Discussion of Mahatma Gandhi with Macrae

[Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav]

Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav

Gandhian Scholar

Gandhi Research Foundation, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India

Contact No. – 09415777229, 094055338

E-mail- [e-mail];[e-mail]

 

 

Discussion of Mahatma Gandhi with Macrae

 

 

Mahatma Gandhi discussed with Macrae on December 12, 1932.

GANDHIJI: I don’t think there is anything special I can say at the moment. I think, for the present, we should leave the question of wells. If at all I can say something, it will be about the fast. You may ask me about that.

MACRAE: What have you to say about the allegation that through this you impose your opinion on others?

GANDHIJI: My answer to this question will also cover what you have said about the resolution concerning my fast. Shri Jamnadas Mehta has perfect right to make the criticism he has made. But I do not accept his allegations. I have never tried to impose my views on others. I have never imposed my views even on the closest co-workers. But it has so happened that, despite my having admitted that I have committed Himalayan blunders, my views on many things have been proved correct. For me the question of untouchability is forty years old. Ever since, I have been facing opposition on this score. It has come not only from outsiders but also from my family members old and young. But the views I have been holding and putting into practice for the last 45 years have been commonly accepted. Today, if my sanatanist friends charge that I have been forcing my views on the public or on the sanatanists, there is not much substance in the charge. Looking at the history of mankind, we find that whenever an individual has held some good ideas, has insisted on them and put them into practice in his life, the whole society has accepted them. Now, to say that he has forced his thoughts on the people is absurd. So long as there is no physical force behind one, it cannot be said that one has forced one’s views on others. It is true that my fast has evoked some anxiety. But I have no doubt in my mind that I am not at all to blame for it. I am carefully watching, with the eye of a scientist, the impact that my contemplated fast has had, and is having. What I see fills me with joy and hope. The fast has made people think. The fast will not force anybody to do anything against his conscience, but those who are lethargic will give up their lethargy and will start working with zest, that is, all those who love me will actively start working. I do not in the least feel depressed by this development. Those who feel that I am destroying Hinduism write angry letters saying I should quickly undertake the fast and depart from the world. Such letters do not have any effect on me. I am talking about these letters on]y to show that those who are opposed to eradication of untouchability will not be affected in the least by the fast which I am thinking of undertaking and it should be so. But about the fast, I will have to say more later on. At the moment I can only say that nobody would be able to deflect Shri Kelappan or me from the resolve to fast which has been inspired by God. I appreciate the efforts of Shri Mehta who has already warned the public beforehand. What causes me pain and surprise is the fact that the Zamorin is bringing all sorts of allegations against those who are engaged in organizing voting. I consider him to be a gentleman. He knows that Shri Madhavan Nair, who is the Chairman of the Voting

Committee is a respectable lawyer, well-known throughout Kerala. Rajaji is helping the Committee and supervising the work. They are people who will not tolerate any unfairness. It is the Zamorin’s duty to point out if they have resorted to any objectionable means. This question is purely moral and religious. There can be no room for taking sides, for love and hate. If the sanatanists and reformers work together they will be able to bring out the truth. Let me once again assure you that as soon as I come to know that I am mistaken about the public opinion, I will immediately give up the idea of fasting. I wish to worship Truth only. I have no other aim than that.