For Global Peace with Social Justice in a Sustainable Environment

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur and Mahatma Gandhi, Part- VIII

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- VIII

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am progressing steadily though slowly. You must not worry. If God wants more service from me, He will surely keep me and give me sufficient strength to do His work. How about you? How about Shummy and Beryl? Give me all the details you are permitted to give. Are all the old attendants still with you?”540 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “This is merely my love letter, not a business letter. For the latter you will look to Pyarelal and Sushila. I was delighted to receive your letter through Dr. Sen. I may not meet him, for I go to Poona tomorrow. I have also your annual gifts. I am already in your new dhotis. They are too wide for me. But that matters little. They are well woven. The shawl also I prize. I did not know that you had begun to spin wool too.”541 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I better conserve my time and energy for the business before me. I have no news to give you. Play I dare not when there is work which calls me. And I have hardly enough energy to cope with the daily post.”542

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I was glad S. was able to go to Simla and give you some time. She is still in Poona looking after Manjula. Did I tell you that Dr. Jivraj Mehta was with me? I must ask him to write to you. He helps in a variety of ways and looks after my body without the slightest fuss. I do not even know that he is doing it. He is supposed to have come merely to keep company.”543 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “The A. I. S. A. meeting leaves me little leisure during the day. I read no newspapers and very little correspondence. The marvel is I am keeping well in spite of the stress. How I wish you were here. But God’s will be done and it is the best that can happen. No extension to the hospital can be made today. Everything is uncertain and things are expensive. Let your money go to the contemplated Mahadev Memorial Fund. The use may be decided afterwards. You should make your suggestion. Do not worry about the women’s conference. Everything is in the melting pot. Sushila is getting on. Mrs. Swaminathan and Mrs. Menon, her relative, are here. Have lovely khadi from Beryl and of course your annual shawls. It has struck four and I must not tarry long with you.”544

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have been neglecting you. You know why. I am writing this before the morning walk which commences just after 7 a.m. Dr. J. Mehta is standing by me. He has come for a day on his way to Madras where he is going to deliver an address to physicians. Rajaji is unwell and so did not come for the various meetings. Amtul Salaam is in Calcutta doing good work. Kanu’s wedding came off very well. Nearly 300 people died. Harijans and caste men of Sevagram were in it. Sevagram inmates and guests accounted for over 150. You are right in not worrying about the fast. It will come if God wants it.”545 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You have to submit to the relief in installments for the sake of your brothers. Amid conflict of duties, the choice is often a very delicate affair. In every case you will be cheerful and keep your body in a fit condition. The climate there must be most bracing. I hope you had a good time with Kamalnayan. I am well. Sushila has gone to Bombay to see Mathuradas. She is due any day now.”546

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “This is merely in answer to yours received at 4 p.m. after my postcards had gone. This therefore though written today will be posted probably tomorrow. Yes, a happy New Year to you, such happiness as you can derive from within. Happiness without there is none so far as I can see. I have your two dhotis. I am wearing them, too. They are fine. But the real fineness comes from the knowledge that the handiwork is yours so far as yarn is concerned.”547 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I should be no cause of worry. I am in God’s hands and that should be more than enough. I am daily gaining ground. So Beryl is fixed up. She has sent me a handwritten book “Khalil Gibran” and handspun. I have not written hitherto. If you think I now can, you may hand her the enclosed.”548 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You have gone through suffering during the snow-time. I envy. Although it was bad while it lasted, the experience was worth having. The attendants were also marvellous. That is human nature at its best. The more you suffer bravely and smilingly the stronger you will become. You will meet me in God’s good time.”549

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Now I have your question in English. I am quite of opinion that the children of mixed marriage should be taught in the male parent’s religion. This seems to me to be self-obvious for common happiness and interest. That the instruction should be liberal goes without saying. I am considering merely the question of the choice of religion. The children cannot profess two religions. They must respect the female parent’s religion. If the female parent has not that much discretion and regard for her husband’s religion, the marriage becomes superficial. Of course it is another thing where the husband is wholly indifferent. I know such a case. Am I clear? Tell B. she should not be silent.”550 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am so glad Pyarelal was with you for two days. As soon as I get your manuscript I shall look through it and advice. If Shummy and Maude have to go to Bombay you have to swallow your pride (which would be false) and go to Bombay even under conditions. But you must feel the call from within, not from me. You must feel happy and at peace under all circumstances. That is the meaning of the shlokas we sing daily.”551

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “It is good so far as it goes. Do you see that you have begun with your own experiences? You could not do otherwise. The central disease of India is its deep poverty and deeper ignorance. You have dealt with both but as items. But I do not ask you to rewrite anything. If you touch up anything, you may do so.”552 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Both are educated. Both come from affluent families. They have given up Government service and also luxurious living in order to be with me. The wife cannot stand this heat. Perhaps she is pregnant too. They have lived in Simla. They are coming to Simla. Put them on to some public work if you can. They will have to be given some salary. Be frank if they cannot be useful. There is no question of favour in service. Here they had started with the cleaning of latrines.”553 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You see I am in Bombay and am fixed here up to 14th. God knows the next, if He allows freedom up to 14th. I am well. What about Lahore sister-in-law? Is she getting better? Shummy must get well quickly. Sushila hurt herself on trying to enter the prayer compound. Her arm is in a sling. There is no fracture. Krishna is also well. Badshah Khan is here as quiet as ever. He is sitting by me as I write this.”554

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Gurbuxani’s wife has sunk herself in him. Therefore she would do what he says. But never spoil them by giving them more than their worth in our cause and according to our scale. Again no more than your public work can cope with. All I want you to do is to extend your sympathy and advice to them. Yes, Agatha’s letter that M. brought was duly received by me. He wanted no acknowledgment and I spared myself. You must keep yourself fit.”555 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “So the restrictions are removed! I am for making speeches! Nothing much and the sting is still there. However, you are free to come to me when you are disengaged from the tasks there of which I learn from your letters to Pyarelal and Sushila. Of course you could not have Manu in the circumstances you mention. Anyway she has gone to her father in Karachi. I do not know how she is faring there. You need not worry. Why must you break the diet rule you know? Beware!”556

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “It is eloquent but not substantial. I do not propose to give you detailed criticism. As soon as you are free from your engagements there and are fit enough to come to me, I know you will make a dash. Therefore when you are with me, we shall together read the Appeal and decide what to do with it. Khurshed is here. She is with Nargis. She will migrate to ‘Dilkhusha’ as soon as N. is gone. Mehtab and Shriman were with me. The latter went today. The former goes tomorrow.”557 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You are right to ignore the newspaper notice, unless it is confirmed. Also of course there is no joy in the removal in the manner it is being brought about. As to speech, we must see what has to be done. Of course you are not leaving Simla so long as you are required there.”558 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You must not write when you have run down to the extent you have. I can never misunderstand absence of letters from you. The restrictions are bad. But nothing to be done till you are with me. Hope all things will go well regarding family affairs. I hope to go to Sevagram in the beginning of July. The weather there may be too trying for you then.”559

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “But how simple Maude Royden Shaw is! When one is under the influence of morphia, one has such dreams? But are they worth any thought? Yet it sustains this good soul! Such is the power of imagination.”560 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “The Working Committee is to meet here tomorrow. If Shummy is disturbed, I could easily transfer it elsewhere. It is to meet here for my sake. I do not need it here. Don’t be weak and have it here. This is not your sole house and Shummy is ill. Think well and clearly before replying. The meeting means a lot as you know. Sardar cannot eat at night. Nothing need be kept for him except hot milk and hot water. Probably Devdas will get into telephonic touch with him. He has undertaken to look after the three women and Sardar’s movement till his arrival here.”561 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “We walked most of the way. This I am writing before the Morning Prayer. You all surrounded us with lavish affection. May God bless you for it. I hope there is no more grief over Tofa’s departure from you. There should be none. Though there is rain there is no cold. I dread your having to come to this level from cool Simla. But you will see when it is time for you to come.”562

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I hope you no longer grieve over Tofa’s death. Don’t have another pet animal if you can restrain yourself. Though you must miss us all, I am glad you have a little leisure now. You were overworking yourself. I look forward to your account of the visit you have referred to in your letter. Sushila had an attack of dysentery. She had lost 4 lb. up to yesterday. She went to Bombay yesterday for the Sardar. There was a phone that she was still suffering. I do feel strongly that medical people should not suffer from avoidable complaints. Something wrong in a system that tolerates such evils. Well, I hear today from the Viceroy that the Bihar young man is to hang. It is a bad augury. I had forebodings as you know but had hoped otherwise. Let us see.”563 Mahatma Gandhi wrote “Don’t apologize for writing to me daily. You should continue without straining yourself and without expecting a reply daily. You are silent about your visit. You did well in writing to J. The criticism is unfriendly. But restraint is always good. I hope you are well. Ask Beryl to write to me. Is Shummy better?”564

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am glad you saw the Vicereine. I shall send you by book post what I can lay hands upon. Sardar is none too well. Probably he will have first to have nature cure and then, if necessary, operation. If he goes to Poona, I shall have to go there. This may be the first week of August. Harijans have every right to curse us and abuse us. How can they isolate the few penitents from the die-hards? Only we must go on. Sushila is with Sardar. She has lost all she gained there, I think. You have to keep well. The secret is with you. No nibbling between meals. No fruit-chewing or anything else while walking. Take what you must at stated meals as so much for sustenance. Sushila is likely to return by the middle of the week. I am keeping well. I walk longer than usual. Today it was exactly two miles. Usually it is 11/2 miles.”565 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You need not bring your bedding. Bring only such things as you consider necessary. Regard mosquito-net among them. My rubbing-stone among them please. It was left there by mistake! Where did you get the powder for cleaning the septic tank commode?”566

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You must get well quick and if you can get well more quickly living with me, you should follow me to Poona. I do not know how long I shall be there. I have written to Atulanand and that at length. Probably you will have a copy of my letter to him.”567 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Your illness does disturb me. But what is the use of my disturbing me over the inevitable, whatever the reason may be? There was nothing wrong in your sending the wires and mentioning the proposed hanging. I am glad Shummy is better. The cutting is no doubt vicious and untrue. But you are right. It should be ignored. It cannot be answered even by producing facts. It can only be answered by right action.”568 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I expected your answer to K. and asked her to do something herself. I wanted the name. Do not bring Saf Karo with you. Yes, you can join me in Poona, if I am not here by the time you come. No grumbling about your pains. Nanak is a good book but for the miracles. I wish you could induce the Raja to give a better thing in Hindustani, i. e., in Nagari and Urdu characters. He has taken many pains over it.”569

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Of course you will come to Poona when you are easily free from all work there. Can Vaidya Nanak Chand work in Sevagram? What will he need? Has he a family? There may be very little Ayurvedic work for him unless he is really well up in his work. Sushila is in Nagpur.”570 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “What a tragedy you have related! Subhas Bose has died well. He was undoubtedly a patriot though misguided. Your gum has caused much trouble. I blame the dentist. Do let me know the train you will come by. Pyarelal is in Bombay. Sushila will tell you all about him.”571 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Did you sleep well? Have your food as well here as in Manorville. Therefore, if you had fruit there in the morning or whatever it was, you should have here.”572

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have gone through it in a hurry. You should read it carefully, suggest corrections, and when I have seen them, dispatch.”573 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “How are you today? Your obstinacy is harmful. This is the place where it is likely that your throat trouble might go. Any way Dinshaw should be tried. He won’t do any injury. No medicine will have to be swallowed. “Pride goeth before destruction and haughtiness before a fall”, whatever that may mean.”574

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have been worrying myself the whole day long over your illness, all the more because I cannot come to you. And now I see that you cannot come to Poona tomorrow. Tell me unreservedly what you will have me to do. Your obstinacy is remarkable and it is responsible for your suffering. I dare mention this just now so that you might remember this when you are well enough and shed it without ado as you have done in everything else. If you cannot write just pass your answer.”575

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I had your wire from Simla and I was glad. I hope you have found everything as we had hoped. Here is a cutting from Dawn. I have wired to Zakir about it and written, too. I cannot believe that he has said anything like what the report says. Anyway we should know authoritatively what Dr. Z. said. If you feel any delicacy about mentioning the subject to him, you need not.”576 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Your time will pass quickly and you will be with me. Only keep well. “Be careful for nothing.” You will see Zakir’s contradiction. I am attending to all the matters referred to by you. Pyarelal is slowly recovering I hope. He is deathly pale. But this illness may be a blessing in disguise. Let us hope. God keep you.”577 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Thank God you were all right up to Karachi and hope you will continue so till you return to me. Pyarelal is out of fever, has been for the past four days, and is slowly gaining strength. Sardar is in Bombay and will return on 1st. Dinshaw is with him. Our party will leave Poona, Deo volente, on 19th reaching Sevagram on 21st, necessary persons leaving for Calcutta on 30th November. Narandas, his wife and Kusum are here, will leave on Tuesday. My sister is here with her daughter. I hope I shall get some news about Beryl during your absence. Remember me to all the friends who may think of me and whom you may meet.”578

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Of course you can’t forget me. Your post has been coming regularly. And it gives me all the information I want. Good Shummy gives me news about you and the family, forbidding me to write in reply. I have taken him at his word. Pyarelal is quite well and has also commenced some work. I entertain the hope that he will settle down to work. Sardar returns tomorrow from Bombay. My programme, D.V., is: Leave here 19, Bombay 20, Sevagram 21 to 29, entrain for Calcutta 30 morning, reaching Calcutta 1st December. Gomati has been suffering from fever of long duration, now Chhaganlal Gandhi is laid up. Poor Kashi! I am well. No worry on my account. You must keep well. Love to your party and the friends there.”579 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “The mail closes at noon. You may take all the time you need, whether at Delhi or Simla. Come when you can. I am in Calcutta till 10th at the least. Pyarelal is well and working. Sushila is in Sevagram looking after Madalasa. She is due here on 5th.”580

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “The papers report your safe arrival. This is earlier than anything you could have sent. I hope all will go well there. Here I am in the midst of peaceful surroundings on the canal bank. This is saved children’s home. No mosquitoes. Is it not ‘es’? Fancy meetings absolutely silent though attended by perhaps one lakh of people.”581 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Why not get your hair cut by Kanu? Do you remember my having cut your hair? I must not give the time now. But if you have patience, I would gladly cut it. I do not like you’re going to a hairdresser. But if you feel like it, you should go. If Matthai had only agreed, he would have been finance minister. It is wrong always to think of minister ship. It is wrong to seek to satisfy all interests. Why should not a Christian think that he is represented if a good man is a minister?”582 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “If you don’t eat here out of cussedness, you are wholly wrong, and you have not understood me. This is not the way of obedience and resignation. Think well and act as your inner voice dictates, not as I tell you. If you want to do as I tell you, then it should be willing and intelligent obedience.”583

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am having a holiday practically. The weather is not very oppressive. We are in the Bhangi Colony. Of course I miss you and do not. Only you must keep well. Pyarelal will give you what news there is to give. Sudhir had a long chat with me. He will write to you. Agatha too had.”584 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “The Working Committee met today, meets again tomorrow. Sudhir became very ill yesterday. Today he has been taken to Joshi’s Cottage Hospital. Nothing serious as yet. Herewith cutting from The Statesman!”585 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am glad you are having some well-deserved rest. I still say don’t hurry, don’t worry. I shall give you timely notice. I do not know when I shall be able to leave; not this week, I fear. While there is opportunity, give ample time to your brothers. Of course you will serve wherever you are. I would like you to be by my side but not at the expense of your brothers or your health and not in this heat so long as it is avoidable. Now you stay with Dalip as long as he wants you. And of course you are free to come whenever you want to. Sudhir is better. Pyarelal must give you news about the Mission.”586

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You have to conceal nothing. Tell him he has surpassed himself (which I feel I did) in trusting against himself the Mission’s word and looking at the bright side wherever it was not dark on the face of it. He put before the packed prayer audience the brightest side and asked them to trust till trust would be folly if not crime. And relate the three easy tests of which the first was for Badshah Khan for the moment to decide. The two demanded immediate redress from them. They would not tolerate removal of a non-League Muslim and even then a man like Zakir Hussain, nor could they allow Sarat Babu’s name to be removed without the Congress being satisfied of the correctness of removal. The Viceroy could not be allowed to act imperiously at the very threshold. Do this only if he opens the subject. If he talks only gossip you will talk a few minutes and come away. In no case will you talk without mastery of what you may talk. You can also say that they must hasten not slowly but quickly if they want to avoid the railway strike which evidently a truly national government can avoid if anybody at all can.”587

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I hope you had a comfortable journey and that the little boil was not too troublesome. I see you had to negotiate stairs. Hope it did no damage. It is after 3 o’clock now and yet the expected wire has not come. But I shall continue to expect it.”588 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Everybody is anxious to know the result of medical examination there. I have been incessantly writing for Harijan. Have practically or wholly finished.”589 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Your wire came in last night. So you were still suffering. That did signify subsiding. Let me hope it is better as I am writing this 5.35 p.m. Here is a letter from V. G. D. You will see amusing remarks about the vocabulary. I must fully share the guilt with you about “architect”. It should have been. We must give a list of amendments. You may return the letter and I shall make notes. Renuka and her sister were with me last night.”590

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am sorry for your sufferings. Let them do you good which they would if you interpret them correctly. Physical suffering can be, and should be, transmuted into spiritual joy. It is a difficult process but it has to be gone through if one is to be truly rich. This enforced idleness should be used for enriching one’s thoughts. That Shummy is not angry with me shows his nobleness, not the care I should have bestowed on you. On the first sign of the boil I should have insisted on your going to Simla. This place is not made for nursing patients like you. It has its unavoidable limitation.”591 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Don’t worry about work here. It is clear to me that there was no sting. Something has come from within. Be patient and let it take its course. I have written to Valji G. Desai. What I sent you was for your amusement. Mistakes will occur in the work that is being done. We must be as accurate as possible when the book is published.”592

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “It would be tragic if you couldn’t go to Paris because of obstinate boil. The doctor in attendance can’t say even that much! I am sure a good vaidya or, perhaps better still, a hakim could prescribe an innocent ointment which would bring it to a head and open it nicely and close the opening within the limited time. Ramanama is the sovereign remedy but it cannot be prescribed. It has to come of itself, if it comes at all. J.’s wound is nothing but Badshah’s is bad. It was a narrow escape for the three.”593 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am so glad the boil has been opened and it promises to heal within time. Jawaharlal was here when I got your letter. I showed it to him. Just about to go to the prayer. It was good to have attended to the dictionary, so like you.”594

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “This is just a line under great pressure of work. I do hope you will not be in a hurry to see the cut healed. Let it take its course. It will be the shortest.”595 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You do not acknowledge my letter in yours of today. I have never missed a day. I do hope your cut will heal by the time you are ready to fly and that you will be able to leave without any harm to the body. We leave for Calcutta on Monday.”596 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Your packet just came. Am over head and ears in work though this is silence day. Bihar has shaken me to bits. I have been for the past six days on spare diet (milk less) principally for health. Now Bihar will send me to complete fast if things do not radically mend. There will be no time limit. Do not agitate yourself but be really glad that I feel I have the strength to go through the ordeal and live up to my creed. Do not interrupt your Paris programme. If that programme is not to come off at all and if you are strong enough, you are at liberty to join me.”597

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have been sending you messages. Sent you a wire through J. Though I did not write because I could not, you were never out of my mind. Hope you found Shummy, Maud and Beryl quite well and the old servants our friends. Of course I had all your letters. I have studied your programme. You will go through it. Now you need not come to me to discuss your programme. The journey is long and tedious. You may get a special plane if you will waste a lot of money. Even so you cannot avoid a wretched motor journey of a few hours. It is not worth it. So you must not come except when you must. I suppose you know all about the accident to Renuka. She was so anxious to do substantial service. But cruel fate would not let her. Such is life. She has come nearer to me. My trek will take a few days yet. I change my abode tomorrow. You may address letters at Noakhali.”598

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I indulge in the luxury of dictating it as our friend Rangaswami has volunteered to do all shorthand work that may be necessary, Parasuram having gone, let us hope only for the time being. Of course if he retains his strong opposition to some of the things I stand for, naturally I do not expect him to return. He is such a good man that I have left it open for him to return if ever his mind is clear and he wishes to come back. Whatever opportunity for service that may be offered to you and which you feel you should undertake, you will always have my approval. You know my own reaction to the visits to the West. At the same time I do not altogether discount the service of those who feel that they have a mission abroad. Of course the condition is that you keep well and do not work yourself to death. I do hope that Sardar will take care of his health. I enclose herewith a letter from Madeleine Rolland received by Pyarelal.”599

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Just as I am dictating to friend Rangaswami I get your letter and I have interrupted the dictation in order to see your letter. I have now read it and hasten to dictate my answer. I have received all the letters referred to by you and I have sent replies also. I can’t recollect just now but I will see if I can give you the dates. I do hope that by the time this reaches you, you will have recovered your voice fully. Of course there is every chance of your getting back your Hindi and Roman-Urdu dictionary. I don’t think I carry it with me. I will enquire and send it to you, care of Sardar as soon as I trace it. There is no cold here but there is still freshness in the air. Real hot weather has not set in. Nights are quite cool and I use all my blankets. But there is no need to worry about me. I am keeping good health and have been able hitherto to go through my programme with clockwork regularity. The second stage of the pilgrimage ends in Haimchar on Monday, the 24th instant. It is Thakkar Bapa’s headquarters. I want to watch myself for a few days in Haimchar before resuming the third stage. It may also be that I might have to hurry to Bihar. Sardar Niranjan Singh Gill, who was in Bihar for three days, gave me the impressions of his tour and had strongly recommended that I should go to Bihar if only for a few days. I have put myself in communication with the Prime Minister of Bihar and await his reply. I begin the pilgrimage every day at 7.30 or 7.35 and the stages are so divided as not to require me to walk more than one hour and fifteen minutes at the most. The least I have been called upon to walk is thirty minutes. Once and only once has it been one hour and thirty minutes. I see that this dictionary business causes a lot of worry and takes away much of your time. Would you like to be relieved of that work? If you would, I would then like to keep your dictionary for the time being. I am glad that the licensing clause in regard to khadi has been removed. How I would love to think that you have carried conviction to the Prime Minister of the Punjab about vanaspati; Pyarelal is in his village,5 now about twenty miles from here, and doing excellent work. Sushila has gone to Sevagram in order to put matters straight about the maternity home and hospital. It is growing by leaps and bounds and has become very popular. She may return to her village work here as soon as she has finished her work in Sevagram. Renuka6 is here with me at the village.

Her village is less than two miles from here. In appearance she looks just as she was. She has had to take great care of herself. But she is all right otherwise. Only this morning she enquired about you. I told her that I heard from you fairly regularly but that you were trying to save my time as much as possible. She asked me whether you were ever coming to this part of India. I told her not whilst I was moving from day to day but that if I stayed for any length of time in one place and if you are well and available from your work in the Assembly or otherwise, I would like you to come for a few days, and she was happy. She is doing her work steadily with her little band of workers. Manu I have reserved to the last. Everybody here knows everything about her. Therefore I would love to say a word or two for your information. But I must forbear for it is now towards one o’clock and I must have a little bit of rest and grease on the soles of my feet.”600

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I wanted to write to you at once but never got the chance. It is a very strenuous time I am having here. But do not worry. You remember those two note-books containing rich treasures from the Bible and other Christian literature. If they have not taught you and me to be anxious for nothing and nobody, they have taught nothing worth learning, for our faith in the living God is to be measured by the extent of freedom from anxiety of any kind whatsoever and full faith in God requires an accurate knowledge of His laws and corresponding obedience thereto. This is the sum total of nature cure. The supreme law, making others superfluous, is heart assimilation of Ramanama in every fibre of our being. The truth of this is verified in everyday experience. I note what you say about your suffering and about Dr. Jacob’s treatment. I hope to be able to learn some day that you have shed all your illnesses. Tell Shummy that he belies the teaching of the Bible which among our company he seems to know best. Sardar must not have any swelling whatsoever. But his obstinacy is very great. I have asked you to pay me a brief visit. You might be of some use in the work that is being done here. That means your sparing a fortnight at the most. But I do not want you to neglect the duty you have undertaken, of course with my full consent. Who told you that I had consented to take some rest? That rest must certainly come some day. Meantime I am learning day by day, though little by little, that all work, without any the slightest trace of anxiety, is true and living rest.

Jajuji has sent me a copy of your letter about the Secretaryship. I want you to give me a full and accurate account of the big tragedy that is going on in the Punjab. Surely you cannot be called “Her Highness” as Catlin calls you. Lastly about myself. I had an affectionate but mournful visit from Nathji and Swami Anand. I gave them as much time as I was capable of giving. Our discussions were full, frank and cordial. You will have no difficulty in accepting at its face value my statement that not one of our companies knows the full value and implications of brahmacharya, and that among these ignoramuses I am the least ignorant and the most experienced. With one solitary exception I have never looked upon a woman with a lustful eye. I have touched perhaps thousands upon thousands. But my touch has never carried the meaning of lustfulness. I have lain with some naked, never with the intention of having any lustful satisfaction. My touch has been for our mutual uplift. I would like those who have felt otherwise, if there are any, truly to testify against me. Even the one solitary instance referred to by me was never with the intention of despoiling her. Nevertheless my confession stands that in that case my touch had lustfulness about it. I was carried away in spite of myself and but for God’s intervention I might have become a wreck. My meaning of brahmacharya is this: One who never has any lustful intention, who by constant attendance upon God has become proof against conscious or unconscious emissions, who is capable of lying naked with naked women, however beautiful they may be, without being in any manner whatsoever sexually excited. Such a person should be incapable of lying, incapable of intending or doing harm to a single man or woman in the whole world, is free from anger and malice and detached in the sense of the Bhagavad-Gita. Such a person is a full brahmachari. Brahmachari literally means a person who is making daily and steady progress towards God and whose every act is done in pursuance of that end and no other. You say K. and N. had agreed to withdraw their boycott. From the letters I have, such is not my impression. Nor did I gather that impression from Nathji and Swami.”601

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Tell me whether you have the dictionaries you wanted. I fancy that I wrote to you twice about paying me a brief visit but never at the sacrifice of your duty undertaken there. Mine may be regarded as a selfish wish. We shall exchange thoughts about it when the 4th April is on us. I was satisfied with your answer about Aryanayakam. I think now I have answered all your questions, your letter was in front of me. I have taken the Monday silence. It is now 6.10 p.m. when I finish this.”602 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “This is just a line. The crowds were thin and extraordinarily quiet. I slept the whole night without disturbance. It has been a rich, novel and pleasing experience It gives me a new hope. And I am without a police or any other guard. The heat is great but quite bearable.”603

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am quite clear that Dr. Ambedkar’s demands cannot be conceded. Please look up what is known as Macdonald Award at the Round Table Conference which was born of a wicked conspiracy against Indian nationalism. For the first time it created a division amongst Hindus and Hindus while granting separate electorates for the so-called scheduled classes. It was against this vivisection of Hindu society that I had prophesied revolt. As a result reservation of seats was very considerably increased and primary elections were separated but the total separation was undone. In my opinion this was the utmost that could be conceded to the separatist tendency and the attempt to break up Hinduism. The opposition and the influence of caste Hindus in joint electorates is in my opinion nonsensical. Joint electorate means the influence of the party with which the electorate becomes joined. Such evil as there is in joint electorate can be obviated only by right type of education and enlightenment. If Dr. Ambedkar’s objections were upheld for any length of time, be it ever so little, it would undermine Hinduism. The fear of boycott, therefore, should produce no consternation.”604

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “This I am writing after prayer and my Bengali lesson and Gita for Manu. It is now 5.50. I must be off for the walk at 6 a.m. Meanwhile these lines to tell you what you know already. I hope to be there the morning of 1st May. The heat is trying here, must be there too. I keep myself in good order by sleeping several times during the day and reducing food rigorously. Hope you are all well. The rest when we meet.”605 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “It was received yesterday. It is interesting. We shall presently know what is to happen. I am glad you are having a little change and perhaps some rest. The weather here has been oppressive. It is cool just now as it has been raining. The venue of prayer meetings changes s daily. Today we have to go a fair distance. It was discovered that Manu had appendicitis. Much to my shame as a believer in nature cure, I had to yield to the advice of the doctors. This is the fourth day. She is doing well. No worry. I reach D.V. Delhi on 25th inst. Thanks to Mridula she is keeping the living-room as cool as she possibly can by using blocks of ice and khas tattis. I have not yet been able to cope with Harijan writing. My time is occupied in overtaking arrears. If Sushila is there, tell her I wrote to her two letters at New Delhi and give her the date of my reaching N. D. Love to all in the house.”606

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “The work you are doing in the Constituent Assembly is also service done to me. Personal service, when it merges into universal service, is the only service worth doing. All else is rubbish.”607 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Better a p. c. than no letter. Sushila is just off to Wardha to attend to her hospital work Hope you are better. It is not so oppressive here as when you left.”608 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Your last words were penetrating. Personal service when it merges into universal service is the only service worth doing. All else is rubbish. Keep well and cheer up. The journey is going well. Not a soul at the stations.”609

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “It was impossible for me to write to you before. This I am writing just after the Morning Prayer. Your letter together with the other post I read yesterday after the Morning Prayer and the time for the walk was on. During the day there is hardly any quiet. I am in a Muslim house. They are all very good. I have taken no one from Sodepur. Hence the help I need comes only from Muslim friends. This is not for me a new experience. It reminds me of old days in South Africa and the Khilafat days here. For the moment I am no enemy. Who knows how long this will last? Hindus and Muslims have become friends practically in a day. Suhrawardy has become transformed, so it looks. His association was the condition of my stay in the disturbed area of Calcutta. So you are a Minister. You have to be firm and true. What about education? You must watch. You should insist on team work. Then most things will come under your notice. Though there is rejoicing, somehow or other, there is disturbance within. Is there something wrong with me? Or are things really going wrong? I see you will have the whole family on your hands now. It is all as it should be. Harijan may stop, not the dictionary. Can you cope with it? You will tell me when it becomes too much for you. I must be off for the walk.”610 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “He defended himself through and through. He was docile but claimed utter innocence of all wrongdoing.”611

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