For Global Peace with Social Justice in a Sustainable Environment

Indra Vidyavachashpati and Mahatma Gandhi

Dr. Yogendra Yadav

Gandhian Scholar

Gandhi Research Foundation, Jalgaon, M.S.

Contact No. – 09404955338

Indra Vidyavachashpati was a freedom fighter and associate of Mahatma Gandhi. He was son of Swami Shradhanand. Who gave support to Mahatma Gandhi many times? Shri Indra was lived in Jalgaon.

“I have your letter. It reached me after I had already written something on the subject. But I wrote nothing to hurt anybody. I hope none will go to court and the matter has now calmed down.”1

“I have your second letter. I hope you have got my reply to your earlier letter. I have received the file too. I am very impatient to reach Delhi. Because of the doctors’ warning I have postponed my journey. I will reach there as soon as possible.”2

“Received your letter. Do you wish to drag me out of my sphere of work? What can I write about Shivaji Maharaj? I feel ashamed to say that I know nothing more than what I read about him in my student days.”3

“At the present time, on every ceremonial occasion, I offer this one prayer to God: “O God, change the hearts of Hindus and Muslims alike, cleanse them of poison; fill them with love. Let them all realize that they should spin for the sake of their poor countrymen. Cleanse the hearts of the Hindus of all impurity and remove untouchability.” What else can I send? I am sure your efforts will be crowned with success.”4

“I have your letter. I wish to have full details about Bhopal. If I get a list of the atrocities, I shall immediately do whatever is possible.”5

“I am sending you herewith something received from a correspondent. What have you to say regarding the statements made therein? Are there really any editions of the Satyartha Prakashwhich do not contain Chap. XIV about Islam? Was the chapter written or inserted after the death of the Maharshi3? And if so, by whom? Gandhi wants your detailed reply and he thinks only you could enlighten him in the matter. What is this rioting in Delhi? Newspaper accounts are meagre. We read something whilst we were in Travancore, and have heard nothing more.”6

“I have your letter. I am replying to you in English as you have chosen to write to me in English. But why in English? My promise of swaraj in 1921 was conditional.1 The condition was absolute acceptance of non-violent non-co-operation by the people at large. At Viramgam, Bombay and Chauri Chaura these conditions were broken not by the masses but by live Congressmen. If I am silent about what is called the political aspect of the situation I am silent because through my silence I am preaching non-violence. I cannot say anything useful on the many controversial questions that are troubling the country today. And If I am harping upon the charkha in season and out of season again it is because the charkha to me represents non-violence in a concrete shape, for, non-violence is action in the correct sense of the term whereas violence is bad action or in action. If people want swaraj through non-violence means they can attain it by complete exclusion of foreign cloth and through the charkha and all it means. During the year of grace 1921, I had the hope that we should achieve boycott of foreign cloth by a sudden

and simultaneous manifestation of the charkha spirit on the part of the people. That was not to be. And now we have to build the charkha atmosphere among the people. I do not think it will be so long as you imagine before the charkha becomes universal. But even if it does, thinking non-violence I cannot think of any other instrument or activity. I see you expect a public reply to your question. Do you really want a public reply?”7

“I have a letter from some Harijans of your area, I am enclosing it. Read it and after an inquiry do whatever is possible. I have written to them to see you.”8

“I have your letter. I can never suggest from here that Ganeshilal or anyone else may be admitted into the Sangh. I have no acquaintance with him. I am aware of the distressing fact that there are five or six divisions among the Harijans. This is a reflection of our own deeds. Has anyone anywhere published a list of the temples and wells that have been thrown open to Harijans?”9

“Come over when you wish to. But why should you take the trouble just to see me, when travelling is so difficult these days? I am observing silence which will end on the 29th.”10

1. LETTER TO INDRA VIDYAVACHASPATI; July 15, 1924

2. LETTER TO INDRA VIDYAVACHASPATI; July 22, 1924

3. LETTER TO INDRA VIDYAVACHASPATI; August 4, 1924

4. LETTER TO INDRA VIDYAVACHASPATI; August 13, 1924

5. LETTER TO INDRA VIDYAVACHASPATI; September 11, 1924

6. LETTER TO INDRA VIDYAVACHASPATI; March 28, 1925

7. LETTER TO INDRA VIDYALANKAR; May 23, 1926

8. LETTER TO INDRA VIDYALANKAR; January 11, 1933

9. LETTER TO INDRA VIDYALANKAR; January 17, 1933

10. LETTER TO INDRA VIDYAVACHASPATI; May 23, 1944