Bajaj Family and Mahatma Gandhi, Part-III

[Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav]

Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav

Gandhian Scholar

Gandhi Research Foundation Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India

Contact No. – 09404955338, 09415777229

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Bajaj Family and Mahatma Gandhi, Part-III

 

 

There was a family relation between Mahatma Gandhi and Jamnalal Bajaj. Mahatma Gandhi was treated them as family members. He guided, advised them always. Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I had wanted to reply to your letter and tease you a good bit, but I get no time at all these days. I forgot to tell you about Kamalnayan2, 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.”122

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.”123 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have just been given the happy news of your having been brought here.1 I hope you did not feel the strain of the journey. Now that you are here, eat all the fruits which doctors recommend for you. How is your cough? I am trying to secure permission to see you. We are all happy.”124

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You seem to be a very cunning girl. Because you don’t spin fine yarn, you gift away the coarse yarn which you spin and take credit for voluntary service. Is it Vinoba or Janakimaiya who teaches you this?”125 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am grateful to Government for letting me meet Sheth Jamnalal Bajaj soon after his admission to this prison. The Government now knows the relations that subsist between him and me. Both he and I asked the Superintendent at the interview today whether we could meet each other frequently and he told us that he had permission only for that single interview. If Sheth Jamnalal had not been suffering from a bad disease and without the cause to be just mentioned, I should have been satisfied with an occasional interview like the one I had today. But seeing that he has been specially brought to Yeravda for the sake of his health, it would be putting an undue strain on both of us if we were not allowed to see each other frequently, of course subject to restrictions as to conversation. I have no desire to hold any political conversation with him. But I should want to discuss with him problems of untouchability, as he was Chairman of the Anti-Untouchability Board appointed by the Congress in 1929 and he had specialized on the question of temple-entry, having himself been instrumental in opening to the Harijans his own family temple and in having a number of other temples opened in many parts of India.”126

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Alike therefore for the sake of his health and of the work for which the Government of India have given me facilities, I request permission to have frequent interviews with Sheth Jamnalal Bajaj subject to the restrictions as aforesaid.”127 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You write regularly now. You will see that you will not be tempted any more to postpone writing through lethargy, nor will you forget. You are ill there and Radha is ill in the Ashram. We should be cheerful even in illness. We should learn to welcome any condition that God ordains for us. We should exercise as much self-control as we can and leave the rest to God. Observe this one rule that you should not exert yourself so long as you continue to get fever. How is the ventilation in the house? Chhaganlal will now be brought to me to help me is all right.”128

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Write to me immediately today and inform me about the condition of your health. I am trying to secure permission to see you. Appa’s problem seems to have been solved for the time being. The intended semi-fast and complete fast have been postponed. It seems the problem will be solved completely. I have regained two pounds of weight. I will get a copy of Ashramvasi Pratye and send it to you. If you want any other books, let me know. It is very necessary to send Kamalnayan to Ceylon. He writes and tells me that Janakidevi also has agreed now. The climate and water there will certainly suit him, and his desire to learn English will also be satisfied. The present atmosphere in India cannot but have a disturbing effect on his mind, but in Ceylon he will remain calm. He will be away from home, and yet not too far away. He will be able to return home whenever he wishes to do so. And he will get excellent facilities for learning English. Thus I like the idea from all points of view. Let me know what you think; I will then take the necessary steps to arrange for his going. I shall have to write to a few persons. Ghanshyamdas left yesterday. He could not, of course, see you. Devdas is still here. Rajendrababu’s health cannot be described as too good.”129

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have to cope with extremely heavy pressure of work, and, moreover, since my views regarding Kamalnayan are not the same as yours, I did not think it necessary to write immediately. I had, therefore, intended to write to you at the first available opportunity. I was going to write today in any case when I got your second letter. One may feel after reading it that your health had become a little worse, but I have no fear of that happening. It is good that the discharge has started again. It will not help you in any way if it is stopped with artificial means. The cause for the cramp in the stomach may be that you probably ate something in excessive quantity. On one or two days recently the bread was not properly baked. Perhaps you will find toasted bread easier to digest. You have sufficiently strong teeth for that. I am sure you know that bread should be chewed thoroughly. The bread can be toasted for you here, for it is supplied to you from our ward. And as I have a hand in baking the bread, there will be no difficulty in supplying you toasted bread. If you eat bread at all the three meals, fresh toasts can be prepared for all of them and supplied to you. You should also not give at present, as you have been doing, too much time to interviews connected with business.

 According to Dr. Modi, complete rest is essential. It is not advisable even to talk much. To derive the full benefit of the air of this place, it is extremely essential that you should take complete rest and talk very little. Colonel Doyle talked with me about you for a fairly long time. We had a talk just the day before yesterday. His advice was that you should go to Europe. I don’t think that necessary at all. We should do our best with whatever help we can get in this country and rest satisfied. Do let me know, however, if you wish to go to England. I also expect to get in a day or two a reply to my request1 for permission to see you frequently. And now about Kamalnayan. You will require special permission if you wish to send him to South Africa. He will not get proper facilities for education there; He will not be admitted to any English school or college. They have started a college for Indians, but from our point of view it can have nothing special to offer. Facilities for private education will also be meager. As for Phoenix, it is in the midst of a jungle. If Kamalnayan goes and lives there, he will have to spend most of his time working in the press. From all points of view, therefore, South Africa should be left out of consideration. But it is otherwise with Ceylon. Kamalnayan can join any one of the schools there. The climate of Nuwara Eliya is excellent. There is hardly any place which can surpass it in the beauty of natural surroundings. We will also find there a large number of persons whom we know. Bernard Alovihari is a close friend. He is a very good scholar and a man of character. He was on the same boat with me when I returned from England. He belongs to one of the ancient families of Ceylon. If Kamalnayan does not feel happy there, we can immediately call him back. You can also write to him frequently and so can he to you. According to me, therefore, Ceylon is the only country to which we can send Kamalnayan to satisfy his desire for learning English, without sacrificing our principles. He also likes the idea. If, however, you do not approve of it, let him remain at Wardha for the present. If he is happy there, we can desire nothing better than that. But I gathered from my conversation with him and knew from his letter that he was not happy in Wardha. That is how the problem arose. Manilal, who was to leave on Wednesday, has had to postpone his departure. He can now leave on the 29th. Chhaganlal Joshi arrived here yesterday to help me. This will not lighten my burden, but work will not remain unfinished to the same extent as it did every day till now.”130

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “All descriptions of the atman are of its pure state, just as a description of water can be of pure water only. There cannot be one description of dirty water. If water could think, every pool of dirty water would ask the same question that you have done, and one of them might describe the qualities of pure water and exhort its fellows to become like that. This is exactly what Shri Krishna, who knew the qualities of the pure atman, did. We should know what these qualities are and try to become such atman. If you ask me how the atman becomes impure, my reply is that I do not know it, nor need we know it. We know that impurity is a fact, what the qualities of the pure state are and how we may get rid of the impurity. That should be enough for us. If I have not answered your question, you may ask me to explain again.”131

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I understand what you say regarding Kamalnayan. No arrangement can be made for him to stay in Poona. I had discussed the matter with Vakil. They do not accept a young man of his age, for they simply don’t have the necessary facility for that. We shall discuss the matter further when we meet. Shri Kateli knew that we had a stock of the swadeshi ink for fountain pen which you wanted, and, therefore, we have sent a bottle of it for you. We have quite a large quantity of it. The sugar used in the bread made here is probably swadeshi, for very little foreign sugar is available in Poona. Even if it is foreign, I would not consider it wrong to eat the bread for that reason, for the sugar is used for preparing yeast. That is, it mixes with the other ingredients of yeast and produces a new substance altogether as two gases combine in a certain proportion and produce water. Hence we cannot say that when eating bread we consume two different articles, wheat and sugar. Three things are used for preparing yeast mahura, sugar and salt. The mahura is indigenous. According to me, therefore, bread is innocent food even for a person who has taken a vow not to eat foreign sugar. However, after knowing all these facts it is for you finally to decide what you should do. If the chapatis which they prepare here agree with you, I certainly would not press you to eat bread. I have received no reply as yet to my request1 for permission to see you. I understand your reason for not going to England just now for an operation. Personally, I entertain no such fear at all. Thousands of people get discharge from their ears and suffer from no other disease. Since the affected parts adjoin the brain, extreme consequences may follow in some cases. The possibility may alarm doctors and they, in turn, frighten the patients. I would, therefore, willingly rest satisfied with whatever help is available in India. But this discussion is unnecessary just now. After there is a settlement, we shall know what to do. There is no change in the condition of my elbow. The weight is 103 pounds. General health is good on the whole. I send with this Janakibehn’s letter. Please read what she writes in regard to Kamalnayan. I have told her in my reply that I would certainly not agree to a tutor and a cook being sent with him. That will deprive him of the benefits of staying away from home. I have also told her that we have been discussing the matter.”132

 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am very glad that your health is improving and that you are now gaining confidence. How fine it would be if you become as strong as you did at Deolali! I am sure you get news about Radhika and Kusum from time to time. Their health is not quite satisfactory. Kusum, however, seems to be coming round gradually.”133 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “With reference to my letter dated the 29th ultimo regarding permission to see Sheth Jamnalal Bajaj from time to time, both in respect of his health and untouchability, I shall be grateful for a reply.”134 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “How nice it would be if you maintain the slow improvement in your health and by and by become completely all right? Do you read any newspapers? Or is it that you get no time at all to read anything? If you read newspapers, which ones do you read? I suppose you have to speak in Hindi there most of the time. Do you read anything else? Do you visit any people? Have you made any friends? All of us are well. These days I spend most of my time in Harijan work.”

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You do write to me regularly, but you will have to make your letters more interesting. I will not be satisfied with such dry letters. You don’t need to be taught how to make them interesting. I like your practice of writing a few lines in Rukmini’s letters. If you want anything to be conveyed to Jamnalalji, you may write to me about it. Do you earn sufficiently from your business?”136 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “The copy of the statement was sent to you as soon as its last page was typed. Copies had been given to the Press reporters before then. The statement came into your hands the day before yesterday, and it appeared in the papers yesterday. The only news which came out a day earlier was that the fast had been postponed; and the statement was sent to you the moment it was ready. There was, thus, no delay. I shall send you the Gujarati translation when it is ready. As for the letters, they are being dispatched as soon as each is ready. There was no need to make another copy of the statement. I shall be able to supply a copy to anyone who may want it. I believe that Raja, as also Ba and Shankerlal, left today for Bombay. Rajaji will leave for Madras by the night train today. Manilal and Sushila did try to see you, but without success. They left on Wednesday. We shall meet tomorrow at 10 o’clock. As I would then be observing silence, you may tell me what you have to say. We shall be able to discuss for an hour or an hour and a quarter. I will note down the points which require a reply.”137

 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “The pressure of work remains heavy. Ba, Devdas, Pyarelal, Bal and Rajaji came and saw me. Premabehn, Jamnadas and Indu also came. Jamnadas has been very much reduced. He was ill. Isn’t there a women’s library? If there is one, why don’t you become a member? Or is it that you have no love for reading or you get no time for it? I don’t write separately to Banarasi this time.”138 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Maganlal must have taught you sufficiently well how to make a letter interesting. Should I now teach it all over again? A person who desires to make his letters interesting should himself be interested in everything round him, human beings, other creatures, trees, earth and sky. He should also have an interest in writing the letter to the man or the woman to whom it is addressed. If you had such interest, you would be making new discoveries every day. You can describe your home, the street, the work which the persons whom you meet do, the members of your family, your thoughts, the letters which you receive, animals, birds and hundreds of things like that. Mirabehn writes to me every week, and no letter of hers is shorter than ten pages. And remember, she is in jail. Do you understand now how to write interesting letters?”139

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Your health seems to be all right these days. If you continue in the same manner, your petulance and your habit of crying will disappear in a short time. It is enough if you digest the food which you eat. The questions which occur to you occur to all people who love knowledge. They are solved by reading and reflection. We ourselves are the world. We are in it and it is in us. God also is in us. We do not see the air in our body, but we have another physical sense with which we can feel it. We can develop a sense with which we can feel God, and, if we do so, we can know Him also. Vinoba is helping you to develop such a sense. Have patience. Tell Janakimaiya that I often see Jamnalal. His health is good.”140 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “The matter this time is also in the same uncertain state. In Dhulia for instance Seth Jamnalal Bajaj tells me hand-spinning is universal among the C. D. prisoners, so much so that much khadi has been manufactured out of the yarn so spun. I know that in some other jails too it is freely allowed. It is only here that almost complete prohibition reigns except with me, my companions and certain other prisoners and the female Civil Disobedience prisoners.”141

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have read your letter to Jamnalalji. The Ashram cannot run under its auspices the proposed Mahila Ashram or Mahila Vidyalaya or Vanita Ashram or Vanita Vidyalaya, because such an institution would not be prepared to accept Harijan girls at present. It would not be possible to burden the institution with both the tasks. It should be considered enough for it to admit Harijan girls as day scholars. The Ashram cannot even lend the support of its name to such an institution. I agree with Vinobaji’s view and also feel that such a restriction on the scope of the Mahila Vidyalaya is inevitable. Tell Janakibehn that I see no need at present to get Jamnalalji examined by Dr. Modi. He is physically well enough. The ear gives no trouble. He can digest food fairly well and his weight has gone up. There is no cause for worry at all. Nor do I feel that Dr. Modi can say or do anything just now. There would be no difficulty and no delay in making the necessary arrangements as soon as the slightest need is felt, or if Jamnalalji himself wishes to be examined by him. I don’t think it advisable that he should be taken to Bombay just now. Since the climate here has agreed with him, why make a change for a few days? I got the two lengths of cloth woven from yarn spun by Grandmother. I shall gladly wear them as a loving gift from her. Kamalnayan was here, but went away without seeing me. He should have seen me, and he would have been permitted to do so. Tell him to see me when he comes next. What progress has he made in his studies? Why does he not write to me now?”142

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I wrote one letter to you about the Mahilashram. I hope you got it. I frequently see Jamnalal. He keeps good health. I heard yesterday that the number of visitors to the Lakshminarayan temple had gone down. Is this true? Is any record maintained of the number of daily visitors? Find out also the position regarding the other temples which have been thrown open to Harijans.”143 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “It is Jamnalal’s definite opinion that Om1 should be separated. His next suggestion is that Om should be placed with Varutai. She will look after her carefully. If, however, you have any objection to this, she may be put either in the Ashram or in Sharda Mandir according as you wish. You should now select one of the three places, make the necessary arrangements without delay and inform me what you have done. Jamnalal thinks that you will prefer the Varutai proposal to the others, and he himself likes it most. As for Kesarbehn, Jamnalal intends to make arrangements for separation as soon as he is released. You should not delay in taking the necessary steps in such matters.”144

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “What is this? You do not even reply to my letter. Are you so much afraid of me? If you feel unhappy about giving money for Harijans, tell me so. Is it that you find the purse-strings easy to loosen when you wish to send me oranges, but too tight when you have to give money for Harijan work?”145 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You ought to go and see Seth Poonamchand Ranka as early as possible. Tell him that his fast is against the principle of Satyagraha and on my part I feel that it cannot be defended on any grounds. Everyone is not against the classification of prisoners. Not all of the prisoners who get “A” and “B” classes willingly accept “C” class. One who is given a higher class is not bound to enjoy all the conveniences of that class. Those who avail themselves of those facilities are doing that of their own accord. How can Seth Poonamchand compel them to forsake those facilities? How can he resort to fast for that? That he may give up a number of facilities himself is a different thing altogether. I myself do not like classifications but fasting is not the means by which the changes can be effected. I hope that Shri Poonamchand Ranka will give up his stubbornness. He should know that as long as he considers himself a satyagrahi, he is obliged to observe discipline. As an originator of Satyagraha I should have some right to lay down the code for a satyagrahi. From that point of view also he should listen to my advice. May God grant you success?”146

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “After reading Kamalnayan’s letter, I feel that, if you can become free from the work at Wardha, you should immediately go to a hill station. I like Mahabaleshwar the best. You can stay there for a full one month and a half. After that you can descend to Panchgani or go to any other place if you wish. You should not remain in the plains so long as the discharge from the ear continues.”147 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I do not have much faith in Homoeopathy. But for that you should not postpone you’re going to a hill-station. I like your idea of going to Almora. There is a good Homoeopath even there. For your ailment, other than the mountain air, milk, butter, fruit, wheat roti and vegetables, you will hardly need any medicine. Having gone to Almora, you should not get involved with too much work. Take Chhotelal if he can come. I will try for that Harijan friend.”148

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am very glad that you are staying on there. You should always live like this without worrying. I am confident that I shall come through the fast safely. It also seems advisable that you should consult some vaid or hakim for your complaint. Many persons get discharge from the ear for some time and then it stops of its own. It is nothing to be afraid of. It will be enough if you are careful about your food. If a cow is brought in your presence and milked after washing the udders, you should drink fresh, unboiled milk. Take care about food and eat nothing between meals. Avoid dal and spices, and always include some uncooked vegetable in your food. Tomatoes and salad are good. Dr. Deshmukh strongly advises the consumption of uncooked onions. How does Janakibehn1 spend her time? Does she move about? Does Om2 learn anything? What is Prabhudas doing? I have written a letter of condolence to Shanti Ruia. Radhakrishna gave me the sad news. Somebody will write to you regularly and send reports.”149

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “If Keshu works under your control, he will certainly have my blessings in that. The arrangement will also lessen my worry on his account. He is here at present, as also Radha. Mathuradas will write to you about this. It is not necessary for you to come here for the sake of Kamala. You need not think of joining the chain of fasts.”150 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I hope you got my wire regarding Jnana. Chhaganlal’s letter is enclosed. I infer from it that Jnana has not arrived there. If you have been able to know how Jnana had agreed, please let me know. I don’t see any necessity at all for you to put yourself to trouble for attending the meeting on the 12th. you may communicate your views, if you wish to. If I think it necessary, I will read it out. The better course would be to send it to Aneyji. You need not come for Kamala either. Everything possible will be done. I have been making inquiries. Kamalnayan pays frequent visits. I saw Janakidevi also. Kamala, too, came and saw me. She is still a child. She has grown up in an atmosphere of loving indulgence and, therefore, has not developed a proper sense of responsibility. That is not her fault. Our children naturally take after us. We may change as we grow older, but our children cannot adopt all the changes which take place in us. Harilal is a convincing example of this. He has crossed all limits, and that, too, openly.

I craved inwardly for pleasures of the senses but gradually acquired outward self-control. If I had not succeeded in the end in controlling my mind, too, I would have been rightly counted a hypocrite. But how can we expect that the changes which took place in me would have any effect on Harilal? I am afraid I have strayed from the subject and inflicted a sermon on you. Take care of your health in everything you do. If Prabhudas has come there, let me know what his condition of mind is. What does he intend to do now? How is the health of Vinoba, Balkrishna and Chhotelal? Radhika was here for some time. She is in Deolali now. Keshu is still here. He is calm. He has not been able to come to a decision yet. I think he will by and by. I have given him plenty of time for the purpose. What have you decided to do about the sum of Rs. 5,000 which Sushila, Lakshminivas’s wife, has donated for Harijan work? Devdas and Lakshmi live in Ranchhoddas’s bungalow. Rajaji lives with Ghanshyamdas. My health is steadily improving. I walk three times a day and for 45 minutes in all. The weight has reached 97 pounds. It will increase still further. There is no cause now for worrying about me. Most probably, Narandas’s Purushottam will come here and receive training under Dinshawji in nature-cure methods. When do you expect your work there to be finished? Giridhari will be re-arrested today. He was released yesterday. He was ordered to go to Hyderabad, but he has not obeyed the order. I hope you are being careful about food, etc. Write to me in detail.”151

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I don’t get a single moment free, and, therefore, cannot write to you even though I wish to do so. A copy of my letter to the Ashram is enclosed. My ideas are thus changing fast. I don’t know where they will stop. If I am fixed up [in jail] in a day or two I shall not be able to discuss such ideas with you. But you yourself should start thinking. Give to Narandas whatever advice you think fit. Vinoba also will read my letter. I have had no time to write to him, and cannot get any even today. Kamala’s1 fast has been going on. Perhaps she may end it today. Mehta is taking proper care of her. He gives me a report every day. She started the fast with great courage. I hope you keep good health. You will certainly have to join. But don’t be in a hurry. Improve your health a little before joining.”152

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am discussing with co-workers a proposal for sacrificing the Ashram in this yajna. It is almost certain now. We shall decide finally today. The example of the Ashram’s sacrifice need not be copied. Anybody who wishes to regard it as an ideal and act accordingly may certainly do so. It is not necessary just now even in regard to the Ashram at Wardha to copy the example of Sabarmati. If I get time, I will write more. Abdul Ghaffar Khan’s son, who was in England and had gone to the U.S.A. from there, came and saw me in Poona. He is in Bombay at present. He has had training in a sugar factory in the U.S.A. I don’t know, though, how much he has learnt. Khurshedbehn and others advise that he should work for some time in a sugar factory. Try him in your factory. He has not impressed me as being a very intelligent person, but has impressed me as being a good man. Just now at any rate he says that he will do as I advise. You need not pay him immediately. You may fix the pay after one month if he shows proficiency in his work. For the present, you will have only to provide for his boarding and lodging. My health is fairly good. I am staying with Ranchhodbhai. I go to the Ashram daily. I hope to see Mirabehn today. I had wired to the Government seeking permission to do so, and I have got it.”153

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “The reason for handing over control of the Ashram is that it is better to hand over ourselves what the Government is sure to take by force in due course. Instead of carrying away our belongings one after another against land revenue, let them take the entire land. Moreover, when thousands of people have been ruined forcibly, it seems desirable, and even necessary from the point of view of dharma, that an ashram which bears the name of Satyagraha Ashram should voluntarily sacrifice itself. But this does not mean that the Ashram there should follow suit immediately. On the contrary, I feel that we should be satisfied with as many inmates as can leave it and courting arrest. Vinoba, however, must not do so. He should remain outside for Harijan work. I wish to make the fullest use of the Mahila Ashram. Can children also be sent there? Some of the women at any rate will go. I have to solve the problem of N. and Amalabehn. I see no alternative to sending them there. Both of them should be given Harijan work. For the present, they are to be trained for the work. N. should have as few contacts with men as possible. If the Government does not take possession of movable property, we will keep it somewhere here publicly. The problem of cows is a rather difficult one. I have been thinking what to do about it. You need not be in a hurry to come out and join. You may do so when the time comes. I hope these details will satisfy you for the present. I am writing under great pressure for time.”154

155. Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You probably believe that I require careful looking after. But the truth is that except for serving meals to me I hardly require any other service. This time I have not lost all my energy. That cannot happen in eight days. Whatever energy I have lost, I shall soon recover. It was, therefore, not at all necessary to send Chhotelal. But now that he is coming, he will feel happy, and that is enough for me. Probably you also know that Mirabehn is with me. Brijkrishna always runs up from wherever he may be, and so he, too, is here. There are many others besides them. I hope you keep good health. Let me know your experiences of the newcomers. Is your case over? How is Ramdas succeeding?”155 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am regaining strength fairly rapidly. I am very eager to see Jnana. I shall be happy if she comes and sees me. Let me know her address. Kamala seems to have benefited very well indeed. I have advised Janakibehn to stay on here for the present without being afraid of the plague.”156

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I should like very much to go there immediately, but I can’t do that. I think it will be better to pay a visit to Bombay first and then to Wardha. I wish to acquaint myself with the atmosphere in Bombay. The Harijan work there also seems to have become slack and, if possible, I wish to infuse some life into it. My health is steadily improving. I can eat with appetite. Take care of your health. Letters for N. and Amala are enclosed. The former seems to have become a little unsettled.”157. Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I was wondering whether you would even write to me, when I got your letter. I do get reports about you from time to time. You have given a rather big name to the child. Before him, poor Madhav will seem plebeian. I hope you and Devendra keep good health. I am fairly well. Mirabehn, Brijkrishna and Prabhavati look after me. Most probably I will go to Bombay on Friday and from there to Wardha.”158

 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “N. is off the rails again. I can see signs of her unsettled mind in her letters. Till now she was all for Hinduism, and now it is Christianity. That also will be good if she is serious about it. But it doesn’t seem to me that she is. Her imagination tosses her from one thing to another. The vow of silence seems to have unsettled her mind all the more. Read the accompanying letter and then give it to her. If you can find time, also have a talk with her. Or Vinoba may do so. If Dwarkanath can do anything let him try to calm her. You must have received my wire1. I certainly have many things to discuss with you, but I don’t wish to drag you here. At first I felt that I should pay a visit to Bombay for a few days and then go to Wardha. But for the last two or three days I have become a little undecided. Perhaps it may be better to go to Wardha first and then to Bombay. But I am thinking. Since Jawaharlal has been released, it is necessary that I should see him also. I can do that even in Wardha, However. Ultimately, what is decreed will happen? I, therefore, don’t make any plans. My health is improving day by day. I can drink two pounds of milk and eat vegetables and fruit.”159

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You should not be afraid that you will be a burden on Vinoba. It is a teacher’s duty that he should help a pupil to overcome his or her shortcomings. If you were perfect, why would you require a teacher’s help? Why are you so much afraid of getting your hair cut? Like grass it will grow again. I have seen the hair of many girls, who had it cut; grow even longer than it was before. If, therefore, you are not very much in love with your hair, get it cut. As for your dress, you don’t require much change except that you should wear shorts. The dress for a girl like you can easily be made comfortable. But we shall meet shortly now.”160 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You must have read everything in newspapers. I deliberately omitted to give details in my letters. I hesitate these days to put any burden on you. I did not feel happy, either, that you had to come down from Chikhalda so soon. We will talk now when we meet. I too shall require plenty of rest. Gopi, Gajanan’s1 wife, will most probably accompany me, and I have also invited one Kisan2, who is a very good woman. She used to enjoy good health, but recently it has gone down a little. I know that, true to your nature, you will willingly shoulder this entire burden, but I will try to see that we become no burden to you.”161

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Shri Harkare saw me about a memorial to Salpekarji. If a fund to be called Salpekar Smarak Harijan Seva Nidhi, is started and contributions are collected for it, I have agreed that my name may be used for that purpose. But I have told him that this may be done only if you approve of the plan and agree to help. A sum of not less than Rs. 5,000 should be collected for this fund, and it may be given to me in Chandwara in the form of a purse. A small committee may be formed for the purpose and the money may be spent for Harijan uplift in consultation with me. If you approve of this plan, help and guide Shri Harkare accordingly.”162

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Lakshmidas seems to have written what he did on the basis of what Anandi might have told him. I hope you remember that she had even come to know the name. But we needn’t worry about this. Lakshmidas is not likely to misunderstand anything. I am sure that you didn’t divulge the name. I have written to Dwarkanath about the honey. I have asked him to send a bottle with somebody to whichever place it may be convenient to do so. Jawaharlal writes and informs me that the Working Committee will be meeting in Jabalpur on the 5th. He seems to be expecting that you will attend. Do you feel inclined to come? If you don’t wish to, I will not mind. Come if you feel like it. This will mean that you will have to leave that place on the 3rd or the 4th instead of on the 7th. I certainly don’t like that you should sacrifice so many days from your stay there. Mathuradas is coming here tomorrow. I don’t know what brings him here. I observe that Om has a sharp intelligence. And she has simple habits, too. She has fine health. She seems to be enjoying everything. I also give her some writing work. She sleeps near me. Her capacity to sleep is quite good! She has won everybody’s love. Has Janakimaiya recovered some peace of mind? Is Kamla progressing satisfactorily? Can she walk? How do Madalasa1 and Vatsala spend their time? I send with this an important letter received from Manilal. Keep it in a file. It contains some comments about the Cow-protection Society and a list of the jewellery.”163

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I could not judge from the letter whether or not you had met Satis Babu during your stay there. I suppose you did meet him. You haven’t mentioned anything about your health, either. Write about it in your next letter. The fact that Shivprasad escaped unhurt is indeed a remarkable thing. The tour is progressing very well. My body is standing the strain better than I had expected. There is, therefore, no cause at all for worry. Om is doing well enough. She is not a girl who will let others worry for her. She is slowly getting trained for the position of secretary. She is not vigilant enough to satisfy me, but I don’t wish to goad her to be sharper at the cost of her health. I ask her to do only as much work as she can do without strain. I am sure you know that Kisan is accompanying me. She is a very good girl. She has become very friendly with Om. Her health went down in jail. Before that she was fairly strong and was quite smart. The tour seems to have benefited her. At present Malkani is with me. I needn’t say anything about him. He is working hard. Damodar is working satisfactorily. He has proved his sincerity and capacity. Did you send the sum which was to be sent to Delhi from the Harijan account? Gosibehn will have to be paid something every month. Pay that also from some account. Pay her what Mathuradas suggests. She should have been given the full amount from Bombay, but the people there are not giving it. I will write now, but while the correspondence is going on she must get the amount from somewhere.”164

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “A wire has been sent to Devi Prasad. I have also written to him. I have called Lester only to meet her. I have written to Satisbabu that he should go to Puri. You must improve your health. I am very much disturbed by the happenings in Midnapur. Om and Kisan has become a wonderful pair. Om is always cheerful. She does not even know what it is to feel depressed. She can sleep for twelve hours, but I see nothing to object to in that. She does not seem to have any special likings. She eats whatever is served. Let us see how she shapes. I am getting on quite well. Please send Rs. 4,000 to Jawaharlal for the support of coworkers if you have not already done so.”165 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Have you resolved not to write to me till I write to you? Are you testing me in this way or sparing me out of pity for me? Tell me how you are in mind and body. Ask Vatsala to write to me. What are you studying? Do you take your meals at regular hours? Om is quite happy. She is getting fatter.”166

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Do not leave the work you have taken up unless Rajendrababu specially asks you to go. Rajendrababu will not do so without reason. I also have decided to do the same. I have no doubt that you would not readily leave the work you have taken up. You may leave it and go only where your presence is indispensable. Just now I don’t think that is the case. In reply to Rajendrababu’s request, I have sent some of the inmates of the Ashram who were recently released. I have received today a wire saying that some of them have proceeded there. I have not included Surendra among them as he is working with you. If you don’t need him, you can send him. He should take some woolen clothes if he goes. If you require him, however, he need not go just now. I have sent a wire to Swami asking him to go.”167

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Is it right to complain if Jamnalal gets excited owing to weakness of the brain? Should we mind the bad temper of a person who is sick? It should be always ignored. Or did you write the letter for my amusement? Tell Madalasa that she seems to have forgotten me completely. That will not do. Om is fine. How is Ramakrishna? How are you? Take care of Vali.”168 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I read the letter about Kamalnayan and also his note. He wants to finish the course here and to pass the Madhyama examination in Hindi. I would suggest this modification. He should finish the entire Hindi course and take the final examination. He should improve his English, learn Sanskrit also and then go, not to England, but to America. It will certainly be possible to make good arrangements for his study there. After spending sometime in the States, he may travel all over the world. The experience he will gain thus will be useful to him. He would learn better after his intellect matures. I am glad that he has no blind love for degrees. In short, I do not wish to curb his desire to see the West. But I think it advisable that he should be better equipped than he is just now. What work have you entrusted to Surendra? I have decided to send Amalabehn to Sabarmati. We shall see what to do if the place does not suit her.”169

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have advised that you should pass the Uttama examination in Hindi and acquire a good command of English. If you thus let your intellect mature first and learn good habits of study and then go to the West, you will derive the most benefit from your visit. When the time for going comes, I would advise you first to go to the U.S.A. After that you may go to England and then to the other countries of Europe. And last Japan and China. I am glad that you are not eager to take a degree. You should stay in America for one year, observe things carefully, and improve your English through study. After that you may visit other countries and stay in them according as you feel inclined. In all you should spend two years abroad. This will give you plenty of experience and you will be able to plan your future. We can make any changes in this plan that you deem desirable from experience. The chief thing is that you should give up for the present the idea of going to the West. I think you will require four years for completing the course in Hindi and acquiring the requisite proficiency in English. I see the necessity for the study of Sanskrit for the sake of Hindi itself. I don’t believe four years to be too long a period for you to wait. Convey my blessings to Ramakrishna. I hope you often think of him.”170

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I return it separately to save postage. After I have seen his institution it seems that we shall have to help him. From where does he get the money at present? How does he teach music? Who else is there with him besides Shamrao? Non-vegetarian food seems indispensable for him. He has not enough faith [in non-violence] to be able to live on fruit and milk. But he need not be denied help because of his food habits. If, however, he stops spinning or slackens in it, I don’t think we should ignore that. He may give up spinning entirely if he has not faith in it. I do not wish to say that he should be helped only if he continues to spin. What I want is that he must be truthful. All that is necessary is that whatever work is done, should be done sincerely. Elwin, being a good and simple-hearted man, may deceive himself. It is therefore necessary that friends should watch him. Dr. Ansari’s plan for a party1 must have been finalized. You should take enough interest in the matter at least to see that everything goes well. Rajaji also should take interest in it. Having brought in Malaviyaji, we should help him and also see that he does no harm, which he can either by delaying or acting hastily. Did you see the programme up to July? It will help workers at most places to see me if they wish to do so.”171

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I assume that you will be able to manage Dr. Suresh Banerjee. I have already replied to your letter and your wire. You have my tour programme. I should very much like to break the journey at Wardha, but I don’t think I can do so. The whole programme is fixed and it seems desirable to stick to it. I hope you are keeping well. You must have received my letter regarding Elwin. Malaviyaji has written to me and suggested a meeting of the Congress Working Committee at Poona. Both places will suit me equally well if the meeting takes place on a date or dates when I shall be there. If the strike is going on in Bombay at the time, I won’t like to stay there at all. But that is beside the point. I shall have to be in Bombay from the 14th to 18th. Om is going on well enough. She learns a great deal from experience, but she is a bit lazy with her studies.”172

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “The burden on Dwarkanath has increased. Please know everything from him and lighten it. Listen to what he may have to say regarding Manohar and Keshu and look into the matter carefully, and do what is necessary. Why did Manohar go away suddenly to live in the orchard? Also inquire and see if Sharma takes too much work on himself. We must find time in Bombay to discuss all this.”173 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I get frightened when I think of your responsibilities on the one hand and your ear-trouble on the other. Now that Vallabhbhai has been released, I expect that the burden on you will become lighter in a month or so. It will be enough if you do the best you can without worrying about anything. Do what you can about Bihar. There are things which we cannot improve, do what we will. I will explain this when we meet. Only you can bring about some improvement, if at all, in Mahendrababu’s management. I cannot understand the problems. I shall be able to understand the account relating to Bihar. I read the article criticizing the Ashram. No reply is necessary. If we can safeguard the Ashram, everything will be well. We will solve the problem. You may write to Gangabehn and Prema if you wish. The chances of their coming are remote. The latter has developed new interests now. It can do no good to press anybody to come against her wishes. But now continues to write to me. He is trying to see you. I am well. You should have no fear regarding my fast. It is clear that it is absolutely necessary.”174 So we can say that he was owner of Bajaj family in real sence.

 

 

References:

 

 

122. LETTER TO JANAKIDEVI BAJAJ, November 22, 1932

123. LETTER TO MADALASA BAJAJ, November 22, 1932

124. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, November 26, 1932

125. LETTER TO UMADEVI BAJAJ, November 27, 1932

126. LETTER TO HOME SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT OF BOMBAY, November 29, 1932

127. LETTER TO HOME SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT OF BOMBAY, November 29, 1932

128. LETTER TO RUKMINIDEVI BAJAJ, December 2, 1932

129. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, December 7, 1932

130. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, Before December 11, 1932

131. LETTER TO KAMALNAYAN BAJAJ, December 12, 1932

132. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, December 15, 1932

133. LETTER TO RUKMINIDEVI BAJAJ, December 15, 1932

134. LETTER TO HOME SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT OF BOMBAY, December 16, 1932

135. LETTER TO RUKMINIDEVI BAJAJ, December 22, 1932

136. LETTER TO RUKMINIDEVI AND BENARSI BAJAJ, December 26, 1932

137. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, January 1, 1933

138. LETTER TO RUKMINIDEVI BAJAJ, January 1, 1933

139. LETTER TO RUKMINIDEVI AND BENARSILAL BAJAJ, January 8, 1933

140. LETTER TO MADALASA BAJAJ, January 11, 1933

141. LETTER TO E. E. DOYLE, January 16, 1933

142. LETTER TO RADHAKRISHNA BAJAJ, January 24, 1933

143. LETTER TO RADHAKRISHNA BAJAJ, January 28, 1933

144. LETTER TO JANAKIDEVI BAJAJ, February 15, 1933

145. LETTER TO JANAKIDEVI BAJAJ, March 26, 1933

146. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, April 8, 1933

147. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, April 12, 1933

148. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, April 16, 1933

149. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, May 7, 1933

150. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, June 26, 1933

151. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, July 2, 1933

152. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, July 17, 1933

153. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, July 21, 1933

154. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, July 22, 1933

155. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, After August 24, 1933

156. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, August 28, 1933

157. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, August 30, 1933

158. LETTER TO RUKMINIDEVI BAJAJ, September 3, 1933

159. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, Before September 4, 1933

160. LETTER TO MADALASA BAJAJ, September 9, 1933

161. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, September 17, 1933

162. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, November 15, 1933

163. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, November 26, 1933

164. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, January 3, 1934

165. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, January 22, 1934

166. LETTER TO MADALASA BAJAJ, January 22, 1934

167. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, January 30, 1934

168. LETTER TO JANAKIDEVI BAJAJ, January 30, 1934

169. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, February 2, 1934

170. LETTER TO KAMALNAYAN BAJAJ, February 3, 1934

171. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, May 21, 1934

172. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, May 27, 1934

173. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, May 31, 1934

174. LETTER TO JAMNALAL BAJAJ, July 17, 1934