MAHATMA GANDHI INTERVIEW TO THE TIMES OF INDIA

[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 INTERVIEW TO THE TIMES OF INDIA

 

 

Mahatma Gandhi gave interview to The Times of India on May 2, 1933. Details of interview are here. I have received messages from dear friends in England, which make me happy. They seem to have been convinced in their hearts about the propriety of the step I am going to take. They have not said this in so many words but that is how I interpret their messages. I was afraid that they might not be able to understand the uniqueness of this fast. But my fear has been proved to be baseless. Mr. Andrews has sent a message on his own behalf and on behalf of friends. Another message is from Mr. and Mrs. Polak. They have never hesitated to criticize me whenever they have not understood any of my actions. I had a vague fear that they might not approve of my present step. I have been receiving messages from friends in India too and I hope that in a few days’ time they will understand the propriety of my step. Whatever it be, I am becoming more and more convinced that it was not possible for me to avoid this fast. There was no other way if this movement was to be kept on a purely moral plane and saved from being besmirched by selfish and impure elements that have infiltrated into it. Now I hope that those engaged in it will start working with redoubled zest and fulfil the various tasks connected with the removal of untouchability, including the task of educating public opinion in favour of the Bill for the abolition of untouchability. I am convinced that the progress would have stopped if I had not taken the step. I wish that the sanatanists and reformers should work in co-operation during the coming weeks and remove whatever defects they find in the existing laws and come to a settlement. You ask me what I will do if I am released. This is a question I really cannot at the moment consider.