Antyaja Seva Mandal and Mahatma Gandhi

[Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav]

Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav

Senior Gandhian Scholar, Professor, Editor and Linguist

Gandhi International Study and Research Institute, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India

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Antyaja Seva Mandal and Mahatma Gandhi

 

 

The existence of this association for serving Antyajas is due to Indulal. He has done solid service. He was thinking about it even while in jail. We should forgive him if in a flush of enthusiasm he has done something which we may not like. His exile over, Amritlal has come here. Now he has become the high priest of Dheds, Bhangis and Bhils. When Indulal was considering leaving the Antyaja Seva Mandal, I thought of entrusting it to the Vidyapith. Amritlal said, we should not let it go. He took the burden upon himself. But how much burden can a single person carry? You should also help him. There is a great deal of work for the Antyaja Seva Mandal to do. The Antyaja map of Gujarat is being drawn. I do not know that Godhra has contributed a single paisa. If the Lord indeed dwells within you, then send the money to Amritlal or Mama. And let your mind go with the money. 1

I should be happy if the Ashram passes under the management of Thakkar Bapa. If Mama places him under his discipline, it will be to his good. But if, having done that, he is asked by Thakkar Bapa to leave, he should be ready quietly to submit. Such a contingency is not impossible. Mama has many other fields of service. Amalgamating the Ashram with Antyaja Seva Mandal should not be taken to mean that the ownership of the land or the buildings should be passed to to the latter. If the Ashram is handed over, the Antyaja Seva Mandal can only be given a lease of the buildings at nominal rent. 2

 

References:

 

1. 1.      Mahadevbhaini Diary, Vol. VII, pp. 12-4
2. 2.      A Letter, September 23. 1929