeal that cuts across regions, religion and class. Hence, a fistful of salt was to become the most potent force that shook the British rule to the core.

he greatness of a leader lies not in falling, but in rising after every fall. This is true of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi knew that there was despondency all around post failure of the civil disobedience movement of the 1920s. The leaders of the freedom movement were demoralized, divided and directionless. The people were benumbed and the movement lacked the sting. By 1925, the British had clearly got an upper hand.

The violent revolutionaries were weaning away the youth and the success of the Bolsheviks in Russia was a big influence. The Congress suffered a split with the likes of Chittaranjan Das and Motilal Nehru parting company. The wily British had successfully sown the seeds of dissension in the name of region, religion, caste and community. This was enough to make the best and the biggest of the leaders to sag and sink.

But, Mahatma was made of a different

MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL | 27

stuff. He knew how to rise and rouse.

He knew the Indian psyche and power of symbolism.

He knew that the darkest hour could well be the beginning of the brightest dawn. He knew that by 1929, India was slowly coming out of the collapse of the non-cooperation movement. There was widespread discontent among the industrial workers, peasants and the middleclass youth over the British rule. Angry farmers in Gujarat’s Bardoli took to a

"A right cause never fails; a true word never hurts in the end."

dramatic no-tax movement that created history. Industrial unrest began to mount. In all these, Gandhi saw a window of opportunity. Gandhi, the master leader, broke his self-imposed exile from active politics and the Kolkata Congress opened the way for his return to active politics. By then, both the Congress and the general masses of India realized that Gandhi alone could lead India to salvation.

In December, 1929, the Congress had given a call for ‘Purna Swaraj’ or complete Independence. Accordingly, January 26, 1930 was celebrated as the Independence Day. The momentous day was observed all over the country by holding of mass meetings which affirmed the resolution of independence, and passed the Resolution of Remembrance that said: “With this splendid and inspiring example of sacrifice and suffering in India’s cause before us, we repeat our Pledge of Independence, and resolve to carry on the fight till India is completely free.” The Congress decided to involve all sections of the society in this fight of ‘Right against the Might’ – to use Gandhi’s words.

FIGHT OF RIGHT AGAINST MIGHTY

Gandhi did the most unexpected.

He chose salt-making as a weapon to challenge the British might. A fistful of salt was to become the most potent force that shook the British rule to the core.

Gandhi knew the importance of salt. In fact, salt, the most important ingredient of our food, has always shaped history. The first of the great roads built by the Roman emperors was Via Salaria or the Salt Road. It was meant for transporting salt. Roman soldiers were paid their salaries in salt.

It is from this practice that the word salary came and expressions like ‘worthy of salt’ came into being. In fact, ‘Sal,’ which denoted salt, became ‘Solde’ in French. The word acquired the meaning ‘Pay’. It is from

D

Miller’s report on British Brutality

andi March or Salt Satyagraha was the first incident which shamed the British internationally. It besmeared its reputation of being a civilized nation. An American journalist by name Miller, who covered the historic march, reported this event. The British did everything at their command to stop the publication of the report. But, Miller managed to dispatch his report. It was published in 1350 journals world over.

Miller’s report is a historic document in itself. Here are some excerpts of the report: “One hundred yards from the stockade the satyagrahis drew up and a picked column advanced, wading the ditches and approaching the barbed wire. Suddenly at a word of command, scores of native police rushed upon the advancing marchers, and rained blows on their heads with steel-shod lathis. Not one of the marchers even raised an arm to fend off the blows.

They went down like ninepins. From where I stood, I heard sickening whacks of the clubs on unprotected skulls… Those struck down fell sprawling, unconscious or writhing in pain with fractured skulls or broken shoulders. In two or three minutes the ground was quilted with bodies. Great patches of blood widened on their white clothes. The survivors without breaking ranks, silently and doggedly, marched on until struck down.”

When the first column was gone, another marched forward. Although everyone knew that within a few minutes he would be beaten down, and perhaps killed, I could detect no signs of wavering or fear. They marched steadily with heads up… The police… beat down the second column. There was no fight, no struggle; the marchers simply walked forward until struck down. There were no outcries, only groans after they fell. There were not enough stretcher-bearers to carry off the wounded…”

“Bodies toppled over in threes and fours, bleeding from great gashes on their scalps. Group after group walked forward, sat down, and submitted being beaten into insensibility without raising an arm to fend off the blows. Finally the policemen became enraged by the nonresistance, sharing, I suppose, the helpless rage I had felt at the demonstrators for not fighting back. They commenced savagely kicking the seated men in the abdomen and testicles. The injured men writhed and squealed in agony, which seemed to inflame the fury of the police, and the crowd again almost broke away from their leaders. The police then began dragging the sitting men by the arms or feet, sometimes for a hundred yards, and throwing them into the ditches… Hour after hour stretcher-bearers carried back a stream of inert, bleeding bodies.”

28 | MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL

"He who is unable to rule over self, can never really succeed in ruling over other"

this word that the word ‘Soldier’ arose.

In India, salt had always been affordable and available much before the British came. Gujarat coast is known to have produced salt for over five millennia. Even Odisha and AP coast were known for salt production.

The British in the 18th Century wanted India to be a market for its Cheshire salt. So it banned Odisha salt in Bengal. It was in the name of fighting the illegal salt smuggling between Odisha and Bengal that the British had annexed Odisha to Bengal. The Salt Act 1882 mandated that those involved in illegal production of salt would be imprisoned for six months. Carrying of contraband salt was liable for confiscation. Only the British could make salt.

Hence, salt had always been a touchy issue with the Indians and several protests were organized to protest the British salt policy. The first such protest meeting was held in Odisha in 1888. By 1923, the British government doubled the salt tax. By 1930, there was rebellion on the issue of salt tax. However, it took the masterly genius of Mahatma to understand what making a fistful of salt can do to the British Government.

When Gandhi came up with the idea of salt satyagraha, even his most ardent colleagues were aghast. They did not understand how making of salt could unseat the all-powerful British. But, Gandhi knew what salt satyagraha could achieve. Most interestingly, Gandhi who never ate salt as part of his naturopathic dietary practice, understood the power of salt that salteaters couldn’t ever comprehend.

Gandhi clearly knew that protest against the salt tax would have an appeal that cuts across region, religion and class.

On 2 March 1930, Gandhi wrote a letter to Viceroy Lord Irwin and told him of his intension to break the salt laws. He wrote: “If my letter makes no appeal to your heart, on the eleventh day of the Ashram as I can take, to disregard the provision of the Salt laws. I regard this tax to be the most iniquitous of all from the poor man’s standpoint. As the independence movement is essentially for the poorest of the land, the beginning will be made with this evil”.

THE MARCH BEGINS…

What followed was a dramatic, inspiring and historic salt march or

MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL | 29

Dandi March.The march ignited the flames of the freedom struggle and the mass civil disobedience spread like wildfire across the nation.

Initially, the British felt the frail sexagenarian that Gandhi was would never be able to complete the salt march. Lord Irwin felt Gandhi would collapse due to exhaustion. British press too ridiculed him. But, Gandhi was far more determined and far more steely to resolve than the British adversaries expected.

On March 12, 1930, the Mahatma and the band of 78 loyal followers began a 240-mile walk to the sea shore village of Dandi. The 78 persons were carefully chosen.

These represented a cross-section of the people from all over the country: Andhra, Bengal, Bihar, Bombay, Gujarat, Karnatak, Kerala, Kutch, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajputana, Sindh, Tamil Nadud, U.P, Odisha and even Nepal. Besides Hindus, there were among them two Muslims, one Christian and two Harijans. Every day, they trekked 12 miles starting at 6.30 AM. As the march rolled past, thousands of Indians joined it. There were warm welcomes everywhere. Thousands of villages

"The greatness of a person lies in his heart, not in his head, that is intellect.'

L

Limiting needs

imiting needs was Gandhiji’s greatest quality. He always tried to limit his wants and believed in living by minimal needs.

While fighting for the voting rights of Girmitias in Natal, the local Indians asked Gandhiji to guide them. But by then, Gandhiji was ready to leave for India. The locals even offered to pool up money and help in managing his salary. But, the principled man that Gandhi was, he said he would need 300 pounds per year and wanted the Indian community to help him by giving him cases that would fetch him the said amount. So impressed were the Indian traders that they came forward to give their legal cases to Mahatma Gandhi to support his extended stay in Natal.

D

Gandhi, the employer

uring his early days in South Africa, Gandhi depended on one of his friend for assessing his employees. The friend took advantage of Gandhiji’s dependence on him and tried to mislead him. Because of his wrong advice, Gandhi removed several employees. Later, Gandhi came to know about his friend’s ways and threw him out.

This helped Gandhi to realize that one should not depend on hearsay.

across the country organized marches on their own. The whole nation was bestirred and the whole atmosphere was surcharged.

Soon those who doubted the efficacy of the Dandi march were singing paeons to it. Motilal Nehru said “like the historic march of Ramachandra to Lanka, the march of Gandhi will be memorable.” He made a gift of his ancestral home Ananda Bhavan to the nation during the Dandi Yatra. Prafulla Chandra Ray, another great freedom fighter, said the march was like “the exodus of the Israelites under moses.”

Gandhi himself said: “My feeling is like that of the pilgrim to Amarnath or Badri-Kedar. For me this is nothing less than a holy pilgrimage.” He further said: ““We have looked upon Dandi as Hardwar. Let us become worthy of entering a place as holy as Hardwar.”

On 5 April, after 25 days of daily marching, Gandhi reached the sea at Dandi. It was like a sea of humanity meeting the sea.

Gandhi said a nightly prayer at the shore washed by the Arabian sea.

And with the break of dawn next day stepped up to the beach where a crust of salt was cracking. He bent down and

picked up a chunk of the salt crust.

Thus he broke the most repressive and reprehensible law.

The British tried to snuff out the Salt Movement with extreme repression. They put over 60000 people behind bars. Gandhi was arrested while he was asleep. The officials woke him up by beaming a torch light on his face. Leader after leader were arrested, but the fight continued across the nation. Mill workers, farmers, students, employees and all other sections of the society joined the struggle. There was a complete shutdown in the country.

THE TURNING POINT

The salt Satyagraha was a defining moment of India’s freedom struggle. Gandhi himself explained what the Dandi March meant to India.

He said: “The call of 1920 was a call for preparation, today it is a call for engaging in final conflict.” Nationwide response to the Dandi Satyagraha baffled the world and it sat up to take notice. For the first ever time, Indian struggle was widely reported in the international media. A fistful of salt shook the British to the roots and in just a matter of 16 years, India became unshacked.

30 | MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL

"The greatness of a person lies in his heart, not in his head, that is intellect.'

I

QUIT INDIA, THE FINAL CALL

t was on one day in July 1942, the Congress was hotly debating its movement against the British. It was time for final joust. Time to push the Britishers out of India!

What should be the name of the movement? First, someone suggested “Get Out” Britishers. But, Gandhi said the expression was impolite. Then Gandhi’s conscience keeper suggested the words “Retreat” or “Withdraw.”

Even those were rejected.

It was then that trade unionist Yusuf Meheraly stood up and said “Why not Quit India?”

The name stuck. Everyone said “aye.” It was the birth of one of the greatest movements in the history of the world. The whole nation rose as one and fought the Britishers with all its might. The earlier movements were for questioning British laws and repression. But, this movement was meant to oust them from India. The Quit India movement was the most

defining and most definitive rebellion that changed the course of Indian history and unyoked India from the British slavery.

On 14 July 1942, the Congress passed the famous Quit India resolution. Like its innocuous naming, the beginning of the final nation-wide movement too was innocuous.

There was a dried up tank called Gowalia Tank in Mumbai. A two-and-ahalf-day historic Congress session was held there. It was there that the people gathered in huge numbers.

Together, the countless millions roared “Quit India.”

It was there that the Mahatma, the hope of millions of Indians, announced the launch of Quit India movement. 'There is a mantra, short one, that I give you. You imprint it on your heart and let every breath of yours give an expression to it. The mantra is "do or die",' Gandhiji told the people in his speech at Gowalia

MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL | 31

Tank. He told the Britishers: “Leave India to God. If this is too much then leave her to anarchy.”

The non-descript Gowalia Tank has later become famous as the August Kranthi Maidan.

READY FOR REVOLUTION

By 1942, India was ready for revolution. The discontent was brewing and the anger was seething.

The youth were fired up and revolutionary movements were once again finding their feet.

At the start of the World War II, the Congress offered to support the British in return for independence. But the British Government ignored them.

What more, in an utter disregard for Indian people and their concerns, the British Government unilaterally committed India to World War II. The nation was looking to wreak a rightful revenge for the enslavement.

It was also the moment when the

"Religion is that which comprehends all. In another words, religion permeates life in all its aspects and at all times."

F

The coolie barrister

or the South Africans, Gandhi was a coolie barrister as most of his clients were Indians who were former or present indentured labourers. The indentured labour was also known as Girmitia as they came to South Africa as per work agreement. The world agreement got corrupted and became Girmitia. They were also known as Swamis as majority of the Girmitia were of Tamil descent. The every Indian was either girmitia or Swamy for the South Africans. As Gandhiji fought their cases, he became a coolie barrister.

British looked most vulnerable. The Germans pulverized it in London and the Japanese pummeled it on the Eastern flank. They ousted the European forces from enslaved Oriental nations. A section, led by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, joined forces with the Japanese and fought the British militarily. They marched past Burma, liberated Andamans and knocked the doors of Manipur. Netaji’s audacious actions and radical initiatives energized a new generation of Indians. Gandhiji seized this opportunity and launched a movement that united the people of India against British imperialism in a last-ditch effort.

Reflecting the rebellious mood of the Indian masses, the Congress on July 14, 1942 passed the historic resolution demanding complete freedom. The draft proposed that if the British did not accede to the

demands, massive civil disobedience would be launched. Several senior leaders of the Congress were apprehensive about the efficacy of the call. In fact, Gandhi’s conscience keeper C Rajagopalachary had quit the Congress over the call. Even Nehru and Azad were skeptical. Smaller groups like the Communists and the Hindu Mahasabha opposed it. Jinnah’s Muslim League openly backed the British and grabbed power in most provinces as the Congress ministries resigned. But, the national mood was in favour of the movement.

MASSIVE UPRISING

The movement was stupendous and its magnitude baffled the Britishers. They promptly banned the Congress and arrested all its leaders.

It was then that a relatively unknown Aruna Asaf Ali presided over the AICC session on August 9.

32 | MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL

How wrong it is to ask others to be clean when we ourselves remain unclean?

GANDHI

on Aug 15, 1947 On 15th August, 1947, when India became free, Gandhi was far away from the celebrations. He did not celebrate. He did not hoist the Tricolour.

He was in Kolkata fighting communal hatred and rioting.

On Augst 15, 1947, he spent the whole day with prayers, fasting and spinning of the charkha.

He did not issue any statement.

When some students met him on that day, he told them thus: “I am not lifted off my feet by these demonstrations of joy.”

A day before, he addressed a meeting at Kolkata’s Marwari Club. He said: “Tomorrow we will be free from the slavery of the British, but from midnight India will be cut into two pieces.”

Of Gandhi, Lord Mountbatten wrote: “In Punjab, we have 55000 soldiers and large-scale rioting on our hands.

InBengal, our forces consist of one man, and there’s no rioting. As a serving officer, as well as an administrator, may I be allowed to pay my tribute to the One-man Boundary Force?”

Despite lack of direct leadership, large scale protests and demonstrations were held all over the country. Workers remained absent en masse and strikes were called. At many places, there was large-scale violence. The British responded with more brutality. They arrested over a lakh people and levied mass fines. It bombed the gatherings and publicly flogged the freedom fighters.

Hundreds were killed in police firing.

At one stage, the British had even contemplated of shifting the top leadership of the Congress to Yemen.

But better senses prevailed at last.

A young, new generation of nationalists had heeded the Mahatma's call, suffered trials and tribulations in an extremely critical time, and come out victorious. Taking part in Quit India was a matter of great prestige, and the Congress Party had sown the seeds here of a new generation of nationalists who would become the first generation of independent Indians.

PERSONAL LOSS FOR GANDHI

For Gandhiji, Quit India period was a period of huge personal loss.

While he was cut off from the rest of the world, his wife Kasturba passed away and his closest aide Mahadev Desai too died shortly thereafter.

Gandhi's own health was failing. Yet, he maintained a superhuman resolve of continuous resistance. He fasted for over 21 days. Even after the British released him in 1944, he kept up the resistance, demanding the complete release of the Congress leadership.

The British rule stood fully shaken. The war had already sapped a lot of its economic, political and military power. The Indian resistance had shattered the spirit and will of the British Raj. By early 1946, it had released all political prisoners and began political dialogue with Indians.

In just a matter of one year, the British left India leaving it independent.

MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL | 33

T

Three gurus

hree persons influenced Gandhi deeply. They were Raichand Bhai, Leo Tolstoy and Arnold Ruskin. Gandhi had always regarded thm as his spiritual gurus and felt a sense of gratitude to them. Raichand was a jeweler, but had always been in a state of rapture thinking of God and his great ways. Tolstoy’s “The Kingdom of God is within you” had made Gandhi become a humanist.

Ruskin’s ‘Unto Last’ also changed Gandhiji’s way of thinking. Hence he used to revere this triumvirate.

A

HEY RAM!

s the country was celebrating its blood-soaked freedom, Gandhi stayed in a Muslim’s house with Muslim League leader Syed Suhrawardy standing besides him and listened to the woes of Hindus, who were raped, maimed, looted and driven out. He waited at all times for instructions from his "inner voice" before making his next move. "If the flames of communal strife envelop the whole country, how can our newborn freedom survive?" Gandhi asked.

34 | MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL

Man’s capacity of self-deception is immeasurably greater than that for deceiving others.

Every sensible person will certify to this fact.

W

hen freedom did come at last, it was only partial. A part of the country became Pakistan. The partition was not peaceful. It was bloody – savage fighting spread all across the country.

There were brutal attacks everywhere. Mayhem, rape and murder spread to the nook and corner of the country. Communal hatred was everywhere. All these made Gandhiji fall into darkest despair.

Gandhi did not approve of the plan to partition of India. But, there was little he could do as his closest colleagues had already committed themselves to the inevitable.

lights and proud Tricolour fluttered everywhere, Gandhi was on his lonely pilgrimage of prayer for peace in faraway Bengal. He walked barefoot through the blood-soaked lands of Noakhali in Bengal. He listened to the woes of people. He waited at all times for instructions from his "inner voice" before making his next move. "If the flames of communal strife envelop the whole country, how can our newborn freedom survive?" Gandhi asked.

As the country was celebrating its blood-soaked freedom, Gandhi stayed in a Muslim’s house with Muslim League leader Syed Suhrawardy standing besides him and listened to

"Who listens to me today? And why should anyone?" he said in despair.

He admitted that he was living in a “fool's paradise."

Yet, Gandhi, all of 71 then, did not surrender to sorrow. He plodded on regardless of the threats to his life.

Not many know that he did not celebrate August 15, 1947. "What is there to celebrate? This vivisection of the Mother is fit only for prayer and deep heart-searching, not for fireworks, proud speeches, and songs.”

As Delhi draped itself festive

the woes of Hindus, who were raped, maimed, looted and driven out.

His genius for symbolic gestures was never wiser than this experiment in Hindu-Muslim cohabitation. It visibly demonstrated to Calcutta's millions of angry and fearful Hindus and Muslims alike that a Mahatma and the Muslim League leader could peacefully live under a single roof.

They stayed there together for almost a week, answering the most hostile, angry questions possible. It was Gandhi’s most potent lesson in communal harmony and the power of

MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL | 35

• Gandhi was a walking enthusiast. He began enjoying long walks in high school. In London, he saved money by walking as many as eight to ten miles a day. All those years of walking served him well during the Salt-March when, at the age of 60, he walked 241 miles.

• Do you know, what were the first words that Gandhi spoke in a radio?

While in England in 1931, Gandhi made his first radio broadcast for the United States. The first thing the Mahatma said was, “Do I have to speak into this thing?”

• Do you know that the same gun carriage that was used to carry the mortal remains of the Mahatma was used for the last journey of Mother Teresa?

• Mahatma Gandhi never visited the US, but he had many American fans and followers. One of his more unusual admirers was Henry Ford.

Gandhi sent him an autographed charkha through a journalist emissary.

• The first person in the world who produced a documentary on Gandhiji was A.K.Chettiar, a Tamilian. He had visited Japan and known the techniques of cinema producing by spending his own expenditure and toured many places in South Africa and India for this cause and had obtained many exclusive video and added that in his documentary.

What distinguishes human life from animal life? Comprehensive thinking on this question will solve a lot of our problems.

love. "I have come here to serve not only Muslims but Hindus," he explained. A courageous Gandhi told his opponents: "You can obstruct my work, even kill me. I won't invoke the help of the police. You can prevent me from leaving this house, but what is the use of your dubbing me an enemy of the Hindus? I will not accept the label."

How many of our present leaders would have the courage to do this?

Communal harmony for Gandhi was an inalienable article of faith, the raison d’tre. This untiring harbinger of communal amity was unafraid of death. Just two days before his assassination, he said: “If I am to die by the bullet of a mad man, I must do so smiling. There must be no anger within me. God must be in my heart and on my lips.”

In fact, there were four attempts on his life. The first one was on June 25, 1934. A bomb exploded while he was on his way to address a meeting in Pune. Quite intriguingly, no records or no accounts of this case are available. The second attempt was in May 1944. A group of people, led by Nathuram Godse, came to him at the Dilkush Bunglow in Panchgani. Godse rushed towards Gandhi with a dagger in hand, but was overpowered. He was let off.

The third attempt was in September 1944. This was in Mumbai.

The fourth attempt was on January 20, 1948. Led by Madanlal Pahwa and Vishnu Karkare, attempt was made to explode bombs. This was a failed attempt again. It was in the last attempt on January 30, 1948 that Mahatma fell to an assassin’s pointblank bullet shots. The nation became inconsolable in grief.

C Rajagopalachary said: “No one could die a more glorious death than Mahatma Gandhi. He was going to the seat of his prayer to speak to his Rama. He did not die in the bed calling

THE LAST MOMENTS OF MAHATMA JANUARY 30, 1948 BIRLA HOUSE, NEW DELHI

3.30 AM Gandhi woke up as usual.

3.45 AM Offers morning prayers, Manu leads the Bhagavad Gita recital.

4.00 AM Gandhi corrects his draft of Congress constitution.

4.46 AM He has a glass of lemon, honey and hot water.

6.00 AM Asks for correspondence file, writes letters.

7.00 AM Gandhiji meets Rajen Nehru, hands over the draft copy of Congress constitution to his secretary Pyarelal.

8.00 AM Gandhi had a massage and a bath. Later Manu weigh’s Gandhiji and records that he was 109 ½ pounds. Later, he practices Bengali as he does everyday and writes Bengali sentences “Bhairab’s home is in Naihati. Shaila is his eldest daughter. Today Shaila gets married to Kailash.”

9.30 AM Gandhi has morning meal of vegetables, goat’s milk, four each of tomatoes and oranges, carrot juice, decoction of ginger.

10.30 AM Gandhi sleeps for a while. After he wakes up, he walks alone for some time.

12.30 PM A delegation of Muslims meets Gandhiji, later he meets SudhirGhosh.

1.00 PM Gandhi sun-bathes with a mud pack around his abdomen.

1.30 PM Listens to statement by Master Tara Singh, Reads Allahabad riot report.

2.15 PM Daily round of interviews begins.

4.00 PM Gandhi finishes last interview. Asks his aide to book his train tickets to Wardha next day.

4.30 PM Gandhi meets Sardar Patel., Gandhi served meal.

5.00 PM Godse, Gandhi’s killer arrives at Birla House.

The other killers Narayan Apte and Vishnu Karkare also arrive.

5.10 PM Gandhi begins his journey for the prayers at the real ground of Birla House. His two ‘walking sticks’ Manu and Abha by his side, he walks. Manu was on his right and Abha on his left. Manu had Gandhi’s spittoon, spectacle case, rosary and a notebook with her. The last journey is about 200 yards. Gandhi began climbing the steps.

Godse materialises, says “Namaste Gandhiji!” pushes aside Manu and fires at Gandhiji.

5.17 PM The supreme moment comes. Mahatma slumps to the ground. His shawl gets soaked in blood. His face turns pale. Gandhi breathed his last.

36 | MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL

There is only one way of achieving independence through non-violence: by dying we live; by killing, never

for hot water, doctors or nurses. He did not die after mumbling incoherent words in the sick bed. He died standing, not even sitting down, Rama was too eager to take him even before he could reach the seat of his prayer.”

Pandit Nehru said: “In ages to come, centuries and many millenniums after us, people will think of this generation when this man of God trod the earth and will think of is who, however small, could also follow his path and probably tread on that holy ground where his feet had been."

Sardar Patel said: “I am sure Gandhiji's supreme sacrifice will wake up the conscience of our countrymen and evoke a higher response in the heart of every Indian. I hope and pray that it may be given to us to complete Gandhiji's mission.”

Shyama Prasad Mukherjee said: “The light that illuminated our motherland and indeed the world amidst darkness and sorrow has suddenly gone out. The passing away of Mahatma Gandhi is the most stunning blow to that could fall on India. That he who made India free

and self-reliant, a friend of and enemy of none, loved and respected by millions, should fall at the hands of an assassin, one of his own community and countrymen, is a matter of deepest shame and tragedy. He is of those whose influence never dies and indeed shines more and more with the passage of time. The shot of the assassin not only vitally pierced through his mortal body but has grievously struck the very heart of Humanism and India, which could survive only if people resolutely decide to make the pursuit of such methods impossible.”

Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, the frontier Gandhi, said: He was the only ray of light to help us through these darkest days. Even Jinnah said: “He died in the discharge of the duty in which he believed. His tragic death, however much we may deplore it and however much we may condemn the murderer, was a noble death, for he died in the discharge of his duty.”

And the last words that came out of Mahatma Gandhi’s mouth were: “Hey Ram.”

MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL | 37

G

Gandhi’s frugality

andhi was extremely frugal. He never spent a paisa more than what is needed. During the first month of his stay in England, he travelled by a cab and stayed as a paying guest in a house. But, Gandhi found that to be too expensive. He immediately shifted to a house closer to his college and went on foot to the college to reduce expenses. To bring down the food expenses, he began cooking food all by himself. Thus, the expenses were brought down considerably. This habit stayed with Gandhi even during the independence struggle. He never spent more than necessary.

1869 1876

1881 1883 1885 1887 1888

1891

1893

1894: 1896 1899 1901

Oct 2- Birth at Probandar, Gujarat, son of Karamchand and Putlibai Gandhi Primary Schooling begins in Rajkot, where his family moved Entered high school in Rajkot

CHRONOLOGY OF MAH 1906

Married to Kasturbai Father’s death at 63

Passed Matriculation examination, joined Samaldas College in Bhavnagar for one term only

Birth of first son, and sailed from Bombay for England to study law in September Returned to India, started law practice in Bombay and Rajkot

April-Sailed for South Africa for an Indian firm’s case, faced racial discrimination in South Africa

Persuaded by Indians there to stay in South Africa to do public work and law practice

Returned to India for six months to take back his family to South Africa

Organized the Indian Ambulance Corps for British in Boer War

Returned to India with family, promising to return to South Africa if the Indians needed his services.

1907 1908

1909 1910 1913 1914

1902 1903 1904

Returned to South Africa after request by Indian community there Opened Law office in Johannesburg ‘Indian

Opinion’

Journal

Organised Ambulance Corps for Zulu Rebellion’ Celibacy vow taken

11th September. First Satyagraha Campaign launched withJohannesburg meeting against the Asiatic Ordinance directed against Indian Immigrants

June. Satyagraha against the ‘Black Act’ forcing compulsory registration on Asians

Jan. First imprisonment for Satyagraha

Aug. Second Satyagraha campaign began with bonfire of registration certificates

Wrote ‘Hind Swaraj’ while returning to South Africa from England

Established Tolstoy Farm near Johannesburg Nov. Third Satyagraha begins with the “great march” of 2000 Indian miners from Newcastle against repressive laws

Satyagraha suspended following;

Jan. Agreement between Smuts, C.F. Andrews and Gandhiji and the passage of Indian Relief Act

1901-02 Travelled in India, Attended

the Calcutta Congress Session, also opened law office in Bombay

Started by him, Phoenix farm Established near Durban, inspired by Ruskin’s ‘Unto this Last’

1915

July. Left South Africa – sailed back for India with family and friends Jan. Arrived back in India to a rousing welcome

May. Established Satyagraha Ashram at

1916 1917

1918 1919

Feb. Inaugural Speech at Banaras Hindu University

Champaran Satyagraha for right of peasants on Indigo Plantation

Led strike of mill workers at Ahmedabad and succeeded in achieving peaceful settlement in the favour of mill workers.

Undertook his first fast in India

First all India Satyagraha conceived against the Rowlatt Bills denying all Civil Liberties to Indians

Became editor of ‘Young India’ and ‘Navajivan’

1920

Kochrab near Ahmedabad

38 | MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL

Elected President of All India Home Rule League launched non-co-operation movement.

Gave up his Kaiser-e-Hind medal

HATMA GANDHI’S LIFE 1931

The Salt Satyagraha begins in full earnest May. Bapu arrested

The Historic Gandhi-Irwin Pact signed

August - Sailed for England to attend the Second Round Table Conference, Resided at Kingsley Hall in London slums, met dignitaries, visited universities, besides attending the conference.

1932

1921 1922 1923 1927

1930

Mass Civil Disobedience, thousands arrested Gandhiji entrusted with ‘Sole executive authority’ on behalf of Congress

Suspended the mass-movement following Chauri- Chaura violence

Wrote ‘Satyagraha in South Africa’ and part of his autobiography in prison

Bardoli Satyagraha launched under Sardar Patel’s leadership

‘Purna Swaraj’ declared on 26th January 1930.

March 12. Historic Dandi March begins from Sabarmati under his leadership to break the Salt Law

April 6. Breaking of Salt Law on the seashores of Dandi by him.

1933

1934

1936 1937 1938 1940 1942

August Launching of the Quit India Movement-nation wide Satyagraha began-under his leadership.

December - Visited Switzerland to meet Romain Rolland and Italywhere he met Mussolini.

September - Began Epic Fast in Yervada Prison against British decision of seperate electorate for untouchables, ended it in the presence of Gurudev when the Yervada Pact was accepted by the British.

1944

1946

1947

Launched All India Village Industries Association

Selected Segaon, Near wardha, to be the next Ashram, better known as Sevagram Ashram.

Untouchability Removal campaign continued with visits to the South.

Tour of NWFP with Badshah Khan.

Launched Individual civil-disobedience Satyagraha with Selection of Vinoba Bhave as the first Individual Satyagrahi.

Failure of Cripps Mission.

MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL | 39

Kasturba’s death at 74, ending 62 years of married life.

March met British Cabinet Mission in New Delhi

November – Began peace mission in 49 villages in East Bengal to stop Communal Carnage.

March- Bihar tour to stop communal riots there.

March met the Viceroy Lord Mountbatten in New Delhi

May- Opposed decision to accept partition of India.

August 15,fasted and prayed in Calcutta, to end the communal killings there.

Began weekly Publication ‘Harijan,’ began the nationwide campaign against untouchability

Disbanded Sabarmati Ashram, Converted it into a centre for removal of untouchability.

Arrested and put in Pune’s Agha Khan Palace with Ba, Mahadev Desai and others. Mahadev Desai died here.

1948

9 September Came to Delhi to prevent riots and give solace to the grieving humanity, stayed at Birla House, now Gandhi Smriti

January 13- Last fasting of his life- 5 days fast in Delhi for communal unity.

January 20- Bomb explosion in Prayer Meeting at Birla House.

January 30- Assasinated in 79th year of life at Birla House Prayer Grounds by Nathuram Godse End of epic life in its physical form but immortal in spirit.

There is only one way of achieving independence through non-violence: by dying we live; by killing, never

MESSAGE OF MAHATMA

I

t’s now time to look not at facts, but about the meaning of Mahatma’s life. His life is no mere bunch of dates and events. His life, as he himself said several times, is his message. It is time to see what Gandhi’s relevance is in today’s world.

For Gandhiji, life is a yagna. For him, every moment, every breath and every action should be a reiteration of his faith in his beliefs. For him, life is a true sacrifice.

A wealthy attorney, a prosperous Dewan, a major trader or a moneyed rich….Gandhi could have become any of these. But, he chose to become a servant – of the people, nation and the humanity. Through his tireless effort and his simple piety, he led India to independence. However, in spite of national and international acclaim, he never lost his humility, dedication and spirit of sacrifice.

The most important message of Mahatma was that one’s life should be a yagna of morality, of dharma and ethics.

For him being moral is more important than winning. For him, means was as important as the end.

Mahatma Gandhi’s life was in service to God. His work for his country and his tenaciously-held values were part and parcel of this complete sacrifice to the divine. The Gita was his closest companion, and his most trusted guide. Belief in God and self is his most precious message. It is for this reason that Gandhiji’s name will live eternally not only because he brought independence to India. He will be remembered forever and revered forever because of the message of his life.

It is for us to ensure that his message would live on. Let us take his message to heart. Let us live lives of sacrifice and subservience to God.

40 | MAHATMA: THE GREAT SOUL