Speech of Mahatma Gandhi at Prayer Meeting, Sabarmati Ashram

[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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Speech of Mahatma Gandhi at Prayer Meeting, Sabarmati Ashram

 

It might be argued how an Ashram and the performing of a marriage go together. My reply is that the two are not contradictory of each other. Those who can exercise control over the self should do so; those who cannot, may marry. This is proper. None need think that those who practice self-control are pure and those who marry are all impure. It is possible that a married person may be virtuous and a bachelor a hypocrite. This is why we consider marriage desirable, although a nuisance. In this marriage we have gone one step further. In Manilal’s marriage we broke the caste barrier; in this we blast the provincial prejudices. From Gujarat we have come to Mewar. This is a good sign. This has added to our responsibility. Whichever marriage is performed here, we keep the duty aspect before us and we do it in a religious way. We adopt for ourselves a code of conduct. Considering the present conditions in these troubled times, if we can master the passion it will indeed be good. But we ought not to resort to compulsion if, therefore, a boy or a girl so desires, a partner should be found, and they should be blessed into wedlock. This is the duty of the Ashram. So far, we have been acting on this premise and the result has not been bad. We perform the wedding without pageantry, in a short time, and with pure minds. This is a matter of joy.

This marriage was precluded by uneasiness and anxiety which have now vanished. All possible precautions were taken. The bride and the bridegroom were both consulted. I have given importance to national interests over personal. Through this marriage one province has been drawn nearer to another. This is the first experiment. You have hundred times more responsibility upon your shoulders than has Umiya. Umiya’s courage has pleased me. Keep abreast of her desires and needs. In Hindu society, women have suffered in status. They are regarded as dependent. Give her freedom. You are a scout. It is the duty of a scout to give protection to others. She should not feel unhappy, but should feel that everybody holds her dear. I could not teach her enough Hindi. So put up with this. If all of us realize our duties, the difference between a Marwari and a Gujarati cannot last. Keep duty and tradition before your eyes. I advise both of you to lead a life of restraint and never forget the interests of the country. Umiya, what should I say to you? I have not time enough to talk to you separately.

You have shown courage and shed luster on the name of the Ashram, the province and the family. Do nothing wrong. I have put small garlands around your and Shankarlal’s necks. In my estimation they are big. Do not fail to read the Gita every day. When disappointment stares into your face, select a hymn from the Bhajanavali and recite it. When you have some leisure, spin on a takli and live peacefully. May God make you true servants and grant you a long life? Live in such a way so that I may not have cause for regret.

 

 Referecnce:

Bapu: Maine Kya Dekha, Kya Samjha? pp. 25-6.