For Global Peace with Social Justice in a Sustainable Environment

Birla Family and Mahatma Gandhi, Part-IV

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

Birla Family and Mahatma Gandhi, Part-IV

Mahatma Gandhi was advisor of Birla family. He advised them very carefully. He wrote many letters for guidance. Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Unless you make time for the operation I know you will never have the time. This always happens with busy people, and, therefore it is necessary to consider matters of health as real matters of business. I do not write this as a philosophic truth, but as a practical truth which I have enforced in my own life and the name has been omitted. I hope, therefore, that you will set apart a month or so for the treatment and make an appointment with the doctors beforehand with the fixed resolution of keeping that appointment. I note what you say about the work in Calcutta. About Mr. David’s scheme I hope to hear from you further. I shall certainly write something in the columns of the English Harijan about the Hindi edition as soon as I find the Hindi to be up to the mark. I have written fully about this to Thakkar Bapa, as also to Viyogi Hari. I need not, therefore, repeat what I have written to them. You will give to it what time it is possible for you to give, and make it brimful of instructions and information so that no workers would care to be without it. You suggest that I should send the money due to the Central Board to your firm in Bombay. How should I save the commission thereby, unless you have meant that I should send notes through someone going to Bombay? If I do that, it would mean my having to run some risk of the money being lost. I have not that courage. As to the denunciation of the Yeravda Pact by the Bengal Council, I have not felt much disturbed and I am not quite certain that counter-propaganda is necessary at the present moment. In no case can the Pact be revised unless all the parties to it agree. It will be time enough to apply our minds to the Bengal opposition when the parties are regularly consulted. I was consulted and I have sent my opinion, of which I send you a copy. But you and Satisbabu know much better than I can what to do in Bengal.”166

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I shall write a few things just now and the rest later. Your articles are the only thing in the Hindi Harijan that we find worth reading. Your language is sweet and vigorous but I cannot be satisfied with this. A major portion of the material will have to be sent from here till proper arrangements are made there. Mahadev and I will translate as well as write original articles. Viyogiji can correct our Hindi. Moreover the Sangh should supply notices, suggestions, provincial news, and such things. All this should go toward raising the sale of Hindi Harijan to thousands of copies. It ought to become the chief gazette of the Seva Sangh. I have refused to send items to Ramdasji or anyone else for translation. Harijan Sevak cannot be successful at all under such an arrangement. If no translators can be found in Delhi and Viyogiji cannot undertake the translation or arrange for it I would consider it necessary to discontinue the Harijan Sevak. I notice that there is more work to do for the bastis of Calcutta. I understand about the David Scheme. The suggestion should be considered. I shall write more. Appoint the Selection Board.”167

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I hope you received my letter in Hindi which I wrote the day before yesterday, i.e., 26th. I do think that we ought to find out a means of dealing with the basti problem in Calcutta as a whole, and not piecemeal. When therefore you next go to Calcutta I suggest you’re having an informal meeting of the principal Municipal Councillors. No matter what vested interests have grown up, they should be attacked and the problem dealt with. From what you write to me, the cheapest method evidently seems to be to demolish these bastis. The opposition to the introduction of a more humane method of carrying night-soil seems to me to be perfectly useless. Improved methods must in the beginning stages mean more expense, but undoubtedly less in the end. The question behind all the difficulties that arise resolves itself, as a rule, into apathy on the part of those who profess their appreciation of the necessity for reform, but are not prepared to sacrifice anything for it. You must therefore turn this apathy into active sympathy, and a way out will be quickly found. As to the Hindi Harijan, I wrote to you the day before yesterday telling you that the only articles that were found worth reading were yours, except the first. Your style is pleasing, simple, and idiomatic. Your method of dealing with the subject is plain, direct and easily understandable. Of course the translation of my articles was faulty, but that difficulty will now be got over by sending translations ready-made from here. The Hindi will have to be polished there. This ought to reduce expense and improve the paper. Pray do not worry about the David Scheme. I just told you how I came to write about it. But I quite understand your difficulty. If it becomes necessary, we must naturally fall back upon the Central Fund. But let us for a while wait and see if we can get even half a dozen subscribers with the full amounts. I do not despair; only I never get time to frame nice letters. But I will do so one of these days. When I have one or two names I propose to announce your name with these. There was no question of your letting me down by your enthusiastically taking up the Scheme.”168

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have been watching the progress of the Harijan Sevak. Of course there is a steady improvement. There has to be a choice made, even of my writings; not all that I write for the English Harijan can be fit for reproduction in the Hindi edition, and I quite agree with you that what is reproduced should have the Hindi flavour about it; and not be a mere mechanical translation. I will bear your remarks in mind and will not send translations from here. Of course I want Viyogi Hari to do that. It was only because he was just now unable to cope with it that I began to translate here instead of sending the articles to Kashinath and Ramdas Goud. I quite agree with you that there should be some stories from Sanskrit or other sources, and poems too, if they are original and have first-class merit. I shall be entirely satisfied if you will look through the Harijan Sevak week to week as you have been doing recently. I understand now what to do about the transfer for funds to you. Besides the money lying at the Press, I have received an anonymous donation of Rs. 500 today to be used for the cause at my discretion. I am having that too transferred to the Board to be used subject to the donor’s condition. I am glad you have definitely decided to have the operation performed. I would be still gladder when you give me the definite date. I understand what you say about the controversy in Bengal. You ask me to send a copy of the Harijan to the Bengal Secretariat for His Excellency the Governor. I have a great deal of hesitation in doing so, for I do not know him personally. If therefore I send a copy to one, I should send to all the Secretariats, but that is not what you want me to do, and that is not what is necessary either, as it appears to me. I think I told you that Lord Reading and also Lady Reading used specially to subscribe to Young India. These big functionaries do not hesitate to express their wants, and it would look officious to supply them in anticipation. But you know the Governor of Bengal, and after all, the Harijan is being published under the aegis of the Central Board. It would be therefore quite proper for you to send a paper in your capacity as President to any of your big acquaintances.”169

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I do not mind those who have, under a mistaken notion, gone away from the Hindu fold, returning when they like. But what I cannot understand is the occasion for any expense whatsoever in connection with their return. For, if they have left the Hindu fold under a mistaken notion, as soon as they discover their mistake, it is itself a sufficient prayashchitta, and no further ceremony is necessary. So much on the merits. Assuming that there must be some expense which the returning Doms cannot be expected to pay, why should not the S.U.S. bear the expense or contribute its quota? I should give my answer in the negative, because I feel that the S.U.S. has its much defined sphere, namely, service of the Hindu Harijans. It has no connection with those who are today not Hindus. Its sphere begins after the return of the prodigals. The latter is the function of a separate organization altogether. Here therefore there is no question of fear, but it is a question of confining ourselves to the original purpose. However limited it may be, the return of the Doms is a kind of shuddhi, and the difference between the extreme shuddhi and this modified shuddhi is a difference in degree only. And once the Society takes up this modified form, it would be most difficult for it [not] to lend its assistance to the various other shades. However desirable therefore the return of the Doms to Hinduism may be, I am quite clear that its encouragement by the Society is outside the scope laid down at its very foundation. As to the advertisement of the Titagarh Mills, I am quite clear that we may not entertain their advertisement in any shape or form, and if it is a matter of getting cheap paper, it can be had from many other mills without the slightest difficulty. We are getting the paper for the English edition at less than market-price. It was possible to have a still more reduced quotation, but I thought it would not be proper to ask for further accommodation. As to the Hindi Harijan, I have already told you that it is getting on quite satisfactorily, and if you persist in the effort, I have no doubt that you will make it self-supporting in about a month’s time. You will see the note about it in the ensuing number of the English Harijan.”170

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have had two cheques for the David Scheme, in all Rs. 5,000, Rs. 2,500 from Shri Suvta Devi and another Rs. 2,500 from Shri Janaki Devi. The first donation is to be utilized for a Rajputana Harijan student, if one with proper qualifications is available, otherwise for a Harijan student in the Bombay Presidency. The second donation is to be used preferably for a Harijan student from C. P., Marathi, failing that, from C. P., Hindustani, both failing, for any Harijan student. I have also Rs. 100 from Janaki Devi to be used for Harijan cause at my discretion. I have handed the amounts to Thakkar Bapa and verbally given also the instructions accompanying the donations. This is however for your record. I have still Rs. 500 to be sent to you of which I have already given you advice, and I am hoping that Thakkar Bapa withdrew from the Arya Bhushan Press the sum of Rs. 1,044 which was the advance given on behalf of Harijan.”171

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Our letters must have crossed. I have given my firm opinion that we cannot take in advertisements at all, as a special favour, but if you hold different views about the conduct of the Harijan and would open the Harijan for receiving advertisements in general, that would be a different proposition, and I would not resist it if you came to the conclusion that advertisements should be received. As you know, I hold strange but fixed views about advertisements even in the ordinary? Newspapers, but these views cannot become a decisive factor in the conduct of a big movement like ours, but I am quite certain that we could never defend a policy of taking one advertisement by way of exception. Do you want me to take notice of the Rs, 3,000 received from Lala Kamalapat? As to Ramanand Sannyasi, I understand what you say. I simply wanted to know whether you had found any reason to change your opinion about him. Since you still have suspicion I would suggest you’re sending for him and speaking to him frankly about it. If he is a good sannyasi, he would appreciate your frankness, and you will find it easier to take work from him. I hope you received my letter regarding donations from Suvta Devi and Janaki Devi.”172

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Copies of the Harijan will be sent to the six gentlemen named by you. the first copy will go under a covering letter from Shastri. Lord Reading and Lothian are being sent a copy of Harijan under instruction from Agatha Harrison. I had a surprise visit from your father. It gave me great joy to meet him with his Shastri. We had a long and interesting discussion on untouchability. He told me that he was meeting you in Gwalior. I do hope that your daughter-in-law has already gone to Sinhagad. Of course I will see your son when he comes. I did not know that he also was not keeping good health. I shall take note of the two donations in the Harijan. Viyogi Hari also writes to me expressing the hope that Harijan Sevak will be self-supporting within a short time. I see you have ceased to write for it altogether. That’s wrong. You ought to make it a point to send something every week. I hope you will undergo the necessary operation at Calcutta.”173

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “As you are aware, the ‘Satyagraha Ashram’ grounds with the buildings in Sabarmati were abandoned on the 1st of August last by the Ashram people. I had expected that the Government would, in view of my letter addressed to them take charge of this abandoned property, but they did not do so. It then became a question with me as to what was my duty in the circumstances. I felt that it was wrong altogether to allow the valuable buildings to waste. I consulted friends and co-workers and came to the conclusion that the best use to make of the Ashram was to dedicate it once for all for the service of the Harijans. I placed my proposal before the trustees of the Ashram who is out, as also fellow members. They have, I am happy to say, wholeheartedly approve of it. When the property was abandoned there certainly was the expectation that someday, whether through an honourable settlement or India coming to her own, the trustees would resume possession. Under the new proposal, the trustees divest themselves entirely of the property. This procedure is permissible under the Trust-deed, service of the Harijans being one of the objects of the trust.

Therefore, the new proposal is wholly in keeping with the letter and spirit of the constitution of the Ashram, as also of the Trust. The question that the trustees and I had to consider was, to who was the property to be transferred for the specific use I have mentioned; and we came unanimously to the conclusion that it should be transferred to the all-India Harijan organization for all-India use. The objects of the Trust are: (i) to settle on the Ashram ground approved Harijan families subject to regulations to be framed; (ii) to open a hostel for Harijan boys and girls with liberty to take non- Harijans; (iii) to conduct a technological department for teaching the art of skinning carcasses, tanning the hide so obtained, curing it and manufacturing leather so prepared into shoes, sandals and other articles of daily use; and lastly to use the premises as offices for the Central Board or the Gujarat provincial organization or both, and such other allied uses that the committee, referred to in the following paragraph, may think proper. On behalf of the trustees, I suggest that the Servants of Untouchables Society should appoint a special committee with yourself and the Secretary as ex-officio members, and three Ahmadabad citizens, with power to this committee to add to their number to take over this Trust and to give effect to its objects. Two friends who have been always associated with the Ashram, viz, Sjts. Budhabhai and Juthabhai, have offered to reside on the premises as honorary managers. They have their own means and have been devoted to the service of the Harijans for a long time. There is also an inmate of the Ashram, who has dedicated his life to Harijan service, and who will gladly stay on the premises. He has almost become a specialist as a teacher of Harijan boys and girls. The committee I have suggested, therefore, should have no difficulty in managing the Trust; nor is it necessary that all the activities I have mentioned should be simultaneously and immediately undertaken. Some Harijan families, as you are aware, are already living there. It has long been a dream of the members of the ashram to establish a colony of Harijan families, but beyond having a few of them we were not able to make further progress. Experiments in tanning were also conducted there. Manufacture of sandals was going on up to the time of disbandment. The buildings contain a spacious hostel easily accommodating 100 boarders. It has a fairly big weaving shed and other buildings exceptionally fitted for the uses I have named. The property contains 100 acres. I venture to say, therefore, that the site is none too large for the fulfillment of the objects mentioned, but it is large enough for the response that may be reasonably expected for some time to come. I hope that the Society will have no objection to accept the offer of the trustees and to take over the responsibility implied in the acceptance.”174

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “The difficulty you raise is there and it was in anticipation of it that I suggested the formation of a trust board. My idea is that the property should be held by these trustees permanently, under much defined conditions, with the right even to sell. You and Thakkar Bapa should be permanent members, irrespective of what happens to the popular organization. This proposal disposes of the question from which has arisen the larger one that I am not prepared to discuss in this letter for want of time. Meanwhile I would ask you to study the constitution of the All-India Spinners’ Association. We may postpone the discussion till we meet, and seeing that I am here up to the 7th of November, it might be possible for you to come, even if it be for that one question. You have referred to the proposed hostel in Delhi. In view of our possessing the Ashram ground and buildings, do you think there is any urgency for the Delhi proposal? Should we not wait and see how the Sabarmati plan progresses before venturing upon another big scheme? I am inclined to think that we ought to concentrate our attention upon making the Sabarmati scheme a thorough success and it will tax the energy of many of us to make it so. I hope you are keeping well. What about the nose? Weather in Delhi ought to be very fine at this time of the year.”175

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Despite all intentions of writing to you I have been unable to do so till today. Jamnalal shields me well from the visitors but who can protect me from letters? Never am I able to clear my desk because the order of going to bed early has also to be observed. I am writing this having got up at 3 a.m. The implication is not that this letter is the sole cause for rising early. Even during the time allowed in the evening I am prevented from doing anything substantial by the pestering insects. I have read your article about Jawaharlal. It is good and you have done no harm by writing it. There could be no need to suppress our opinions about one another. When Truth alone is to be sought, suppression of one’s opinion becomes a fault. You must have sent the article to Jawaharlal, if not, do so. He is a very straightforward man and corrects his error. I am confident ultimately he is bound to follow the path of Truth. And if his line of thinking proves to be correct, comment would be superfluous. Equality can never mean uniformity. Equality only means uniformity in justice. There is no distinction between an atom and the Himalayas in the eyes of God. He is the same to the atom as to the Himalayas. Gopi left yesterday. I could not have a long talk with her but she used to come and sit with me every day. She is an extremely simple girl and was very happy here; she mixed with everybody. She went to Bombay on account of Diwali. She was also keen to see the illuminations there. It will be good if she returns after Diwali. I have no doubt that she will be ready. Gajanan has replied to the letter I wrote to him. Gopi too was asked to write a letter. Write to me about your health.”176

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “It was not necessary to write more about the constitution of the Harijan Seva Sangh. Whether we should immediately bring into being a semi-democratic organization is a question for consideration. I do not know whether under the appointment there is the power, but the plan that I have suggested is feasible and can be enforced immediately, that is, to register the Ashram in the names of the trustees that I have suggested. You should discuss your idea with Thakkar Bapa and Hariji. As to the Spinner’s Association, I had an absolutely free hand, and I evolved a plan which enabled it to become an easily operating and sound organization with immense possibility for democratization. I wanted to write to you as soon as the decision for the transfer of the Ashram was taken, that, in view of that acquisition, the ambitious plan for Delhi should be abandoned. But the hostel scheme is quite sound. Of course, we shall want many such hostels; and I can see immense possibilities emerging from them, if they are properly managed. When I am in Delhi you may take any work you like from me. So far as Biharilal is concerned, if he will serve in connection with the hostel schemes and so on, we can utilize his services. But I am very much against engaging paid preachers, Harijans or otherwise. And in this matter we cannot be too firm. As to my stay in Delhi, of course, it is to be regulated by you. My own inclination would be to stay at Lakshminarayan’s place. I believe in sticking to old places, except on sound reasons for a departure. For my health Parmeshwari’s place would be ideal. But I must not be made inaccessible. To do so would defeat the purpose of the tour. My stay should depend upon the work to be taken from me. You will come to wrong decisions, if you always think of my convenience. You can depend upon it that I shall make my own convenience, no matter where you put me. For my stay in Calcutta, you should consult Dr. Bidhan, Satish Babu, etc. I understand what you say about Mrs. Lahiri. I did not give any opinion, because I had none. As she had mentioned your name and as you know almost everybody in Calcutta, I thought I would forward that letter to you and have your opinion. I have written to Dr. Bidhan also who has issued the certificate. You may dismiss the matter from your mind for the time being at least. If I form any opinion in the execution of which I need your assistance, I shall immediately let you know.”177

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have written frankly to Biharilal. I send you a copy of my letter. We have to be outspoken and firm in our dealings with him. It does not seem possible in this tour to achieve all that can be accomplished in a walking tour. But whatever has been achieved appears to be good enough. Public opinion has undergone a great change but not much change is evident in the conduct. Let us see what happens. I can see only God’s hand in this work. This is not a trite observation. This task is beyond the power of one lone person or even of thousands. Nothing more can be written or said on this subject. It simply means that my faith in God is growing stronger than ever. I am having a direct experience of the feebleness of my own powers. I hope you are maintaining good health.”178

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I liked the comparison of the earthquake and the Harijan problem very much because it is the truth. It is self-evident that the poorest have suffered little; but is it not equally true that those in possession of even a little have turned destitute? I am doing from here what is possible. The Bengal tour has put me in a dilemma. It is good that you are there. I have written a long letter today to Dr. Bidhan. Please see it and take a decision there. On my part, I feel that the only decision open to me is to go unless you people raise an objection. I keep getting letters from. But this you have to consider. At present . . . cannot fully satisfy. Her physique cannot stand the strain. What is the solution if .cannot exercises self-restraint? The problem is complex. I shall write to.”179

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I had a talk with Miss Lester about Midnapore and asked her to see the Governor. She wrote a letter to him to which he replied by wire. She is now going. You should read the letter I have given to her. I have asked her to see you and learn all the facts. Give her all the information. If it is necessary, arrange for her to meet Dr. Bidhan and Satisbabu. She will leave on Friday to be back here with me. She has been given some money for the expenses and her ticket has been paid for. Shall I charge it to you? Of course, Jamnalalji is always there. I do not quite know what would be the correct thing to do. I have written this in great haste. Your letters have been received. I shall answer them by and by. I do not get the time.”180

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am considering whether I should write to the Governor or not. The compulsory saluting in Midnapore has been stopped but there has been no admission of the error. Miss Lester has now asked the Viceroy for an interview. But these things can bring about no result at the moment. Still, we do not want to miss any opportunity of compromise. Whatever the Congressmen may say Bidhan Roy should make full effort to seek an interview. My Bengal tour is postponed at least till I have done with Bihar. We shall see about it later. You will try to see Jawaharlal, won’t you? I send you the letters from and They came only yesterday. I now feel that should be advised to remarry; and this time I consider his own choice essential though ultimately what is in his destiny has to happen. It is now useless for . . . to continue to live with . . . . Arrangements should be made for . . . to live separately and continue further her education; and should she want to remarry she should be allowed to do so. It might be good to send her to Wardha Mahila Ashram or some such place. I am aware of the difficulties involved in all this but such is our dharma, I have no doubt. Miss Harrison will leave England on March. Her coming is all to the good. Haven’t I written about this already?”181

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “The girl is unhappy. I have consoled her. I do not know to what extent what I am doing will be agreeable to you brothers and to father and other people. I suppose I shall continue writing to her till you people wish me not tohas, in my opinion, as much right as If is inclined to remarry, it is our dharma to encourage her. I am sure she will not want to; still, she must have the freedom. Be frank with me in this matter. You may certainly restrain me, though has now become like a daughter to me. I enclose with this a copy of a letter I have written to Sir Samuel. I also enclose a copy of another I have written to the magistrate of Dharwar. The latter is merely for your information. As regards Sir Samuel there is something I want you to do. Ask Scarpa, if he is here, what happened at that meeting. He was present there, and even if he was not, the meeting had been arranged through him. It will be good if he can provide the names and addresses of the people who were present. I want to collect whatever facts I can. So far this affair has been discussed only in English. The whole thing is a fabrication. It is like “Ajmer” being twisted into “Aj mara”. You want to come to see me. I shall call you after a short while for Harijan work. I have let Thakkar Bapa go to Delhi. He was not needed here. Of course a worker like him is useful everywhere. There was no special need . . .. But you wish to discuss about and or Bihar or the correspondence taken up with Sir Samuel. You may come whenever you want to. I shall be in the Motihari region from Wednesday to Friday, returning here on Friday evening. Agatha Harrison will arrive in Bombay on the 16th. Lester has seen the Viceroy. She will be here tomorrow.”182

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “What reply can we make to Amrita Bazar Patrika? The articles it carries are heavily spiced. And it is not that one always writes what one believes. If you want to write in order to explain things to friends it can be done in some other way. The Award problem is very tough indeed. Something is possible if the Mussalmans accept the way I have shown. Even if they do not, the path is quite straight. But I am afraid the Swarajists will not approve of it. I do not find today an atmosphere conducive to the achieving of Hindu-Muslim-Sikh unity. I have independently examined the question of Council-entry. I feel that the Congress will always have in it a group favouring Council- entry. It is this group which should have the reins of the Congress, for it alone needs the label of the Congress. This fact I have accepted for all time. Those very people will boycott the Councils when they find it necessary. There are many difficulties connected with Council-entry. Decisions on these will be taken when the time comes, mistakes will be committed, some will be rectified, some will not be and things will go on like that. I for one prefer Ranchi to Calcutta. That it is not convenient for other people is another matter. The peace Ranchi offers is impossibility in Calcutta. But I have left it to Rajendrababu. I shall read your address to the Federation and communicate to you my opinion. If the meeting is held in Ranchi and if you can come, do. It might be for the good though I cannot say definitely. I hope Gopi and Gajanan are getting along well.”183

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I liked it immensely. It should be sent privately to the editor. If he is so wishes he may publish only the relevant portion withholding your name and the personal element in it. If he does not want to, he may withhold it altogether. I hope you are keeping well and taking proper exercise.”184 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I am writing this letter from the village Chandanpur, some ten miles from Puri. I am sure you will like the idea of my walking tour. I had had it in mind for a long time but the feeling was never so strong as now. Buxar and Deoghar would appear to have contributed much towards it. There is no doubt that a scholar like Panchanan Tarkaratna was also involved in the Deoghar incident. How can such darkness be dispelled by travelling by train? The very idea of collecting funds has left my mind. This work can hardly be accomplished by money. I find that the change of heart can be brought about more by touring on foot. Now I would like to confine my tour to Utkal if I can persuade the co-workers in other provinces to accept it. I would not like to go even to Patna. You must have agreed with my opinion about “National Call”.

Sahni has addressed a long letter to Rajendrababu assuring that he would act in accordance with the wishes of the latter or of me. You will have received Rajendrababu’s letter. Ansari too fully concurred. I have gone through your prosperity plan. The idea is good. But I do not find it as attractive as your other schemes. It contains much material on the necessity of a plan but it is not a plan. A plan should be so devised that it can be put into effect by the Government and the people right from today. That they may not implement it is another matter. Such a plan is not beyond you. Think it over and if possible do something on these lines. In my view charkha should be at the centre of it. If you do not think so, you should produce the arguments against. It should not be left hanging in mid air. Crores of rupees will be saved at one stroke if Government, i.e., State-aid, is forthcoming. It is not necessary that all planning should be on the Western pattern. You know that I hold strong views on the subject. These have become strengthened. You can see that people are becoming lethargic in the absence of the charkha. Our cattle have become a liability owing to our ignorance of animal husbandry. India can beat any other country in prosperity by the study and practice of the charkha and animal husbandry and by solving the problem of small holdings. We shall discuss this when we meet.”185

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I had offered to write to you in English if you had difficulty in deciphering my handwriting. Today I have to dictate if I am to write to you at all, not because I have not got the time to write but because the heat is so terrific and some kind of insects are so pestering me that it is better for me to dictate than to write. I am anxious to know how you have taken this walking pilgrimage and, if you have appreciated the step, I want you to throw yourselves heart and soul into it. If you are in Calcutta, I would like you to collect as if I was in Calcutta and a purse had to be presented to me. That very purse can be sent to me here. I have told Dr. Bidhan that about the middle of June I should come to Calcutta for two purposes: first to talk with those who would wish to about the Poona Pact and secondly for collections. But I am developing reluctance even for doing that. On the contrary, if nobody would care to come to me to discuss the thing, I need not go to Calcutta for it. It can be attended to in August wherever I may be. There is no hurry about it. As to the collections I should have faith enough that whatever is to come will come whilst I am performing the walking pilgrimage. Every day makes me stake all on this walk. I have discussed the whole thing with Satisbabu. He must give you some of his own experiences. Of course I am having experiences which I would not have on any other account. I read your letter to Chandrashankar. In the altered circumstances I have given up the idea of having any rest. This easy walk every day obviates the necessity of rest. Therefore we can meet now only at some point in the tour. It is no use thinking of my inviting you to Patna. After finishing Patna, that is on the morning of the 20th or the night of the 19th, I leave for Cuttack or some point in Orissa to resume the walk and to continue it till the middle of June, that is, till the rains set in here. You could easily come and pass one or two days in the pilgrimage or pass a Tuesday with me, because on Mondays there will be no march and on Tuesdays also none except in the evening. The idea is to resume the march at 5.30 on Tuesday. Here is a letter from Gopi. You can perhaps throw more light upon what she writes. I have already written to you telling you what action Dr. Ansari and Rajendrababu had taken about the National Call. I would like you to furnish me with all the cuttings that you may come across. In view of Sahni’s letter I do not despair of his abiding by the instructions that might be given to him. That should be enough for us.”186

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Here is another letter from. Nothing will be gained by letting those two remain in the same condition should be taken on travels. I find it necessary to create new interests for her problem presents more difficulty. What should be done about him? All that I can see is that he will be unable to do anything to help himself. He requires a companion who can influence him to some extent and whose advice he can take. The idea of taking a trip to Calcutta has come to nothing. Now you can come down only if you have to see me. We shall see after consulting Thakkar Bapa.”187

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have gone through your plan. The donkey is missing on page six. The omission is only through oversight, is it not? The scheme appears somewhat expensive. But what discourages me is the absence of annual results. Isn’t it a feature of the Russian plan that it shows year wise results and ultimately proves its Self sufficiency at least on paper? I do not notice any such attempt in this scheme. You must have got my letter about’s letter received yesterday says that is coming to see me. It will be good indeed if he does come. There is no doubt that is highly perturbed. You are well, I trust. The touring I like very well. The only regret is that physical exhaustion prevents me from moving around the countryside.”188

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “There is not a trace of anger behind the action taken about Ramnarayan. This affair makes a fast imperative; of this I am fully convinced. Not to undertake one would be only a sign of weakness. There is no other way than fasting to make the public understand. I am tangibly experiencing every moment the degree of violence in people’s hearts. I got your wire and have already replied to it. I am treading most carefully. The doctors are fully confident that I am harbouring no disease; and they do not want to restrain me.”189

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Bhai Dinkarrao Pandya is leaving for Delhi today. Give him any work you like. As regards his salary I think he should be paid Rs. 200 a month. He has himself explained the reason for it. I have received a letter about the sheep; the writer asks a few questions. I shall pass it on after answering the questions. Ask Dinkarrao about his experience in America.”190 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Dinkar Pandya must have reached there. I have had a talk with Jayaprakash. He has incurred some debt already. Prabhavati’s expenses will be met here. I have fixed Rs. 325 a month for Jayaprakash. This time you may send a cheque for Rs. 150 out of which I shall send Rs. 100 to him keeping back Rs. 50 for Prabhavati as it has never been the practice so far to meet her expenses here. This sum of Rs. 50 goes towards the expenditure incurred during her recent visit to Patna.”191

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Regarding rice I have myself observed that only polished rice is available here. A rice-mill owner himself informed me that people preferred polished rice. Anyway enquire in Calcutta and let me know. You say that from the economic point of view our vote ought to be cast in favour of mortar and pestle. But how? It only means, doesn’t it, that the villager will save some money? Tell me if it implies anything more. Write to me after considering the cases of sugar and jiggery from both the viewpoints. What interest will you take in this new institution and have you thought of offering it any aid? Would you in that case make some possible changes in your life? You must be aware of Rameshwardas’s decision in this regard. How is Gajanan? What about your operation? You must decide one way or the other.”192 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I thought that I had already sent you the letter received from South Africa. I am sorry that it was overlooked. In clearing the file I came across the letter only last night. Here it is. I send you also a copy of my reply. I see from a letter addressed by you to Mahadev that you expect me to pass some time on the new ground at Delhi. I remember having told you that I would love to do so when you were ready to receive me, if at all I was free at that time. Of course, you are not yet ready as I understood from Thakkar Bapa. And it would be useless for me to be in Delhi in your absence. What is in store for me next month I do not know? I would like you to telegraph when the operation is over.”193

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “How can I say what I need? Whenever there is a question of a hundred or two or a thousand I ask you for it. But by taking up the huge work of village industries I have increased my own commitments. Thus I can only say that you may give me whatever is left after making other essential donations. The formation of a board for village industries is presenting some difficulties. I want the board to be very small, to consist of a minimum of three members and a maximum of ten. I want men who have full faith in its aims and can devote more or less their full time to it. And this precisely is giving me some trouble. Have you any ideas in this respect? Do you know Rajkumari Amrit Kaur? I have for a long time desired to go and live in Utmanzai, the village of Khan Saheb. I have sent a letter to Delhi on Thursday. I have given the reason for a visit to the Frontier Province and have asked if there is any objection to my going there. Let us see what reply I get. When is the operation to take place?”194

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Even this minor operation is proving troublesome. I have a letter from Dr. Bidhan too which says that you are improving, though I do not gather the same impression from your wires. I am awaiting a further telegram. Writing to the Viceroy for an interview does not seem proper just now. I have anyway written to him a second time and asked what he meant by ‘not at the present time’. I have also asked for the reason of the refusal. Let us see what happens. Whatsoever happens will be for the good. If you are well and can go to Delhi I shall try to leave for Delhi by the 20th. I am preparing for it.”195 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I see that you are endeavouring to reach Delhi under any circumstances before the 20th. There is no need for all this trouble if it is only for my sake. You must not rush at the cost of your health. One more point arises about my visit. Would not my staying with you be risky in view of my recent correspondence with the Viceroy, a garbled version of which has appeared in the Press? And the third point: would you not be subject to pressure of work immediately on your reaching there? If you think I must go to Delhi I can go only after four or five days. As far as I can see now I can set out on the 19th, reaching there on the 20th. Mahadev is writing to you about the rest. I have Gopi’s letter which I am enclosing with this. Could she benefit from a trip to Europe?”196

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “The enclosed letter is for your perusal. If the land required by Kshitishbabu is not of use to you and is not too valuable either, you may give it away to him and take back Rs. 1,500. If, however, it is valuable, I have nothing to say. You must be reading Harijan and Harijansevak.”197 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Your account of the two interviews is good. I see it all now very clearly. Nothing more remains to be done. But I am toying with the idea of writing to Sir Henry Craik. If I do, of course I shall send the letter on to you. If you don’t like it, you need not forward it. Bhulabhai cannot sign his name in the visitors’ book. In these matters we gain nothing by swerving from the golden mean. Bhulabhai’s courteous rejoinder should be regarded sufficient. Time will do the rest. The courtesy and goodwill of the Home Member are personal. The policy in the report of the Joint Parliamentary Committee is that of the bureaucracy. The policy of the bureaucracy shows no courtesy. There is in it deliberate discourtesy. I expect nothing good to accrue from it. When the policy of the bureaucracy is changes, any sort of constitution can be made to do for a long while. Today the question is of a new thing being imposed and that too by force. No one holds a good opinion of it. You may well stick to your attitude. I am writing at such length only to tell you that I see no ray of hope in the atmosphere. My personal optimism of course remains constant even in the face of darkness. It has no other basis save the truth of our position. You may get Vallabhbhai to decide as to what attitude Bhulabhai should adopt. Even as I am writing this, my desire to write to the Home Member is becoming less keen. The dates must have arrived.”198

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Go through this. Could there be anything in the man? The purport of Mahadev’s letter was just this. You have laboured hard and arrived at this stage. Now when you get time, you should go to England and do what you can. Success can be proved only by an honourable compromise but there seems little possibility of it at this juncture. While a genuine Hindu-Muslim agreement has not been achieved, the achievement of the other appears well-nigh impossible. We can but make an effort. What happened about the Ranchi Ashram?”199 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “You may write to him that such is my opinion. You will be going to England in a few months. It would be proper then to talk to Barlow and others. But it cannot possibly result in any rights being granted. At the same time it is also necessary to make clear that anything workable can be negotiated only with the political leaders. In the prevailing atmosphere no agreement unrelated to politics is possible. Writing this will not lead to any misunderstanding.”200

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “If Malkani and Viyogi Hari are dissatisfied with the Harijan work, then after Thakkar Bapa returns to the office they may all three of them prepare and submit a report. And if after due deliberation on it and possible amendments some scholarships can be granted to boys and girls, I would regard the expenditure justified. We may disapprove of the present education but that is all that is available to our young people. We have not so far presented any substitute before the public or the Harijans. Thus we have to grant scholarships till we have a living scheme to offer. There is ample scope for improvement in our own schools. As we do not have good teachers, the experiments at Delhi and Sabarmati are greatly to my liking. I got the telegram regarding Rajendrababu. It has relieved us of anxiety.”201

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Yes, Thakkar Bapa had written to me. The nature of work is such. I enclose Paul’s letter. I have desisted on his suggestion. Rajaji too was not in favour of a public agitation. I shall await a further communication from Paul. The sea is very rough in the first week of June. Could you not leave a little earlier? Schuster’s letter is good. The man had meant to do a great deal but could achieve nothing. Their present policy does not show a trace of courtesy. They have no regard for public opinion; they rely solely on their armed might.”202

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have made mention to you of AS, Sharma from Khurja. He has some familiarity with nature cure. I have known him for years. He intends to gain some experience at Battle Creek and later visit some nature-cure clinics of Europe, spending in all one and a half years. He is self-sacrificing and clever but of a slightly erratic temperament. He is full of the spirit of service. He had a clinic of his own which he has squandered away. He had published a few books which he has burnt because they contained little knowledge gained from experience. I want to send Sharma to America and Europe using some funds out of the amount you intend to give me for this year. If this has your approval, find out and let me know what the journey to Battle Creek will cost and the convenient route. He will of course travel third or deck whichever is available. What would be the cost of living there in poverty? Do they take students at Battle Creek? Would it be better for him to go via Japan? How are you keeping now? You will have seen that I have taken up the burden of the Hindi Sahitya Sammelan.”203

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “It will be good if you can come by the 17th or 18th or, better still, 16th. On the 18th there is a meeting of the standing committee of the Hindi Sahitya Sammelan. I shall nevertheless find some time. On the 21st I am also scheduled to go to Bombay to see Kamala Nehru. She will travel by the same ship as you. The Asphalt Line steamer leaves from Calcutta. Does it sail direct to New York?”204

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Nevertheless I have grave apprehension that things will fizzle out if any conditions are laid down such as release of the prisoners and detenus, abolition of deportation to the Andamans, restoration of the satyagrahis lands. It might be considered improper at this juncture. These suggestions may well come from a person invited for consultations. If the present atmosphere continues, I see no hope of an agreement. All their amiable talk with you seems to have an underlying implication that only the existing state of things will be accepted. If the fear is not groundless it is impossible to reach an agreement; I can do nothing more at present. But it does not mean that you should give up the efforts you are making. You should go ahead with your endeavour; the outcome lies only with God. You are keeping well, I hope.”205

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “My letter did not at all imply that there was any shortcoming in your presentation of the case. So far as I remember I meant to say that on your part you did everything well but I feared that the interpretation of the agreement is bound to create many problems. But my mind is at ease; what is to be will be. We can only follow our duty fearlessly. Do come away when your task is completed. To remain there idle would not suit you either, though you may certainly stay on if it seems desirable in the interests of health. You must be receiving all the news of the Harijan Sangh.”206 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I got all the earlier ones. I am sending a letter for Father; do write or wire to me if he has already left. All are well, I hope.”207

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I had cheque. I shall expect nothing after October unless some dire need overtakes me. But it is understood that you will continue the payments to the Sardar and Rajendrababu.’s letter did not reach me. It is good that she went to. As she is the only one who can save he and she can undoubtedly make some impression on him if she carries true strength within herself. The visit abroad will then prove to have been fruitful. I am not writing a separate letter to Ghanshyamdas. Tell him to see me here on his way to wherever he may be going. I am staying put here.”208 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “It was settled yesterday with Thakkar Bapa himself that Malkani would do his work independently while remaining the Joint Secretary. But he came to me early this morning expressing his inability to hold the office. I am enclosing a copy of the letter I have written to Thakkar Bapa regarding this development. Hence it would be superfluous to go into further details here.”209

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have seen both your letters and you must have got the wire I sent you this morning. In my opinion no harm can come out of seeing Satyavati. After all, your aim is justice. But she should hold an authority from the workers. The best thing would be to take all the complaints to an agreed arbitrator with the initial condition that there should be no future strike. I have not suggested my own name, for how can I even take up this function? You have to appoint someone else as the arbitrator. I hope you will be patient in everything.”210 So we can say that Mahatma Gandhi was really a true guardian of Birla family.

References:

166.LETTER TO G. D. BIRLA, March 23, 1933

167.LETTER TO G. D. BIRLA, March 26, 1933

168.LETTER TO G. D. BIRLA, March 28, 1933

169.LETTER TO G. D. BIRLA, April 3/4 1933

170.LETTER TO G. D. BIRLA, April 7, 1933

171.LETTER TO G. D. BIRLA, April 10, 1933

172.LETTER TO G. D. BIRLA, April 14, 1933

173.LETTER TO G. D. BIRLA, April 21, 1933

174.LETTER TO G. D. BIRLA, September 30, 1933

175.LETTER TO G. D. BIRLA, October 8, 1933

176.LETTER TO G. D. BIRLA, October 18, 1933