Unfinished book

By Manubhai Pancholi

During his stay in Yerwada jail, once Bapu thought, let me write something on Indian civilisation. So, he started writing. He wrote the first sentence: “There is no civilisation in the world that can match the Indian civilisation.” After writing this much, his pen stopped and he remained silent for a while. Then tears started flowing from his eyes. He said, “I wrote the sentence, but then my conscience asked me, how can you – a satyagrahi – write like that? I thought of untouchables. I asked myself how can I write no civilisation comes close to this civlisation in which these people are in such conditions?”

He then did not write the second sentence. That book remained unfinished.

“Hobby: English literature”

By Kaka Kalelkar

It was towards the end of 1915. Bapu was writing something. I was sitting close by, reading the (English) translation of Umar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat. I had heard a lot of praise for Fitzgerald’s translation, but I was had not read it. When I was about to complete the book, Bapu’s attention turned towards me. “What are you reading?” he asked. I showed him the book.

We were only recently acquainted with each other. Bapu did not wish to give me a direct advice. With a deep sigh, he said, “I too was highly interested in English poetry. But I thought what right do I have to read English poetry? If I have free time, why don’t I improve my Gujarati writing skills? If I want to serve the nation, I should use all my time to increase my service activities.”

After pausing for a while, he resumed: “If I have made one sacrifice for the service of the nation, it is of my interest in English literature. I don’t consider sacrificing money and career as a sacrifice at all. I never had any attraction for that. But I was madly interested in English literature. I, however, have decided that I must give up that direction.”

I got the hint. I put the book aside.

Heart of hardness

By Kaka Kalelkar

American missionary Mott had come to attend the Mysore youth conference (in 1927). Before his return, he came to meet Gandhiji in the (Sabarmati) ashram. Gandhiji could spare only ten minutes for him. I went there out of curiosity to find out what would Reverend Mott, highly popular among the youth around the world, would ask Gandhiji in ten minutes. He started a series of questions and Gandhiji gave short and succinct replies. Two questions drew my attention.

“What is one thing in life in the joy of which you can survive even any crisis?” Rev. Mott asked.

“Non-violence is part of the Hindustani population’s nature. This one faith has sustained me. Keeping this faith, I can hope to show the world an unparalleled  revolution.”

Rev. Mott asked the second question, “What is the most worrying and painful thing for you?”

"The hardheartedness of the educated Indians,” Bapu replied.

Condition of untouchability

By Kaka Kalelkar

This is from 1921. Gujarat Vidyapeeth was founded in Ahmedabad. The administrative council was holding a meeting. Mr (C F) Andrews had also come for the meeting. He asked, “Will the Vidyapeeth admit Harijan students?” I immediately replied, yes, Harijans too would be admitted. But there were some in our administrative council who were not in favour of removing untouchability. Some others too started talking about their difficulties. The question remained undecided  that day. Finally, Bapu’s view was sought. He too said what I had said.

It became a matter of debate across Gujarat. Some wealthy Vaishnavites from Mumbai came to Bapu and said, “National education is a dharma karya. We will donate for this cause as much as you ask for. But leave this matter of Harijans aside. We can’t understand that.”

They had come prepared to donate five-seven lakh rupees. Bapuji told them, “Leave aside the issue of funds for the Vidyapeeth. If somebody offers me the freedom for Hindustan on the condition of continuing untouchability, I will reject it.”

“Will send you seven rupees a month”

By Mukul Kalarthi

Bapu had declared his plans to give shelter to Harijans (untouchables) in his ashram, but Ba then used to have orthodox views. Bapu tried to persuade Ba, but she was not yet convinced.

Once Bapu realised that Ba was feeling unhappy due to his attitude towards Harijans, so he went to her and said, “If you are not comfortable here, you too can go to Rajkot like Raliyatba (Gandhiji’s sister). I will also send you seven rupees a month.”

Late Swaraj

By Umashankar Joshi

Gandhiji was very strict in timings. In sticking to the time given for appointments, he used to make arrangements taking all factors into account. He had to appear in a court in Champaran at 11 o’clock. A horse-drawn carriage was being engaged. Gandhiji said it must arrive at their camp by 10.30. Colleagues said the carriage won’t take half an hour to reach the court. Gandhiji replied, what if the carriage does not come at 10.30? I must have enough time on hand to walk to the court.

Once in a conference at Godhra, Tilak Maharaj arrived half an hour late. Gandhiji said then: Swaraj will now come half an hour late.

[Translated from Gujarati and excerpted from Gandhi-Ganga Vols 1-2, edited by Mahendra Meghani, publisher: Lokmilap Trust.]