Balwant Singh and Mahatma Gandhi

[Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav]

 

Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav

Senior Gandhian Scholar, Professor, Editor and Linguist

Gandhi International Study and Research Institute, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India

Contact No. – 09404955338, 09415777229

E-mail- [e-mail];

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Mailing Address- C- 29, Swaraj Nagar, Panki, Kanpur- 208020, Uttar Pradesh, India

 

 

 

Balwant Singh and Mahatma Gandhi 

 

Balwant Singh was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. He was freedom fighter. He wanted freedom by violence. He had participated in these type activities. He was arrested by police, but by the effort of Mahatma Gandhi, he was released. He came in Mahatma Gandhi Ashram and done a lot of experiments. Mahatma Gandhi guided him. Balwant Singh may also pass the month with you. If he comes he can only help you. I suggested it to him this morning. The work you are just now doing is too much for you. If however you do not like any of my appointments you will tell me. I suggested Balwant Singh, as you were inclined to take Munnalal. And of Lilavati you had shown readiness to take her. That was a different thing, I know. But this is a proper occasion if she would come in advance. I have my doubts as to her coming. She simply wants my company. But you will let me know your own wishes plainly and they will be given effect to. There were only six weeks in which to complete the cottage, the cowshed, the road and my hut on the hill. Balwant Singh, Munnalalbhai and I worked at full speed from daybreak to night. Even so, rains began before we had fully completed everything. But the house was inhabitable when Bapu arrived in pouring rain to take up residence on the 16th of June. 1

More kudos to Balwant Singh for progress in the production of butter. It is one more step forward that Prahlad, Govind and Rajaram have started taking butter-milk there. Everything will be all right if we hold our patience. I will inquire if anyone needs butter-milk here. I will procure the Ramayana for you. You need not try to secure it. Now I know that letters and newspapers were sent from Maganwadi yesterday also but they could not be forwarded from the bungalow. It would be better if someone brought them here. It seems necessary to spend some money over this arrangement. Now it is exactly five o’clock. Neither Sadashiv nor Prahlad has arrived. Sadashiv has already taken letters and newspapers from Maganwadi. 2 Nanavati is so well that he is leaving today to pass a few days among the members of his family and friends whilst he is gaining strength. He is a wonderful worker. Mira is chirpy. Balwant Singh is weak. He must overwork himself and take chapati even when he must not. 3 

If you have leisure you should concentrate on the other patients. Balwant Singh has better use for his time than learning English. He can have all he needs about vet from Marathi Literature. 4  Balwant Singh wants to go to Deoli tomorrow. Let him go. He will return on Wednesday. Harilal will take charge. Help him. Ask for the accounts tonight. Jaggery and sugar arrived yesterday; weigh these items and determine the price and pay the money to Jajuji and debit the amount to the kitchen account. Put the jaggery and sugar in earthen pots tomorrow and tie up the tops of the pots well. 5

 

References:

1. Letter to Mirabehn, May 7, 1936
2. Letter to Munnalal G. Shah, About September 1936
3. Letter to Amrit Kaur, November 7, 1936
4. Letter to M. S. Kelkar, April 26, 1945
5. Letter to Bhagwanji Pandya