For Global Peace with Social Justice in a Sustainable Environment

Bajaj Family and Mahatma Gandhi, Part-II

Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav

Gandhian Scholar

Gandhi Research Foundation, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India

Contact No. - 09404955338, 09415777229

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

Bajaj Family and Mahatma Gandhi, Part-II

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Tulsi Maherji tells me that I should let you know my opinion about supplying cotton to him, and that you propose to act accordingly. I am on my way to the station and will therefore write only this. I think we should make up the deficit by drawing on the Charkha Sangh or from the Ashram. If you have no objection to drawing on the Charkha Sangh and obtaining the Council’s sanction later, you may do so. Or else debit it to the Ashram account and let him have the cotton. He has Rs. 300. He wants to have a wagonload of cotton packed in gunny bags. You may let him have that much if it would not cost more than Rs. 800, over and above the Rs. 300. I would think it advisable to send less cotton if there could be a saving on railway freight. He has asked for 50 Bengali maunds presuming that transport charges up to Raxaul will be the same for 50 maunds as for 25. If it is so it appears advisable to send 50 maunds. Now if I have left anything unsaid you should do as you think fit. Whatever you think may be considered as my opinion. When you go to Bombay take with you my things such as books, clothes, etc. On reaching there get yourself promptly operated upon if the doctor so advises.”62

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am not surprised that you faced the operation with great courage. I would have been surprised to see you break down. I have always found you full of courage. May it endure forever? Get well soon and after that observe the whole regimen strictly and never fall ill. I am in need of many women who are strong in both body and mind.”63 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I shall reach Bombay some time on the 4th or by the morning of the 5th. Dastane wants me to be in Poona on the 4th. Jaisukhlal Mehta wants me to devote a few hours to Santa Cruz. If I can satisfy him by spending the 5th morning at Santa Cruz I can allot the evening of the 4th to Poona and leave there on the same night for Bombay from where I can proceed to Akola. Since Gomati has returned there she and Kishorelal need not again come to Akola. If Nath is there please ascertain from him if he would perform the wedding rites. I would like to have the ceremony performed by him, if it is no inconvenience to him. I think it would not matter if you could not come because of Janakibehn’s operation or something else.”64

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I did not wire to you because I had no reason to stop you from trying to meet Lalaji’s demand. For some time I would like to have a postcard daily informing me about Janakibehn’s health. Anil, Satis Babu’s son, has expired. Satis Babu is at Giridih. His address is: Home Villa, Giridih. It would however be safer to write to the Khadi Pratishthan address. I have a telegram telling me that both of them have sustained a great shock. I have sent them a long wire of condolence. Now it is certain that I shall reach Bombay on the 5th.”65 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am returning herewith both the letters from Ghanshyamdas. Because I have faith in his word I am not afraid that he would marry again. I want you to come to Belgaum on 25-26 and also to present yourself at the Ashram on the 11th. There is much work to be done at both the places. It would be worth the while if you could stay at the Ashram from the 9th to 13th. You may also stay with me at the time of the Gurukul [Convocation] when Ghanshyamdas too proposes to be present. It depends more on your own convenience in view of the other things you have to attend to. What is Kamala doing? I am worried on her account. This does not mean you too should start worrying. She could perhaps settle down if we could arrange for her education. Let her learn as much English as she likes.”66

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Sheth Jamnalal Bajaj an incorruptible is working Secretary and an incorruptible working Treasurer respectively. Moreover 75 per cent of the funds were administered locally by local representatives who had assisted in raising the funds and who were trusted by the people. Lastly, the largest amounts were mostly earmarked and controlled by the donors, subject no doubt to the conditions that they were to be used only for purposes coming within the programme of non-co-operation and the accounts were to be open to inspection by Congress agents. Personally, I have absolutely no regret about having raised the Fund and my conscience is clear as to its administration.”67 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Devdas had to leave you but I did not like it. I could see, however, he could not help it. Maybe now he can return in a few days. How are you now? Have you been regaining strength? Any complaints? Is Chi. Kamala studying anything? Do not write to me yourself but get Kamala to write to me a long letter. None should worry about my health. At any rate now I am keeping well. The old are on the verge of death, are not they? Therefore under this or that pretext they must leave their old abodes and inhabit new ones if they please. But if they would rather leave the cage altogether they might soar in the air and enjoy freedom. But then our case is similar to that of a prisoner who, owing to his long detention, comes to be attached to his cell. We do not wish to give up the body because we identify ourselves with it. I do not know what I wish. As far as my reason goes I do not find it worth caring for. But poor reason is helpless before delusion. The truth will be known when the end comes.”68

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Three months ago Sjt. Shankerlal Banker and Lakshmidas Purushottam travelled in Orissa examining the khadi work going on in that land of paupers. And now Sheth Jamnalal Bajaj has also been touring in that province. Lakshmidas notes have been published in Navajivan. Jamnalalji has sent the summary of his impressions which I commend to the workers in Utkal and all khadi lovers. The Council of the All-India Spinners’ Association has, owing to the necessity of prolonged rest that I must take from active and routine work, relieved me of the burden of directing the affairs of the Association and appointed Sheth Jamnalal Bajaj as officiating Chairman.”69 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have a shocking report from Mirabehn about the incident of water. Since you must have learnt about it all, I make suggestions only for future. Although Maharajji and others have already left, you should closely investigate whatever calls for investigation. We have got to write something about whatever facts we come across. We must caution the parents, and also the people. If the men and women who stay there are innocent and can understand things they ought to be asked to go away. If you want you may detain Mirabehn for some time to help the innocent residents. You need not stay there for long. If Mirabehn has to leave the place, I think it would be all right if Valunjker and Gangubehn stayed with her. Gangubehn appears to have taken well to Mirabehn; it seems she will learn a lot from her. Now the question is where these people should go. If Gangubehn has not to stay with her, Mirabehn might wish to go with me for some time. Thus she may have a little more peace of mind and to some extent devote herself to her studies. But if you too think that she should stay with Gangubehn and others, at the moment I can think of only Sabarmati or Wardha. Consider any other idea that you may have. My health continues to improve.”70

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Seth Jamnalal Bajaj who is a very well-known merchant of long standing and a director of several important concerns is the treasurer of the Association.”71 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “There is in India an association called the All-India Spinners’ Association. It has got its own constitution and its affairs are administered by a Council of nine, of which I am the President for the first five years of its existence. One of the millionaire merchants is the Treasurer of this Association. His name is Seth Jamnalal Bajaj. At the present moment he acts also on my behalf as Chairman of the Council. Its Secretary is a moneyed man’s son named Shankerlal Banker. The other members of the Council are equally well known and known also for their self-sacrifice. This Council operates through its branches all over India. All accounts are periodically audited by chartered accountants.”72

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Seth Jamnalal Bajaj and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru have already issued an appeal in this matter. I am now trying through Principal Zakir Husain to find out the exact condition and placing myself in correspondence with Dr. Ansari, and as soon as I have collected enough information, I hope to lay it before the readers. In the mean time I invite subscriptions so as not to lose time. The subscriptions received will not be handed to anyone unless a proper committee is formed and an absolutely correct administration of funds is assured. I do hope that Hindus and Mussalmans will vie with one another to well the subscription list.”73 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Sheth Jamnalalji Bajaj has consented to be the treasurer of the Fund. In the existing raw state of feeling between Hindus and Mussalmans, it has not been thought advisable to issue this appeal under many names. But our hope is that all those who revere the deceased’s memory and who approve of the idea of connecting the proposed memorial with the National Muslim University will help the movement as if they were joint partners in this appeal.”74

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Seth Jamnalal Bajaj is the administrative head, but I am interesting myself in your case and have written to Sjt. Raman than. As soon as I hear from him, I hope to write to you again. Meanwhile let me say that from the perusal of the papers sent by you, there seems to me to be a very strong case against you. If Sjt. Raman than has positive proof of bribery and corruption, I should wonder what defence you could have.”75 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “All subscriptions will be acknowledged in these columns. Payments may be made either to the Secretary, Sjt. Shankerlal Banker, Mirzapur, Ahmadabad, or to Sheth Jamnalalji Bajaj, 395, Kalbadevi Road, Bombay, or to the Manager, Satyagraha Ashram, and Sabarmati.”76

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “The draft constitution proposed by Sheth Jamnalal Bajaj, Sjt. C. Rajagopalachari and Babu Rajendra Prasad for the All-India Spinners’ Association as circulated amongst the members of the Executive Council of the Association and published in the papers was considered by the Council of the Association at its meetings held at Wardha on the 18th and 19th instant and was finally adopted with slight amendments.”77 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “In Wardha a wealthy merchant Sheth Jamnalal Bajaj recently threw open his magnificent temple to the untouchables and that without arousing any serious opposition. The most remarkable thing about it is that from the record kept in the temple of the daily visitors it was found that the attendance had gone up instead of declining since the admission of the untouchables to it. I may sum up the outlook by saying that I expect the tide against untouchability to rise still more swiftly in the near future, astonishingly swift as it has already been.”78

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “According to the Gujarati calendar, the year ends with Diwali. If therefore the marriage is to take place this year, it has to be in the month of Ashadh because, as Santok says, there are no marriage-days after this. It would be too early to have the marriage in Ashadh. Again Santok is so insistent on Banarasi learning Gujarati even before the marriage that she says the marraige should be fixed for the coming Jeth if marriage-days are available in the next year. It is thus a matter of one year. Indeed Santok has also the desire that in the meanwhile Rukhi can further continue her studies; and it is a welcome desire. So, I think, now we should leave the matter as it is. I am trying to ascertain whether or not there are marraige-days in the coming year. I think we need not hold up other similar alliances. Let us proceed on the belief that all betrothals will surely be followed by a marraige, and any alliance that we would now settle may perhaps require to be immediately followed by solemnization. But then you know more about this. Please make the right arrangements for the work regarding untouchability, and send me some news about it regularly every week if possible. On enquiries, I learn today that there are marriage-days in the coming year.”79

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Shri Jamnalal Bajaj visited this place. He told me of the work you have been doing regarding khadi. At that time I became hopeful. But from whatever I am seeing now and from whatever I have been told it seems that the message of khadi has not touched your heart. It is not a surprising thing, but it saddens me all the same.”80 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “My informant told me that even highly educated parents were not free from the pride of possession, and that so far as expenses went they beat the comparatively uneducated wealthy merchants. To all such the recent example of Sheth Lalchand and the less recent example of Sheth Jamnalal Bajaj should serve as a stimulus in cutting down expenditure. But moe than the parents it is the duty of young men firmly to resist premature marriage, more especially marriage during student life, and at all cost to resist all expenditure.”81

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “What advice should I give you regarding Shantikumar? Do whatever you think is right. Do nothing beyond your capacity. I may however say this, that the step I am contemplating this time will be the final step. It will be either the greatest mistake of my life or its purest act. I for one have no doubt at all about its purity. I am examining myself as carefully as I can. My self-confidence has grown greatly.”82 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am astonished to read what you write about Narandas. He has never shown himself disinclined. And I am sure Jamnadas can never oppose it, judging from his views on the subject. However, I am pleased to know that you are not the least perturbed and that both of you, mother and daughter, are steadfast. In this matter, your opinion alone should count most. But when Santok also completely agrees with you, then the likes and dislikes of other people do not matter much. If you and Benarasi become an ideal couple, then all criticism will be silenced and you will have shown the path to the Hindu community. I say to Marwari friends in jest, “You have taken away a daughter from me. Therefore, my tax on you will now be doubled.” Only today I have collected Rs. 201/- for khadi from a Marwari gentleman by using this joke on him. He gave the amount with great pleasure. Radha’s health creates anxiety. I am enclosing a letter for her. Learn Hindi either from Totaramji or from Kashinathji.”83

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I don’t know whether to trust the citizens of Bombay when Jamnalal Bajaj and Nariman have been jailed and still the citizens of Bombay have not shown sufficient spirit. Bombay should break the salt laws and more particularly they should boycott foreign cloth and thereby break the chain of foreign domination and the leaders of Bombay should work to free the labouring classes from the drink evil.”84 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “How are you? I hope you have not lost your courage. How is Madalasa? Do not be anxious about Kamalnayan. Have you not learnt this much by hearing Gita from Vinoba that we need not be anxious about anything?”85

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Just now your duty is to make your body strong. Your diet is all right. Take proper exercise. Do as much khadi work as you can. Write to me regularly. How is Kamala? And Madalasa? Ask Janakibehn to write to me. What does Father eat? How much do you spin daily? Do you get time to do any reading?”86 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “It would be strange if you did not feel cheerful now. You make speeches and your name appears in newspapers. As I frequently see the name Janakibai Bajaj in papers, what else should I think but that it was good that Jamnalal and I were arrested and that we had better remain in prison. I was sure that there was confidence behind your seeming diffidence. May God increase it? Kamalnayan need not be in a hurry. Let him remain occupied in khadi production work. When the batch comes forward, he may write to Valjibhai.”87

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Can you read my handwriting in Gujarati? If you cannot read it, I will write in Hindi. Write to me often in the same way that you have done this time. Anyone who goes to visit Father should tell him that he should come out with added weight. You should write a neat and clear handwriting. Improve your health as much as you can. Kakasaheb sends you his blessings. Where is Om? Tell Madalasa that she should write to me. Ask Kamala and Rameshwar also to write.”88 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “It is well written. If you have enough work there I do not see any need of your going to Ajmer. But someone must go if the need in Ajmer is urgent. It is difficult to give a decisive opinion from here. What has Mother to say? Only the leader of the batch can take a policy decision. Ask Surendraji who is there these days. As yet it is well-nigh impossible for me to write letters in Marathi. I get very little time even to read. Tell Janakibehn to write to us.”89

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You seem to be very clever. You try to evade writing to me under one pretext or another. And if from making speeches you become a dictator; a person like me would have to live in constant fear of you. Jamnalal seems to have established his business well in Nasik. I had thought he would. No one can escape him. Formerly Madu used to write to me, but now she has become lethargic like you. If she remains as lethargic as she is, I shall have to issue an order to separate her from you. How is her health now? Is Om as mischievous as ever?”90 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You should write a clear hand. Your letters are well formed but not clear. They will not improve later if you do not take the trouble now. By all means go to Ajmer. Do write regularly from there too. Do not neglect your health.”91 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “They contain the news I look forward to. When Janakibehn arrives, tell her to write to me. They may certainly arrest Vinoba if they wish. Is there any news of Chhotelal? How is his health?”92

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Tell Chhotelalji to write to me if he is permitted to write letters. Has he also been released under Section 160? Essential silk means that which is required for the borders in khadi or without which khadi it cannot be sold. If the question of principle is settled, the rest can be done as suits the occasion.”93 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Shouldn’t I say that you have done me a favour by writing to me after many days? The task in Calcutta is a difficult one, but not so for you. Ghanshyamdasji is making a good contribution through his work.”94 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You knew enough Gujarati, have you forgotten it all? For you, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Marwari, all should be the same. Write your next letter in Gujarati or Marathi and tell me how much you spin and card and what your speed with the takli is. Do you take a large helping of food and waste some or do you take only as much as the poor should and clean your plate? Do you read the Gita?”95

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Tell the people of Karnatak that they have already contributed much to the struggle; they must also now take part in the constructive work. Much still remains to be done for khadi; the boycott of foreign cloth is for the sake of khadi. Had the boycott not had the purpose of serving the poor, at least I would not have been as absorbed in it as I am now. Some friends from Karnatak are possessed with the idea that Karnatak should form a separate province. Why do they worry? The Congress has already formed a province of Kannada-speaking people; it will come into being when we have purna swaraj. I am happy that Lingayats and others have come together. It is as it should be.”96

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Shah Mangaldas Harilal Gandhi, Fanaswadi, 2nd Lane, Dadisheth Agiari Lane, Harilal Maneklal Gandhi’s Flats. This gentleman is Shah Harilal Maneklal Gandhi’s son. One Surajbehn regarded Shri Harilal as her father. He has all her money. His present condition cannot be described as good. Surajbehn tells me that at one time it was very good. I have written to Shri Harilal and told him that it was not at all proper to keep a widow’s money in a private firm, and that he should deposit it in the Bank of India and send Surajbehn a receipt in her name. I enclose his reply. It is possible that there is no risk about the money. But I feel worried. Request Shri Mangaldas to see you, or you yourself should call on him, and ask him what the position is. Get all the facts and see if you can persuade him to deposit the money in the Bank. It is to be deposited in Surajbehn’s name. Her jewellery is also in their custody. If possible, get that, too, in your possession, or secure the Safe Deposit receipts for it, which are in their possession. You will not immediately require a letter of authority from Surajbehn. But wire to me if you require one and I will send it. In any case arrange to see Mangaldas immediately. I am going there on the 24th to see those English friends.”97

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have read the resolution about Bhagat Singh which you sent. Dev, too, had sent a copy at your suggestion. I did not like it at all. The word “today” has affected the value of the resolution. The addition of “today” may suggest that even today the meeting has no faith in non-violence. Even those who do not look upon non-violence as an unalterable article of faith need not feel it necessary to add “today”. I shall arrive there not on the 24th but on Thursday, the 25th. I at any rate will travel by Gujarat Mail. If you wish, you may discuss this matter further with me then. Read the accompanying letter about Chaunde Maharaj and inquire into the matter if necessary. Rajendrababu should give up the idea of going to Bihar at present. Has Radhika come there?”98

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I had discussed your case with Kakasaheb. You seem to be considerably unsettled in mind. The idea of a private tutor for you does not appeal to any of us. If you do not find an academic atmosphere at the Vidyapith, there is a school at Poona to which you may be sent. If you agree, I may try to get you admitted to it. Discuss this with Kakasaheb. My own experience is that anyone who is sincerely eager to study can satisfy his desire at any place. However, we certainly do not wish to stand in your way. On the contrary, we are anxious to satisfy your wish as far as we can.”99 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I still do not use the right hand, and so I cannot write much. I write only as much as I can with the left hand. You must have received the letters I sent you yesterday. It is very necessary to calculate the total money spent on the cause of the removal of untouchability, by the Congress, by Congressmen or through them or through their inspiration. Some figures I already know. Probably you, too, know some. I wish to entrust this responsibility to you. Collect the figures from all sources. If any items are left out, I will try and remember them. I estimate the figure at 20 lakhs. I think this is a conservative rather than a liberal estimate. Some contributions to the Tilak Fund were actually earmarked for this cause. You will get them from the list of contributions to that Fund which you have with you. Has anything been done about the plot of land in Almora? If nothing has been done, and if immediate action can be taken, I think it very necessary that it should be taken. How are Janakibehn and Balkrishna? As there was a great deal of misunderstanding in newspapers and I began to get all kinds of reports, I sent a telegram to the Viceroy yesterday. I have not received a reply so far. I enclose a copy of my telegram. Shri Pattani is coming here tomorrow. I will let you know if he brings any news.”100

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Is it out of pity for me that you have not written to me for some time and have not permitted Madu and Om to write either? I don’t want pity; I want a letter. Has your health improved? What do you eat?” 101 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I could only look at you and didn’t get time to speak even one word to you. Well, I have time enough now to write. You also should now write to me as long as you are free. In which prison is Kamalnayan lodged? How is he? Ask Madalasa and Om to write to me. How do you keep?”102 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Since milk didn’t seem to agree with me here, I said so in my letter. It is possible that one does not require milk when leading a quiet life. Cereals and other grains should not be eaten uncooked. Leafy vegetables, carrots, etc., can be. If they are cooked, they lose part of their nutrient value.”103

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I received today permission to write to you and other co-workers in prison. Write to me immediately and give me detailed information about your health and your diet. All of us feel a little worried about you. Who else are with you in prison? How is their health? How is Dr. Sumant? Sardar tells me that like me Diwan Master also has lost his teeth. How is his general health? I don’t know who else are with you. Gangabehn has informed me that Pannalal is one of them, my vandemataram to all co-workers. You must have heard that Mahadev has joined us.”104 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “All of us had been eagerly awaiting a letter from you. It was a full one. I am very happy that the food in this jail has agreed with you. I had heard about Janakibehn and Kamalnayan. If Vinoba has not taken a vow to the contrary, I think it is necessary that he should drink milk. Even in that jail he seems to have adopted a strenuous programme. In order to be able to keep it up, I think he should drink milk. I am convinced that there must be some vegetable food which has the beneficial properties of milk but is free from its noxious one. But those vaids who are sufficiently well-read in their science to be able to discover it have never thought about the possibility of there being such a food and the task is beyond the capacity of laymen like us. Or perhaps we can discover it, if we give all our attention to this one problem. It is my firm conviction that it would be improper for any of us to do so. It is therefore our duty to cling to the task which has fallen to our lot unsought. I cannot help thinking that it is not proper for Vinoba to let his weight fall so low. A fine group seems to have formed there with you. I envy you your ‘C’ class. I had felt very happy when I heard that you were placed in that class. I did not at all feel afraid that it might affect your health. I have never doubted your ability to safeguard your own health and that of your companions. Had you not been placed in ‘C’ class, you would never have got the experience you are now getting. Tell Pyarelal that, as I have fully replied1 to the letter which Kusum wrote at his instance, I don’t dictate anything here. He will probably get that reply before you get this letter. Let me know if he does not. All three of us are very well. For the past two months, my diet has been bread, almonds, dates, one vegetable and a sour lime. This keeps me all right. I never feel the need for a laxative or an enema. I am engaged at present in writing the history of the Ashram. Writing letters takes up a good deal of my time. In this small circle, we talk about you several times daily. Convey our regards to all. Write to me whenever you can.”105

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Why do you remain ill? What is your diet? You should eat fruit in sufficient quantities. You ought to improve your health. You need not worry about Jamnalal or Kamalnayan or anybody else. Do you read anything? Who are your companions in Jail? All three of us are quite well. We often think about you.”106 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “The word abhiman connotes an undesirable quality, whereas swabhiman connotes a good one. If you think yourself an important person being a big man’s daughter, you would be abhimani If, however, somebody tries to insult you but you are not intimidated by him, you will be said to have preserved your swabhiman or swaman. Why doesn’t Om write? Kamala of course, I must not expect to write. Babu must be growing very fast now. Does he still love to eat plenty of sweets? Don’t be lazy in writing to me. Ask Balkrishna to write too.”107

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “What pride! That, because you have been in jail, you do not write to me at all! As if you were the only one who could do so! How is your health? Where is Kamalnayan1? He does not seem to have received the letter which I wrote to him. Where is Balkrishna? I have had no letter from him for some time. Madalasa also seems to have gone to sleep. Write to me about Shivaji and Radhakrishna. I have written to Chhotelal, but have had no reply from him, too. I expect you to tell me about all of them.”108 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “So at last you took the trouble to write a few lines with pencil. It seems you could not shake off your lethargy even in jail. I think it was a mistake [on the part of the magistrate] to have awarded you ‘A’ class. He should have awarded you ‘C’ class, so that you would have had to do hard work. Well, be as lethargic as you will, but see now that you recover your health completely. I am glad you are having an experience of Vinoba’s strict discipline. If you do not write regularly, bear in mind you will be punished. Did I tell you that the old blanket which you had made into a new one by stitching it on to khadi cloth had accompanied me to the Royal Palace?1 And it is with me in this jail, too. I am sure it will last for many more years yet.”109

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You may believe that you are full of envy, pride, etc., but I don’t believe so. From whom could you have got these defects? Jamnalal certainly does not have them, or Janakibehn. You have also not come under the influence of bad company. And there is nothing you lack. Yes, you are inclined to be angry. I, too, observed that. But Janakibehn also has that weakness. And, moreover, your body is weak. But you are wise. Make a conscious effort, therefore, to overcome your shortcoming. Other people also are human beings like us. The same atman dwells in all of us. Hence, getting angry with anybody means getting angry with ourselves. Moreover, no short-comings remain in anyone in whom a passion for the service of every living creature has been aroused. You should, therefore, cultivate greater devotion to service. It will make me happy if you write to me regularly.”110

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Your handwriting has improved greatly. If your present weight is due to a strong build, why do you wish to reduce it? You will be better equipped for service if you grow up to be big and strong in body, provided of course that your mind also becomes strong along with the body. If the body has become merely fat because of some disease, you should certainly try to reduce your weight. Do you suffer from any disease? Write to me from time to time.”111 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “It was your duty to write to me immediately after your release. Did you get the letter which I wrote to you? You have acquired very useful experience indeed. I have a faint recollection of having received a letter from you before I left for England. I have also an impression that I replied to your question. I now forget what the question was. Ask it again. Narmada scribbled a confused description and cleverly got off. That is a sign of lethargy.”112

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “It is because women like you fear that they would starve to death if they had to live on the diet of ‘C’ class prisoners, that I have decided to embrace the way of living without eating. You will see from tomorrow how I do that. Everybody in the world eats and still dies. Let us see how long you live eating the food of ‘A’ class prisoners. Is it not a great art to survive an indefinite fast? There is one condition, of course, for this to be made possible. All women will have to come out of their homes as dedicated workers and eradicate the practice of untouchability, and so prove their claim to be incarnations of God’s powers. Do that, and go on eating the food of ‘A’ class prisoners all your life. If, however, you do not get ‘A’ class food on some occasion, you should be satisfied with ‘C’ class food. Suppose, however, that the efforts of the women workers bear no fruit. In that case, let this earthly frame perish right now. Even then, I shall live for ever. As long as even one woman carries on my mission, can anybody say that I am dead? We may leave aside the Gita’s philosophy about the immortality of the atman. But the immortality which I have explained can be witnessed with our ordinary eyes. You must not, therefore, fall into panic. Act in a manner which will do honour to yourself and to the cause. Surrender yourself and all that you possess to God, and be happy and ever remain so. I have no time today to write to the mischievous Om and the wise Madalasa. Treat this letter as meant for all of you. May you enjoy the blessed state of wifehood to the end of your life.”113

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I hope you do not worry. On the contrary, you should dance with joy that the person whom you have adopted as your father is to make the supreme sacrifice for the cause which you hold dear. For you, this should be an occasion to celebrate. I have been having a bit of good-humored jesting with Janaki maiya. Sardar and Mahadev send you their regards.”114

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You may have thought it too long, but I did not feel so, especially as it gave me the news that the ‘beggar’ had started on his begging mission. Tell him that I had got his letter. Since he has relieved me of my worry, I intend this letter for him too. My body has almost recovered its normal strength. My diet includes milk, oranges, mosambis, grapes or pomegranates, and gourd and tomatoes among vegetables. Sometimes I drop milk for a day or two. I walk twice a day, for a total of an hour and a half. I write a great many letters. I spin, as I used to do before the fast, not less than 200 rounds daily, of more than 45 counts. This should reassure everyone. I suffered much physically during the fast but the mind was completely at peace. If the fast had had to be prolonged, I would not have felt any strain on the mind. But it was for God, at whose prompting I had undertaken the fast, to prolong it or make it short. Ba is still permitted to stay with me for the whole day. But that will probably stop now. Devdas can come and see me for some time. However he does not come every day. Sardar and Mahadev continue to be with me. Your health can be considered all right. If you have lost some weight, that is to the good. But you should not lose any more now. Vinoba’s company has undoubtedly benefited you in that it has strengthened your faith in God. He has a beautiful way with him indeed. It is also good that you have had Gulzarilal’s company. It is good, too, that you have come to have faith in nature-cure methods and simple food. These two save us from many diseases. Your daily programme is excellent. You should be happy that you are a ‘C’ class prisoner. Personally, I have always disliked being in ‘A’ or ‘B’ class. Even in ‘C’ class one can secure the facilities necessary to preserve one’s health. Has Gulzarilal become sufficiently strong now? Is Madhavji all right? Sardar had acquired great speed in his study of Sanskrit, but owing to the fast it has slowed down a little. He is now preparing to prepare to resume the former speed. So far our daily routine has been quite satisfactory. We eat and sleep, read newspapers, pace up and down for a walk, read and study what we wish to and spin. Carding is Mahadev’s monopoly. But he has suspended that work for some time, for a fairly good stock of slivers has accumulated. Moreover, Chhakkaddas also has been sending fine slivers. I get letters from Wardha regularly. Give regards from us all to everyone there.”115

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “On hearing disturbing news about the condition of your ear, I sent you a wire3 today. I hope you got it. We are waiting for a reply. I also expect a detailed letter from you. I have of course written to Dr. Modi and requested him to send a report. May I suggest a few changes in your diet? Bananas are not at all necessary. Nor do I see any need for papaya at present. You should omit pulses for some time from your diet and add fresh grapes or oranges or mosambis. It would also be better if you could drink more milk. I have had no letter from you for a long time now. Give all details about your health. How is Manilal? Give me news about other companions too. We are quite happy here. Manilal, Sushila, Tara, Surendra and Sita paid us a visit yesterday. Sushila has improved now. I suppose you know that she had to be kept in Dosibai’s Hospital for some time.”116

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “May you have, on your birthday, all the blessings you desire, basketfuls of them. Why should we fear death, which comes to all sooner or later—to the great and the humble, to the white and the black, to human beings and other creatures? Why grieve over it either? I often feel that death must be a less painful event than birth. I leave aside the pain which the baby suffers in the mother’s womb before birth. But all of us know the suffering in this world which commences from the moment of birth. Consider the helplessness of the baby at the moment of birth every baby as helpless as any other. On the other hand, if our life has been pure we shall have no such experience at the moment of death. A baby does not seek knowledge, nor can it have any. At the time of death, on the other hand, it is not only possible for one to be in a state of union with the Brahman but we actually know that many persons die in such a state. Birth always means entering a world of suffering, whereas death can be complete deliverance from suffering. We can thus think from many points of view about the beauty and the benefits of death, and can also meet our death in that spirit. I bless you that your death may be of this type. This wish includes everything else which is for your good. The two friends join me in wishing this. Even after knowing all the facts about your health, I adhere to the view which I have expressed. If you are permitted to obtain your food at your own expense, I see nothing wrong in your doing so. We should regard our body as a trust, and it is our duty as its trustee to take care of it to the best of our ability. You should not ask for or accept even a grain of jaggery to gratify your palate, but I see nothing wrong in your trying and getting even the costliest variety of grapes if you need them as medicine and if they can be had. You need not, therefore, feel unhappy if you have to eat such food. If we can, we should also help others who may be placed in similar circumstances to secure such food. In my view you don’t require all the wheat that is supplied to you. I also think it desirable for you to banish jaggery altogether from your food. Your body does not require it at all. It is better to take innocent honey instead. Mixing any form of sugar in milk affects its digestibility. It would be better to increase the quantity of milk instead. You are doing right in eating butter and not olive oil. The olive oil available in India is not always pure, and of course it cannot be fresh. Moreover, olive oil does not contain the vitamins which butter does. The vegetables which you eat should always be green vegetables. Potatoes and similar vegetables are practically a substitute for rotli. They contain starch. You require very little starch, and whatever little you require you will get from wheat. You should not eat pulses in any circumstances. If you eat a sufficient quantity of butter, two pounds of milk will be enough for you. Whether you should increase or diminish their quantity will depend upon your weight at the time.

You should go on increasing the quantity of either or both to as much as you can digest, till your weight becomes steady. Among the green vegetables, gourd, pumpkin, the different kinds of edible leaves, cabbage, cauliflower, tender bean-pods and brinjal are considered good. The wheat flour should be whole. If the wheat has been properly cleaned before it is ground, no portion of the flour should be thrown away. Among fruits, grapes, mosambis, oranges, pomegranates, apples and pineapple are beneficial for health. Some experiments being made in America indicate that a meal should not consist of a variety of articles. Fruit has the most nourishing value if it is eaten alone, and the best practice is to eat it when the stomach is empty. There is even a saying in English to the effect that fruit in the morning is gold and in the afternoon silver. Our first meal, therefore, should consist only of fruit, though there would be no harm if it is preceded by a glass of warm water the first thing in the morning. If you can get permission to live all the twenty-four hours of the day in open air, it would be worthwhile to secure it. It would help you if you can slowly do breathing exercises in open air. You need not at all be afraid of the cold at night. It will have no harmful effect on your health if you have properly covered yourself up to the neck and wound a piece of cloth over the head so as to keep the ears covered. It is essential that the lungs should be supplied with the purest air the whole day and night. You should expose your body to the sun in the morning for as long as you can bear. Discuss all these suggestions with Dr. Contractor and then do what seems best to you. I hope Madhavji is happy and comfortable in every way. Give my blessings and regards of all three of us to the co-workers who are with you in the jail. Probably you know what is going on here in regard to untouchability. You can send any suggestions which occur to you. You will be permitted by the authorities there to do so.”117

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Knowing that Sheth Jamnalal Bajaj was suffering from cough for some time and knowing also that he had ear trouble which was suspected to be tubercular, I had telegraphed to him suggesting that he should send for his special adviser Dr. Modi, the ear and throat specialist of Bombay.”118 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “How nice it is that the boy is in the Ashram. The chief thing which you should do to improve your health is to take walks, and that in a place where there is no dust in the air. I got Father’s letter this time. He has written in it about his business. There was one word in it which I could not read. It seems to be something like ‘tea’ or ‘coffee’. Does he carry on business in either? If not, in what else?”119

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I forgot to tell you about Kamalnayan, and I write about it here now. He is very eager to learn English. He wants to be kept in an atmosphere of study. I am, therefore, of the opinion that you should send him to Colombo. He will get there all opportunity to satisfy to the full, his desire to learn English. He will be away from you, and yet not too far away. We need not believe that children remain good or acquire a good character only if they are kept at home. It may be assumed that whatever beneficial influence the Ashram was likely to have on him, it has already had. If he lives in Nuwara Eliya in Ceylon, he will have the benefits of excellent climate and water. I believe the place also has good facilities for education. You will have no cause for worry. If you wish to write to me about the subject and discuss it further, you may do so. Do not worry about Jamnalal at all. Report to me whatever news you get. I am in correspondence with him about the matter. I am not writing separately to Madanmohan.”120

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I must say that your handwriting is improving very much. Your plan of studies is also very good. See that you do not work beyond your strength. If you neglect your health for the sake of study, both will suffer. Since you know that anger is bad, you are bound to become free from it in the course of time. And the same about pride. It is a sign of weakness that you start crying at every little thing. If you start playing games, your crying will stop. Begin reciting the Gita loudly whenever you feel that you are about to begin crying; you will then immediately forget about crying. Try this method. Why do you say that no one lives in a temple the whole day and night? The priest certainly does so.”121

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