Mahatma Gandhi Discussion with Free Press Representative

[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]

 

 

Mahatma Gandhi Discussion with Free Press Representative

 

 

Mahatma Gandhi discussed with Free Press representative on December 3, 1932. That discussion is given below.

1. from the point of view of the duty of the caste Hindus the question of

Guruvayur is not a small one. It is wholly wrong to use the phrase ‘uplift of Harijans’. According to me, the first duty of the caste Hindus towards the Harijans is to throw open all the temples to them which are open to others.

2. I would not place the responsibility for temple-entry on the Anti-Untouchability League. Before the League was born, the question of Guruvayur was before the people. The League should certainly do as much as it can about the matter. But if the temple is not thrown open within the time fixed for it, the Sangh would not deserve to be castigated more than the other institutions.

3. If it is proved that Guruvayur is a private temple, there can be no ground for the fast.

4. If the reformers are truthful and humble, they can bring about a change of heart in the sanatanists. They should bear in mind that before they became reformers, they were sailing in the same boat with the sanatanists.

5. Reformers are trying their best to cultivate public opinion. And as a

Reformer myself, I think that public opinion has veered towards the reform to a considerable degree. I do not believe at all that most of the Hindus are under the influence of dharmacharyas. They listen to the Shankaracharya and other Acharya only to the extent it suits them. Suppose the Shankaracharya issues an injunction that nobody should drink liquor, do you think everyone will abide by it? If the dharmacharyas themselves observe restraint, then only can they make others do so.

6. I cannot wait to see myself fully restored before I undertake the fast. I

Believe that it will be at the command of God. When my body is weak, I am better able to stand fasting.

7. Millions Of people if they love me will be distressed by my fast. They

Will raise such a powerful voice that it will become irresistible. There is a war between me and untouchability. If you want me to live, untouchability has to go. If you want untouchability to stay, I have to die.