For Global Peace with Social Justice in a Sustainable Environment

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur and Mahatma Gandhi, Part- IV

Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav

Gandhian Scholar

Gandhi Research Foundation, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India

Contact No. – 09415777229, 094055338

E-mail- dr.yogendragandhi@gmail.com;dr.yadav.yogendra@gandhifoundation.net

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur and Mahatma Gandhi, Part- IV

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have apparently neglected you these few days. I hope you had my wire. I wonder whether the news preceded the wire. For you it should be enough that I did not forget it. Jawaharlal was more than good throughout. His innate nobility asserted itself every time a difficulty cropped up. He is truly a warrior, sans peur et sans reproche. The more I see him, the more I love him. I had long chats with him and the Maulana. It will be most difficult to replace him next year. Rameshwari is here and will be with me probably to the end of the month. She occupies Jamnalal’s guest house.”174 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I answer your idiotic question with a counter-question: Are all in the camphorated area dishonest have seen your letter to Ba. What a stupid thing to ask whether you would be ‘one too many’. Would you ask that of Shummy when going to Manorville or will you go there as of right? Well, your six feet by two at the foot of my chatai is always there. And friend Nabibux lies anywhere. Your Hindi letter to B. was perfect. And here you will make rapid progress.”175 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I return Dagmares’ letter. I do not think the rice-eating parts of India suffer because they eat rice but because they are too poor to add to the staple what those in the North do. Whether they were better off hundreds of years ago is a certainty, if we grant that they had greater facilities for buying the necessary articles than now. But as there were no statistics kept in the old days, our conclusions will be based on more or less guess. Shriman will be an ideal husband for her. She is herself perfectly delighted with the choice. Every time you notice slovenliness or irregularities about our institutions, you should bring these things to the notice of the responsible men. Then only will you be able to cope with the national evil. You should give your impressions and views about Khadi Bhandars to Shankerlal Banker, Ahmadabad, and tell him, too, of your plans for the Simla Bhandar in particular, i.e., if you have the leisure. The leisure you can have, if you give up what is less useful, if not useless. If I were you, I would not worry over Muslim co-operation in the Hindi work. They will if we are true and have no designs that they suspect.”176

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “This is being written after the evening walk. No cause for any worry about me. You must not be shocked to learn that I am taking that specialist’s ampules. He has given me full details. It is a simple herb treated with the sun’s rays. He says it has never failed to give lasting relief. It can do no harm. Of course it deprives me of one food substance. But that does not matter. It would be wrong not to try this drug. Khan Saheb’s letter is worthy of him. I am glad you are taking ice and steam. You must add the earth bandage. What had Shummy to say to your health? I would like his opinion. Tell him this with my love. I understand what S. and J. have to say about Charlie. You should not only regulate his food whilst he is with you but you should also draw his attention to his weakness. I was looking at that note on education. Do you still want me to study it and give you my opinion on it? Mira is getting on. She is doing some writing work. Amtul Salaam is fairly happy just now. Sharda is flourishing. Lilavati has left in a huff because I lost my temper with her. I can become an ass. Sometimes I doubt the reality of my ahimsa. Why can I not curb my temper forever? If my ahimsa is worth anything, surely it ought to resist all temptation and provocation. Please don’t defend me but go for me. If Lilavati is lost to me, I shall be largely to blame. She is too good not to return to me. If she does, the credit will be hers.”177 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Bapu has given me many messages for you today.

l. He wants you to move amongst the high-class Sikhs and awaken their interest in the Prohibition campaign. Those who drink should be weaned of it, and especially the women should be roused to draw up a resolution. I would like a declaration from notable Sikhs.

2. C. F. A. should eat exactly what the doctor says. Probably his condition is one which can actually be harmed by fruit, etc. But now, of course, he may have passed that stage. It should depend on what the doctor says. That C. F. A. eats meat is open knowledge to Bapu.

3. Bapu entirely agrees with you that C. F. A. should not think about answering Miss Mayo’s book. It is not needed either in India or the West. An entirely independent book would be the only way of touching the matter.

4. There is no likelihood of Bapu going to the Frontier before October. It depends on when and what Khan Saheb writes.

5. It is very good news that the Simla Khadi Bhandar has, become self-supporting.

6. Bapu will look at your brass bucket, and if it is suitable, he will use it himself.

7. Your fan is put away. There are plenty more here. Yours will be kept for you to use when you return.

8. Bapu’s right hand is quite usable, but he feels the more rest he can give it the better. And this, he points out, has the advantage of giving him enforced rest from too much writing.

9. Bapu thinks your Hindi letters have much improved, and they are not too big now. 10. Balkoba is slowly improving. He is able to take his full diet, and he has put on I lb. weight. Bapu’s health is certainly improving. He is taking more of the medicine, as it suits him and helps to reduce the b. p. The weather is excellent.”178

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am obliged to speak to you just now through Mira. I have gone through your reply. It is quite good and quite firm, just like you. Your weakness is only for friends. I shall be interested to know the reply. What is the reason for changing the name? Is it because the money is to come from the memorial fund? I hope you made sure that your objection had valid ground for it. Nabibuksh is almost due now. Give my love to him. It is strange you do not get good earth there. Do you take enough sleep?”179 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have written with the right hand with a vengeance. In ten minutes more the prayer commences and the silence breaks. Then no more of right hand writing till next Monday. Nothing more about me than what M. has told you. I hope you had a good meeting with the women. You can’t desert the rich. You have to do the best you can with them. You must have inexhaustible patience. Tell Charlie, he must keep to regular hours and simplicity for food. It won’t do to have another attack, if he is to shoulder the burden of Palestine. It is wrong for him to write for money. It is one thing to accept small gifts for work done without the monetary motive behind it. But to write for gain seems to me to be quite wrong. It would be a different thing if he as a schoolmaster was writing school-books. That labour merits its hire. But it is not an original work say like the Indian Fight for Freedom or the Life of Jesus. You are silent about your eczema. Poor Sharda may have duodenal ulcer. But she is all right and quite brave. Her father, who has come here, is on his back with fever. Lilavati is on the mend. Ba is better though still limping. Balkrishna is the same as before. Batra is in the Punjab. The medicine I am taking is no patent. It is a well-known bazaar root irradiated. If I may take the neem leaf or bark, what is wrong with another bitter root? There is as much harm in this root as there is in the castor seed. Therefore don’t take fright over my drug. I am careful. My love is to Nabi Bux. He should return by this time. The weather has suddenly become warm. We might have a downpour. We had a good meeting of A. I. S. A. and A. I. V. I. A. The Urdu numerals are handy. Thoughtful Rebel as ever! I shall ask for more when I have mastered this much. It will be treasured as I have treasured your list of equivalent Hindi names for tools.”180

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “This is merely for the pleasure of writing to you. Shummy is hopelessly wrong. You must write daily if you can but never at the sacrifice of your rest or work. Verrier is here today. I shall speak to him and do the needful. The seven prisoners have suspended their fast. Why won’t you say in writing what you want to say so badly when we meet? But you will please yourself. I am not curious like some I know. You should get the commitment of noted Sikhs even though their word carries no weight with the Sikhs.”181 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “O, Thou of little faith! Thine letters are all destroyed without being read by anybody except when there is something which I want to share with someone. This has happened but once since you’re deserting your corner near the tool-box. Never mind what people say about J. or your partiality for him. We must tolerate our neighbors’ mannerisms, if we would love them as we would have them to love us. Who is there without his or her mannerisms, then let him or her throw the first stone. Are you? Do you know any? I know none including my poor or big self. It would be a red-letter day when, though late in life, you marry khadi. When you do, you will find that all your other loves will be satisfied through khadi. Undivided love is the meaning and secret of marriage. All else is prostitution, idolatry. Gods are many but God is one. It is enough of sermonizing. A separate note is for Charlie. I have already told S. he must not go to Calcutta or take up active duty before he is thoroughly fit. Even when he is, he can’t replace J. who has his inconsumable energy and single mindedness. You will come off all right in Nagpur. Yes, I do think the medicine has done well and so do the doctors. Herewith Mira’s letter of yesterday. It could not go yesterday through my stupid forgetfulness measure of little love? Love never forgets.”182

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “It has been impossible for me to write personally during the week. The left hand works slowly; the right must not be used on week days. Lilavati took one whole day and she deserved it. Poor girl suffered much during and after the operation. Chimanlal’s life is hanging by a thread. He causes the greatest anxiety. Temperature became normal for a few hours for the first time yesterday. But he is very weak. His brain does not work. Parnerkar’s fever is gone. He is gaining strength. Sir Jogendra Singh has sent me, after reading my article, a sweet letter which I enclose herewith. You may destroy it after reading it. J. insists on my going to Calcutta and I fear I shall have to go. It might also be well as I should come in touch with the detenus. Your cheque for Orissa has been sent to Cuttack. Your precious parcel containing blanket, seeds and sandals has come in, also your wire. The first blanket has not worn out yet. Since you want all your letters destroyed immediately on my reading them and they are destroyed I can’t remember the contents that called for answers.”183 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “It has been impossible to write to you during the week days in spite of your gentle complaint. I must not use the right hand and the left works laboriously. And I have no time for practice. Every minute must be used to best advantage. If you insist on my tearing your letters as soon as I have read them, you must not expect me to remember your questions for whole seven days and then answer them on Sundays. Of course I took note of what you wrote about Bhulabhai and, what is more, I wrote to him about the matter, though of course without naming the source of information. I have not heard from him as yet. The reply is overdue. I had heard of the thing before but I could not act upon rumours. Your information was definite. I am glad Nabibux has returned. My love is to him. You must bring him when you come. Your cheque has gone to Delhi. You may expect a formal receipt from them. Not to make mistakes in simple account-keeping does not make one an accountant. Even illiterate Nabibux gives an accurate account of everything he spends. You may take unction to your soul in that you are as good as he is in taking down contemporaneous expenses and receipts. Faithful clerk! It is a mystery how Sir J’s letter was not in your cover. Mira is making a search. Remember she is not a clerk, nor an idiot. Idiots are good at remembering things. Mira can draw mountains and cloud effects. So she disdains to remember trifles like putting things in their places where they should be. But this is poor consolation for you and me. I was most anxious for you to see that very good letter. He is following it up faithfully. I hope it will be traced. I return you the enclosed duly signed “Bapu” in Hindi. Is that right? Vijaya was wanted by her parents and I had to send her away. She was most disconsolate and could not restrain her tears. I miss her because she was a most handy girl, always willing, always ready. She wants to return. A. S. is still in Bombay helping her brothers to settle their differences. She may return any day. Lilavati is almost in harness. Sushila, Pyarelal’s sister, came in on Saturday bringing fever with her. So she is in Maganwadi. Pyarelal is nursing her. Shriman is down with typhus. I do not know what will happen to the Conference now. It may have to be dropped. He is a rare gem On 25th I leave for Calcutta; address care Congress. I expect to be back on 2nd November at the latest and shall await Khan Saheb’s summons. He expects to have me with him during 1st week of November.”184

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Though there is nothing wrong in Hindus putting emphasis on Devanagari script and a knowledge of Hindi if it is to be distinguished from highly Persianized Urdu, if you can postpone active work till after the Sammelan it would be wise. This is all a matter of experience and it is so difficult to advise without sensing the surrounding atmosphere and the local circumstances. Both these I like to see for myself whenever I have to decide a delicate question which depends for its solution on knowledge of the atmosphere and circumstances. I hope this will be some sort of guide for you. Whatever happens, this is quite clear to me, that every Punjabi should realize that Punjabi and Urdu are his languages; but a Hindu, wherever he is, should know Hindi through the Devanagari script, for the sake of being able to read first-class devotional literature, the like of which is not to be found in any other Provincial speech. I do not know what the approach of the Hindi Pracharini Sabha is. It may be wholly different from mine. If that is so the decision as to the propriety of carrying on propaganda will be different from what I have given. How is it that you have found Sardar Jogendra Singh’s letter? For in your letter of yesterday you tell me you had missed it. This is being dictated after breaking silence. Although I work top-speed, I do not feel any fatigue. It comes from talk. I have just enough strength in the right hand yet to carry on Monday’s work. I wish I could find the time for practicing writing with the left hand daily, but I don’t, beyond having the time for tracing my signature to the daily letters.”185

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I dictated last night a long letter to you. Now at 4.15 a.m. I begin this about Khurshed. Her letter and yours were destroyed as soon as I read them. Hers is a sad case. She writes differently to me as if she was retiring from the haunts of men. I have written a gentle reply. Though she writes to me as if I was a stranger, continue to sign myself Bapu and tell her that though she may desert me, I will not desert her. I gave one hour to Govinddas. His admissions were compromising. I have told him to investigate the truth of what has been stated to me against him. You should not allow your favourable opinion to be affected by my unfavorable impressions. More when we meet, if you would remind me. I hope you threw off your cold long ago. Why should you sit with a chill on? You should not be ashamed to sit cross-legged and wrap yourself as we poor villagers do. And then breathe deep when you are cold. I knew about Palestine schools. K. left a lot of literature about them.”186

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You have asked my opinion about Govind Das after having done the mischief. I have bitter experiences about him. He is ambitious, vain, vulgar, crooked and unreliable. His ventures have resulted in losses. This is the opinion of those who have dealings with him. I know him well. He used to be like a son to me. I used to think well of him. But I soon discovered that he was a schemer. Now he rarely comes near me. I am sorry, but such is my experience. I hope you haven’t dropped much.”187

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Some people have the patience to wait for titles till they come to them. You have no patience and therefore your titles are generally well-chosen. Only the first was ill-chosen. Who will call you a rebel? Not I. Idiot, of course. But I forget. That was a title given to you. You willingly accepted it. Untouchable you are, as all of the princely blood are. I wonder what will be the next choice. Today I am taking it easy. Instead of writing much, I am sleeping. The article I wrote last night. I do not remember any question remaining unanswered. I am too lazy to pull out a part of a letter I have kept. Rameshwari had a wonderful tour in Kathiawar. Her descriptive letters are all very good. And they are in very readable Hindi. Correspondents speak of her in glowing terms. The tour has almost ended. The Nariman confession you must have seen. The patients are well.”188

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “This is the second letter I am writing to you today. This is to congratulate you on your progress in Hindi of which your Hindi letter is ample evidence. You will presently have a chaste style too. You must read Ramayana regularly and perhaps a Hindi newspaper. Never mind the newspaper however. What Shakespeare is to English, Tulsidas is to Hindi? Therefore I should be satisfied if you read Tulsidas only. Of course a good grammar is a necessity. Yes, do not resist Shummy and stay there as long as he wants you to and keeps happy himself. You would have more quiet too for your address which should be original, terse and to the point. You must not be discursive. Do not take much time over the past work. But devote yourself to the future programmable, universal and constructive. Above all it must be practical and in terms of the villages and yet such as your members can reach. They won’t work in the villages, they can for the villages. Is not this a good letter?”189 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I observe silence for the most part in order to feel fresh for 22nd and 23rd. And I am using the right hand. So I had better give you a few lines. Sir Joginder Singh is coming nearer as you will see from the enclosed. You may destroy it. I am not writing the foreword. I must not. The news you give me about Charlie is bad. You will realize still greater limitations in me, if you will make me responsible for all the blemishes in all who come in contact with me not excluding Idiots, Rebels, Untouchables and what not. I suppose it is no use you’re writing to Mahmudabad. Heaven knows what the upshot is going to be of all this mud-slinging.”190

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You can help wanting to be nearby being near me during the arranged times and being elsewhere outside those times. What cannot be cured must be endured cheerfully. In cold weather, you must be sufficiently wrapped no matter how unfashionable you look. How about hot water with salt and soda, linseed and the steam? If you continue to insist on Khurshed being with you she will listen. I do understand what you say about maidens. I have my own ideas too on the matter. Of that when we meet. I hope you have got rid completely of your cold. Anasuya and Indumati came in today from Ahmadabad and several others.”191 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Today I took silence at 12.10 to be ready for the W. C. tomorrow. As I write this I have your letter of 29th. I have not a moment’s rest to even write a word under Mahadev’s letter. I have been generally at the W. C. meetings then sic. I have kept as well as possible under the peculiar circumstances. Yes, I have seen the prisoners. I had two hours with them. The release is not going to be a simple or easy affair. I shall leave no stone unturned to secure it. But ‘God disposes’. I leave for Segaon tomorrow and return here on 11th November to see the Governor and all whom it may be necessary to see. No more for the day.”192

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I penned a few lines yesterday. This is to supplement yesterday’s lines. Yes, the drink manifesto may be published without waiting for more names. I presume however that there will be work at the back of it you won’t do it singlehanded! Your speech was sent two days ago. As you must have seen, I made some vital amendments. You need not accept them, unless they appeal to you as sound. Your suggestions are all good. But will they be accepted and, if accepted, will they be acted up to? You will know your audience and deal with the programme as you think best. Anasuya Kale and then Sarojini asked me what day I would attend. S. suggested the last day. I did not object. But you shall decide. All will be weather permitting. My programme is all upset. I have to be back here on 11th to see the Governor. He is not here. I can’t go to Darjeeling in the present state of my health. I have to reach the Frontier Province on 17th and not later than 20th. Khan Saheb wants me there for 20 days. That means that I may not be back in Segaon before 10th December. I am sorry. What will you do? Could you not be in Simla till then, if Simla agrees with you? I have heard that Simla is at its best in the winter months. But you know what your body can stand. Here I was interrupted and it has continued.”193 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “After a lapse of three days I have two notes from you today. I still do not do any correspondence. Both the hands are weak. I work the right for Harijan articles on Mondays. But I must give you a few lines today. G.W. we leave here for Wardha on Wednesday returning here, if need be, after the new G’s taking office. Nothing is wanted but complete rest to set me up. I hope to get it in Segaon. I do not and cannot get it here. The detenu work occupies my thoughts and taxes my mental energy as it must while I am on the scene. That by itself sufficiently disturbs the mental relaxation I want so badly. I say nothing about the result of my labours for I do not know. I am not without hope. Do you remember you wanted me not on the opening day but the 2nd or the closing day? It makes no difference to me. Do not translate your address literally. Give a free rendering. You can omit parts and add where necessary. How about the ears and the forehead? How is Nabibux? Has Shummy benefited by the change of Simla?”194

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You are packing for Nagpur. You can’t pack me. This pains me. I had hoped against hope that I would be with you to support you. But God had willed it otherwise. You will excuse me. I shall be with you in spirit. I may not send you a message to read or publish. But you don’t want that. It is enough for you to know that during that difficult time I shall be praying for your success. You are not to worry about me. Really I am doing well and obeying the doctors and Jamnalalji. I see the niece’s illness too worries you. Leave everything in His all-powerful hands. How I wish you were with me to watch Dinshaw Mehta’s massage, etc., and to have his treatment for yourself.”195 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I think of you as you are about to enter upon your task. May the Inner Light guide you and make your path smooth through all difficulties. I hope you are keeping well. Who is with you? Most probably Jamnalalji will be in Nagpur on 26th. I have no doubt you will invite him. Anyway ask him whether you could come for a few days to Juhu and if he says yes, and if you have not tied yourself down otherwise, do come. I am expecting a full letter from you in reply to mine. If you want season’s greetings, you have them by the cartloads. You were to be with me during the whole of the month!”196 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I must send you a line come what may. Of course nothing can come. I hope the weather is cool there and your task made light by your co-workers on the spot am with you in spirit all these days. I hope you had my letter awaiting you on your reaching Nagpur. I am having ups and downs. But they don’t worry me. And how is your eczema.”197

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have just been given your note let. Can you give me a better diminutive? I did not know till after I had written to you that you had already been shut out. So you are now taking your revenge at my expense. But I understand. You shall certainly come later. I expect you fully at Haripura as I expect myself to be able to go there. You wouldn’t be an idiot, if you had answered my questions about your health. Now you must when you write again. You will be interested to read the two cuttings herewith. Perhaps you had not seen them before. About myself I say nothing because Mira keeps you fully informed.”198 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “The B. P. goes down to the ideal figure but jumps up on the slightest pretext. I dare not talk or even listen to any serious conversation. You shall come on 1st February or 2nd as suits you best and stay as long as you can. I am expected to leave on 7th reaching Haripura on 9th instant. You will go with me. The W. C. meets here on 3rd February. About 15th Lord Lothian comes to meet me1 and then perhaps Ghanshyamdas to talk about the Bengal prisoners. This gives you all the information you may need. The weather is quite mild. The temperature is 60-64 during night, 72-76 during day. You ought to keep well by treating yourself along the lines of naturopathy. I do wish you could have come earlier. However, one has to be thankful for small mercies. But do try to come earlier, if it is at all possible. Did I tell you that last year’s shawl you gave me has gone to Ba at her own instance? I know you don’t mind that. Love to you and Shummy.”199 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I began a fruitarian fast yesterday and I am feeling A. I needed it. I want to do it for eight days. But it would depend upon the progress I may make. Therefore don’t you worry? But this is to inform you that I told Lord Lothian yesterday why you had refused to be on the Lady L.’s Tuberculosis Committee. This became necessary as Lady L. had sent through him a message asking me to lend my name to the project. She had also said that the connection of the King Emperor with the project was only temporary. I felt that she knew that I knew your objection. I therefore brought your name, told him that there were no secrets between you and me (was I not wholly right?), that therefore I hoped Lady L. had not taken it amiss that you had taken me in your confidence. I added that the initiative was wholly yours and I only knew of the deed after it was done but that your objections had made a forcible appeal to me. Now you will tell me if I have done the right thing. If you are over busy, you will answer this question when we meet. I gave your message to Lord Lothian. He said you were the ablest witness his Committee and the other Committee had to deal with.”200

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Either I write with a pencil or not at all. Kanu did not bring the ink-pot and I stupidly refrained. There is no fountain-pen by and there is no ordinary pen or ink in this household. This is a mere business letter, no time for more. There is no likelihood of a vacancy in C. P. But what I suggest is that you may send in a general letter to the President and respective Premiers the names of those women who, in your opinion, are capable of holding responsible offices. There your function as President should end. As to Delhi, Brijkrishna is worth his weight in gold, so far as honesty is concerned. But I discount his estimates of facts and events. But everything will be fixed up now that the Sardar and Shankerlal are there. My health is good. I have spoiled it a little by an experiment. I must describe it to you. As for my work here, I can report nothing conclusive.”201 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Of course you shall, have all the guidance about the Mirza correspondence. Anasuya’s letter is typical of her. She seemed at one time to be satisfied with what had happened. Shariff has certainly put up a good defence. It is very hot here. Melting. Ba and some of the party have gone to Puri. They return tonight. You would have liked the Exhibition here. It is very well arranged. Over 12,000 people visited it yesterday. Lilavati is here. So is Kanti. You will have to be strict with Vijay singh. It won’t do to pamper him. I am hoping that your judgment about him would prove true. Your previous letter disturbed me a bit. You will neither be hasty nor dejected over the result of your efforts in the villages. It is an uphill task especially when it has to be done through paid agency. Nothing yet from Sikander Hayat. I have to see Jinnah in April in Bombay.”202

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I sent you a wire yesterday and no reply as yet! I hope it is well with you. I do not like these frequent attacks. I know that earth and water are the two cures. Of course light and air are there; you have a fair dose of them but not of the other two. You must take the hip, friction and sitz-baths and have abdominal and local earth bandages. There is no set-back in my health. But Ba foolishly entered the Puri temple and it upset me terribly. I must not give you the whole history. I have not yet got over the shock. The pressure therefore has just now steadied round 175-80 and 108-104. The mental fatigue I had lost has returned. I have lost perhaps 5 1b in weight. As soon as I am free from the Calcutta business I shall make up for the losses. I impose long silences on myself and hope to continue them for the time being. This is being written during silence. Prabhavati is with me. Jayaprakash was with me at Delang. He brought Prabhavati with him. He has gone to Dacca and will pick her up on his return. Probably there will be a note from her with this. I often thought of you in Delang and wished you were there. There was much to see and learn.”203 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “This is a strictly business letter. You want a p.c. when. I am ill; I send you a letter to say I am really well. The breakdown was mental, not physical, due also to mental causes as you will learn from Harijan. It is Mahadev’s version of as he saw me and felt me. If he missed my love in all I did, it was missing. Love to be love must be felt by the loved one at some stage or another. I am taking the strain really well. I have done a lot of writing and I am none the worse for it. I may have to go to Delhi in a few days’ time. You will hear if I have to. Did I say anything about your offer to do some of my work in the Punjab? I fancy not. But how can I ask you to face the Lahore heat? How can I bear your separation from Shummy whilst he is in Simla? And to what end? It may prove an utterly fruitless and thankless errand. I have not the courage to exploit you for the Punjab muddle. And where is the time? Your hands are already more than full. My work here is not prospering. Only I do not lose hope. If I go to Delhi it will be only for a few hours.”204

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You won’t be disturbed over the news that S. may give you today. Blood-pressure may help doctors. It is no help to patients. When they feel bad, they are bad. Such was my case last night. The same kind of pain in the back of the head. But gentle massage by S. brought me round in a few minutes and there is no return. B. P. was 154/98 at 12 noon. It rose again later to 170/98 or something like that. So you are not to worry. When the real alarm comes, you will hear after the event and then there must be no idle sorrow but greater dedication to service.”205 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You must excuse the pencil hand. You should tell Paul that you are not interested in the tours he suggests, your time being solely occupied with your own affairs. You should send Rs. 100 telling him that you had not expected your donation to be treated as a yearly call. The present one should therefore be treated as final. Future calls will be treated on their own merits and your then commitments. I like George. I have not yet read his pamphlet. Sir Mirza’s herewith with correction. Poor Prabha! She had to go to Patna.”206 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “A wire has gone to you telling you I am well and going to Delhi and thence at once to Wardha. Of Delhi you will know from the papers and later from me or Mahadev after the work is finished. I am really well and have stood the strain in a wonderful manner. The negotiations have been difficult but I have hope of their being successful. Everything will depend upon the result of my appeal for restraint. I might have to come again. One of these days Mahadev or I must tell you all about the interview with the girls but not before we meet. It will be good if you can go to Ooty and pass a day with me on your way. Mind I am likely to have to go to Bombay on 25th to see Jinnah. So, Mrs. Subbaroyan is in the Assembly. I suppose you meet her often. Of course there is no chance whatsoever of my arbitrating over the Shahidganj issue. It almost defies a reasonable solution. This U. P. dacoity is a disturbing affair. Heaven knows what is in store for this country.”207

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “We are moving towards Wardha. I am in a fit condition. I have started the day with 160-4/98 an unusual thing nowadays. And mark you, up to Gwalior the crowds won’t let me rest. They would shout in my ears, as it were. Mahadev I have sent to the Frontier to see things for himself. He should be there three or four days. It was a nice chat with the Viceroy Quite inconclusive. It was not meant to be conclusive. It was an exchange of ideas. More when we meet. You must make yourself fit in Simla. You must take the hipbaths and exercise. It is criminal to tie yourself to the desk. Play tennis daily, if it suits you. Sushila has remained in Delhi. She must have written to you.”208 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Sushila has been keeping you informed about me. I have not therefore worried to write to you. It has been an anxious time here. Your analysis is good. Of course the experience was due to my “weakness, lack of faith”. Let us all hope that I shall come out of the well of despair stronger and purer. There is as yet no sign of the end of the crisis. Darkness is still there. There is still an unaccountable dissatisfaction with myself. Moodiness is wholly unnatural to me. it creeps over me now and again. I suppress it by constant work. But the body does not respond to it as readily as I want it to. But I have not lost faith. There are signs that I shall get out of the slough. I may be deceived. I have patience. I do not fret over the delay. If it is to be a new birth, regeneration all round, it must be preceded by adequate travail. You are not to worry over my present condition. The sexual sense is the hardest to overcome in my case. It has been an incessant struggle. It is for me a miracle how I have survived it. The one I am engaged in may be, ought to be, the final struggle.”209 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have all your letters from Bangalore. Of course, there is the other side. But there is no rest for Mirza except through responsible government. I shall go through the papers carefully. I am keeping good health. Pyarelal and Sushila are in New Delhi 19 Raja Bazar Square. Write to them. I am sending them today three letters from Mira with instructions to forward them to you after perusal. You will destroy them. Robbed of Mira’s hysteria, they are sound. I am contemplating some changes. I have not yet decided upon anything. You will make what suggestions you may like. The despondency is there but the inner peace is coming. Talks with J. are still going on. S. is very patient. He is a good listener. He may succeed where others might have failed. I would like him to succeed. No hasty resolution will be taken about Mysore. Your visit to Mysore was after all a good thing. You have gained a rich experience. Ba is in Delhi. Amtul Salam is with me. And she is looking after me.”210

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “A letter addressed to me at Calcutta in which you wrote about a young graduate, went from place to place and was received only yesterday. Your letter written on the train was duly received and was easily readable. And now has come yours of 19th. I feel better and rested after reaching Segaon. I want mental rest. The mind has been overworked. I can take that rest only here, so I find from experience. The heat is no doubt trying. But I feel the joy of being a co sharer with the other inmates. I propose presently to take daily silence for a few hours. My weight was found to be 106 yesterday—not much of a loss for retaining the health I was able to keep. Yes, the Mysore communiqué was distinctly good. You must have liked the W. C. resolution. It was good you went to Mysore. I shall gladly revise what you may send. What do you say to my exploit about Prithvi Singh? I must send you a copy of what happened between Jinnah and me. He is a very tough customer. If the other members of the League are of the same type a settlement is impossibility. But there is a way out for a unilateral undertaking. Settlements cannot be unilateral. I do not know that a unilateral undertaking will not be in the prevailing atmosphere a better mode of handling the situation. But every attempt must be made to arrive at a mutual understanding. I have not yet written to the Mirza. I shall do so in a day or two. As for me you are right. You and others can help me only through prayer. I feel that the cloud is lifting. What is happening to make me feel easy, I do not know. And why should I worry? God’s ways are mysterious. I had an hour’s good chat with Jawaharlal on 19th. Your diagnosis is correct. The European visit will do him good. Of course he is at heart religious, though he denounces religion. He reads the Gita. He sports a Buddha head in his bedroom. Whatever he does and wherever he is, it is well with him. Did I ever tell you that I did not deliver your letter to Jinnah? I did not like it. It should have made no mention of me but should have confined itself to the question itself. But it does not matter. How are you doing? What about the eczema and the throat?”211

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have never liked the idea of our women seeking foreign aid in their fight for freedom. Hence I do not want the League to inquire into the position or condition of India’s women. This kind of propaganda turns their attention from themselves. Their fight is not even against India’s men. It is and must be among and against them. I have never relished the fight put up for women at the Round Table Conference. Such being my radical views you can understand my indifference to what the League does or does not do. But if I have to examine their viewpoint, I refuse to read colour prejudice where there are other cogent reasons to justify a particular course of action. I wonder if this is plain to you. You may not agree just yet, though you will in the end for I am quite sure of my ground. The women in S. A. rose at a bound by their own action. And have not they, the village women, done likewise even here? I had a long chat with Asha Lata about Parkinson’s note. I think she has grasped my point.”212 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “My idea of boycott is that it can be a perfectly non-violent measure. When it is that, it becomes a duty. Hence boycott of Japanese goods does become a duty for those who consider Japan to be wholly in the wrong. And when it becomes a duty, it takes no account of consequences. And duty has to be performed whether one has company or not. Have you seen Stanley Jones’s thesis on the subject?”213

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am not regular nowadays about your letters. For I have not asked Mira to give a regular letter or p.c. But you shall have it if you want it. There is no neglect on the part of the postal department about the letters. The thing is that I am writing this at night. It will be posted tomorrow but will bear the date the day after. I hate post-dating letters. I have been forgetting always to tell you that the exception in favour of S. was dropped, she had to nurse me because of her skill. This is no favour but necessity which is protected in my note yet unpublished. I have not yet been able to come to a final decision about the publication. My own inclination is to publish it. I have not yet given it final shape. I am in no hurry. Yes, I read Sastri’s address. I want to deal with it if I get the time. Subhas is in Wardha. He is looking a picture of health. All he needed was work of the type he loves. He has got it and he is happy.”214

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am on my back with the earth bandage on the abdomen. If you do not see the Reformer, look up the current number. You will find Hansa’s article. Do you know anything of that movement? We have a newcomer in Kallenbach’s niece. She is an extraordinarily good woman. But our climate may floor her. She came in only yesterday. The weather just now is cool. My b. p. shoots up and goes down. You do not interfere with work.”215 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You won’t mind the missing of a day now and again. My statement is still hanging fire. It is still to be mended. I am having extraordinary opinions on it. Did I tell you Kallenbach’s niece had come here? She is very weak in body. She is most anxious to help. I wish you would see her. If she does not remain well, I shall have to pack her off. Shanta has gone back. Balkrishna is not bad.”216 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “A new phase in my search has commenced. I do not know where it will end. The statement, if it is issued at all, will have no relation to the one you have seen. But you must be patient. I can say nothing yet. All I can say is that something is coming over me nothing alarming. Only the step I have taken is not drastic enough. In what way I shall have to shape it I do not know. God will guide me. You seem to have had smooth sailing with your Board.”217

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “What a question? Of course you pass through Wardha on your way to B. That means you may be here when the W. C. meets. And here you will find yourself in a crowded room. But that you don’t mind. How you manage to lose your voice from time to time! You must go to a place where you can’t be pestered. Is it not Segaon? And now I can build for you also to your design! J.’s letter to S. You have now, I hope. The talks have stopped of course. The reply has to go from W.C. Yes, Jawaharlal is having a grand time. He is raising India in the estimation of the West. It is perhaps as well that you will be the only member of your Peace Brigade. This work does not need thousands. True immolation of a few will do the trick. You are wrong. I began work among women when I was not even thirty years old. There is not a woman in S.A. who does not know me. But my work was among the poorest. The intellectuals I could not draw. My appeals have always been from heart to hearts. I have felt like fish out of water in the company of intellectuals. Hence you are wrong in laying down the sweeping proposition you have. You can’t blame me for not having organized the intellectuals among women. I have not the gift. And then my method of organizing is out of the ordinary, not necessarily superior. All I mean is that I have nothing to show on paper. But just as I never fear coldness on the part of the poor when I approach them, I never fear it when I approach poor women. There is invisible bond between them and me. And why do you miss the agony I am passing through? Is it not for woman kind? I am wringing my soul for adequate purity, to enable me to render greater service to them and through them to the whole of humanity. Ahimsa, which is my sheet-anchor, demands all this. I expect your next letter to tell me you are well.”218

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You must not allow your imagination to destroy your sanity. I have taken no drastic step. I shifted to Pyarelal’s hole for giving Hanna the privacy she needed. She is wholly unaccustomed to our ways. I have now come back and you will occupy your usual corner. Sharda is my constant attendant. Amtul Salaam sleeps by my side, fans me and covers me when I need more covering. She feeds me. Lilavati is helping Mahadev, Shanta having gone back to England. You must not be quite as idiotic as you seem to have become over my travail. It is there. But my faith in my original conception is not shattered. Only I must learn how to realize it. Bad dreams must be avoided. There must be no repetition of 14th April. Hanna has been sent by Kallenbach to gain experience and to know me personally as she has known me through him for years. She is most lovable but I fear she is too delicate to be able to stay here long. I shall expect you on 23rd, the day of the meeting of the W. C. It is quite cool just now but the road is fearfully muddy. You will feel a little crowded. But that you won’t mind. You are criminally wasting your body. There is no occasion for all the neglect of which you are guilty. Some people deem it a merit to neglect their bodies. I wish you would have your name removed from the register of these illustrious criminals.”219 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “What a sad and wretched letter, yours of 11th. I am enjoying myself and you are sorrowing for nothing. When you come here, you will laugh at your own folly. My misery is superficial if there is any yet left. My peace cannot be permanently taken away by anything or anybody. You simply do not know me if you think that my experiences have undone me. If there is real attempt at purification, it must strengthen me and make me more joyful. But how can I help you if you must allow your imagination to run riot? You have to apologize about women. I could not organize intellectual women as such. I have not organized intellectual men as such. But this thing does not lend itself to argument. I simply cannot subscribe to the charge that there has been any neglect on my part about organizing women. It may be that I have not had the qualifications for doing better. But that would be no charge against me. However I do not mind your complaint. I rather like it. It shows that there are things in which we look at things differently and why not? True affection does not demand identity of outlook. But I do not even on this point despair of convincing you that I could not have done better than I have. My passion for brahmacharya has that meaning. I must be wholly pure if I have true love for womankind.”220

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “This will be my last. Your advice can’t be accepted. You do not know the facts. You have exaggerated everything. I believe I am slowly finding my way. I have imposed silence on myself without limit of time, to be broken at will. I do break it to see people to whom I must give appointments or to those here who may be ill or when I must speak to express my wants. This answers my purpose well. It enables me to conserve my energy and go through my work. Do not be alarmed. I shall break it to speak to you. I am quite sure that your sadness will leave you as soon as you reach Segaon. Of course you are coming here 23rd evening, if weather permits your coming. There is nothing the matter with me. The B. P. keeps fairly steady. I take my walks regularly.”221 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Pray don’t come tonight. The weather is awful. Wet, wet, wet everywhere. Tomorrow you will come anyhow, unless of course you are ill and it is raining hard as it is now. Your corner is of course reserved.”222

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I don’t know whether it is your misfortune or mine. I wrote yesterday a note to you and by my stupidity it was left out. I have been waiting for you all the morning if you come after 2 p.m. I shall have taken the weekly silence. I see Jivraj is coming with you. I suppose he does not want to hear my voice. He wants to see my face and take the b.p. I hope you are quite fit. How nice if you could walk.”223 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “This is just to tell you all is well here too busy to say more. I am in the midst of friends and work. Hanna is still on glucose and oranges.”224

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “This is for the sake of telling you all well again. Khan Saheb is leaving tomorrow. Hanna is the day after. Probably Kishorelal will come to stay here for a few days on Tuesday. Your apples are still being eaten. Jivraj brought a new thermos yesterday. That is the result of entrusting you with a mission quite a paying thing!”225 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “There are two things, I want you to do:

(1) To go to Travancore to set the quarrel right;

(2) To visit Kathiawar for the birthday celebrations which begin on 23rd September? You can well tackle both. But if you don’t feel like going, you shall not.”226

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “It was difficult to part with you in the state you were. At the time of writing Pyarelal is not quite what he was yesterday. He had a restless night. But deep down in me there is the faith that he will pull through. Shuaib Qureshi came the same time you went, by the same train. You left your glasses and some papers which I enclose here with. Unless I hear from you to the contrary, I am keeping the glasses with me. I hope you will keep well there. Do not overstrain yourself. Have no anxiety about the mission. I am well. The diet and silence continue. The silence gives me the peace I need. More food I cannot do justice to at present.”227 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “There must be a wire awaiting me at Maganwadi. I heard yesterday that you were to be State Guest. I do hope my letter went through all right (or alright?). Pyarelal is decidedly better today. The temperature is only 101 against 103 at this time yesterday (8 a.m). If he is restored it would be a great and good thing. I have no doubt that you will be able to fix up everything nicely. I had a visit yesterday from the President of the T Travancore National Congress. Of course I was silent. He is an able man. He spoke with sweet reasonableness. I hope you will keep well and drive to the Cape if you have time.228

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