Ronald Duncan and Mahatma Gandhi

[Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav]

Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav

Senior Gandhian Scholar

Gandhi Research Foundation, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India

Contact No. – 09404955338, 09415777229

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Ronald Duncan and Mahatma Gandhi

 

Ronald Duncan was a famous writer and poet. He had written many books. He was born on August 6, 1914 and died on June 3, 1982. He came to India in 1937 and met with Mahatma Gandhi. He was very impressed with Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi wrote many letters to him.  Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I thank you for your pamphlet. The argument appeared to me to be sound so far as it went. Perhaps there is not sufficient emphasis on personal individual conduct irrespective of what society does or does not do. Non-violent action does not depend upon another’s cooperation. Violent action is ineffective without the co-operation of others. Here both the forces are conceived in terms of the ultimate good of society.” 1 

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “My memory is daily getting more confused. I did have a vague recollection that I had written to Duncan, but I dictated a letter to him since his letter was lying in the file. It was good that you remembered. My memory has gone but my laxity has not. I could have saved time and paper and myself from shame if I had noted down on the letter itself while replying to Duncan. Crooked are all the limbs of a camel; how can they be kept hidden, do what one will?” 2 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I will send you as much gur as I can when I know of someone going to Bombay. You don’t want to incur railway charges. I shall probably get Duncan to take it to you. He is a new member of the family and I am sure you will like him when you meet him. He has come all the way from England to see me. Chhotelal tells me you took away one Karad chakki some time ago. If that is so, you don’t want another. If you do, let me know. There will be no difficulty about getting money from the Birlas.” 3

References:

 

1. LETTER TO RONALD DUNCAN, December 23, 1936
2. LETTER TO MAHADEV DESAI, January 4, 1937
3.   LETTER TO GOSIBEHN CAPTAIN, February 16, 1937