For Global Peace with Social Justice in a Sustainable Environment

Simplicity and Mahatma Gandhi

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- dr.yadav.yogendra@gandhifoundation.net;

dr.yogendragandhi@gmail.com

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

Simplicity and Mahatma Gandhi

We, in our simplicity, would have thought that it would be exactly on a question of that kind that the Government would stand firm. Why should a few, no doubt very influential, men be able to dictate a material change in the fundamental policy of the British Government, it is difficult for us to understand. Perhaps, the remarks made by the non-official members to the effect that the measure in question was only temporary, and that there was no reason why within a few years a change should not be made in the clause admitting coloured people to the franchise, weighed with the Government. We have come to think that all such promises are absolutely vain. We do not believe that when self-government is granted, the prejudice against colour would be removed at a stroke of the pen. On the contrary, the action of the Government during the transition stage would be quoted as a precedent for future restrictive legislation; and that by that time the prejudice, having been fed, as it were, by the Government, would have hardened so much as to be ineradicable. 1

It cannot be denied that we might have done better in either respect. While it is perfectly true that our poverty is responsible for our shanties and over-simple habits, no amount of poverty would be a sufficient excuse for gross untidiness and offensive simplicity observable in many an Indian home. It is certainly within our power to keep our huts scrupulously clean, and insist on living in a decent style even amid humiliating surroundings such as avail in the Eastern Vlei and Western Vlei in Durban, or Locations in the Transvaal. 2 We, therefore, think that too much is made of simplicity and frugality of the Indian. But is there nothing to be said in this connection from an Imperial standpoint? For better or for worse, the Indian is a partner, no matter how humble, in the Imperial partnership, and is it right to grudge him a fair share to which he may be entitled by his ability or industry? Our contemporary would have him only as the unskilled indentured labourer and no more. Preservation may be the first law of nature, but we hardly think that it admits of one crushing out of existence the very man through whom one may have risen. From a purely selfish standpoint, it may be excusable to shut out of a country a race of people altogether, but it is hard to reconcile with any law of nature the attitude that demands of one man being used merely for another’s ends, and then being kicked out as soon as he is no longer required. 3

The third is Mr. Polak. He is at present the Assistant Editor of the newspaper, The Critic, and draws a good salary. Since he is a man of much simplicity and believes that he can freely express his feelings against oppression through Indian Opinion, he has informed his chief of his intention to resign, and he will arrive here towards the beginning of next year. Meanwhile, he has started writing for this journal. Many [of our readers] must have read a full report, written in English by Mr. Polak, of a big anti-Indian meeting held at Potchefstroom. He also wrote an account of the late President Kruger’s funeral. 4 Desai tells me that you are not keeping quite good health, and that you are suffering from boils. This is inexcusable. There must be some irregularity about the diet. I cannot too strongly advise you to copy West’s simplicity. We are all making a luncheon of Kuhne bread, nut butter and jam. The slices are cut out at home and brought to the office and luncheon made at the office. You could do likewise if you have to take your food in town. I would like you to be very careful. You should see the Gujarati people regarding the earthquake fund. It should not be allowed to become a fiasco. 5

I am free to admit that the Indian scores by his simplicity of life, but this is more than counterbalanced by the white trader’s knowledge of the English language his superior organizing ability, and better facilities for making connections with wholesale houses in Europe. 6 The reply given by Baron Komura to a question from the Press representatives in New York wanting to know the cause of Japan’s victory deserves to be inscribed in one’s mind. One reason he gave was that Japan’s demand was just; the second was that she was united; there was no corruption either among the officers or the people; everyone did his duty; the Japanese were not indolent; they did not shirk work; and they lived in great simplicity. Thanks to this simplicity, they were able to hold their own against the Russians. As their needs by way of clothing and food were few, these could be transported to the soldiers in fewer vehicles. Consequently, it was not very difficult for the Japanese to transport large numbers of men over long distances. 7 I have nothing more to add. Have more heart-to-heart talks with West. Since the two of you alone understand the scheme better than the others, you have to be in perfect agreement first. Get Anandlal to mix with you as much as possible. Try to persuade Sam; and win over Mr. Bean gradually. He likes me, but does not understand the scheme. He is a good man and has therefore stuck to his post. His mind is more on the money because he lacks in real simplicity. 8

You are engaged in your agricultural work. I have also many jobs to attend to. So we have no time to meet in a grand hall and receive garlands of roses and jasmines. Believe me when I say that I shall come to see you without pomp or show. And I shall be glad if I meet you in simplicity. If I meet you while you are at work, I shall get to know you the better and be able to see for myself and redress your grievances. 9 But I have seen and I do see that even ordinarily well-disposed persons become, through their simplicity, the instruments of injustice. One result of an undue respect for law is that we may see people taking to soldiering and, like monkeys, mechanically carrying out the orders of their superiors unquestioningly. Many people thus take to it soldiering as their profession. They have no doubt that it is a damnable business in which they are concerned; yet they rush to join it. Are they men, or axes in the hands of butchers? Such men are on a level with wood and earth and stones. How can that kind of men command any respect? How can they be valued better than dogs or cats? Then some others become advocates, ambassadors or lawyers. They imagine that they serve the State with their heads. But I find that, unintentionally and unconsciously, they also serve Satan. Those who obey their sense of justice while holding the reins of government are always found to be in conflict with the State. 10

Last week, we gave a brief report of the marriage of Mr. Dawad Mahomed’s daughter, Ashabibi, with his nephew, Mr. Gulam Hoosen. We extend our congratulations to Mr. Dawad Mahomed, his daughter and his son-in-law, and wish the couple a long and happy married life. But it is the simplicity which Mr. Dawad Mahomed observed in the celebration and the donations he made on the occasion on which he really deserves congratulations. If a person observes the common religious ceremonies, that will make him happy, ensure simplicity and save him unnecessary expenditure. Mr. Dawad Mahomed had the marriage solemnized according to the injunctions of the holy Koran, with the result that there was no ostentation or false show on the occasion. 11 It is not surprising that a Government we seek to defy should inflict oppressive measures on us. Mr. Tilak is so great a man and scholar that it would be impertinent, in this country, to write of his work. He deserves to be adored for his work in the service of the motherland. His simplicity is extraordinary; but the light of his scholarship has reached even Europe. 12

If any parents do not want to incur this expenditure or are not anxious to teach the boys such simplicity, they may send with the boy’s materials for the items indicated above in a small bag or packet. If they ask us, we suggest that they send nothing with the boys, but give us a sum of £1.13.6, with permission to have the required garments made and given them to the boys to wear. The requirements of dress indicated above are for one year. 13 I write this only to point out that we would all profit from the kind of simplicity and solitude we find in jail. I think it is better to travel by third-class than by first-class, except when we need certain facilities or when there are some special reasons which make first-class travel necessary. In South Africa, however, there are several reasons why I would prefer Indians to travel first-class or second-class. We must rebut the charge of miserliness that is levelled against us. Moreover, we generally value simplicity in such matters, so that we are not likely to be puffed up with vanity if we travel first or second. For those who have amassed wealth, first or second-class travel would appear to be necessary even for maintaining their status. All the same, at a time like this when we are engaged in a mighty fight, I would unhesitatingly ask all Indians to take the view that it is better for an Indian to be in jail rather than be travelling in a class even higher than the first. 14

There is no fixed scholarship to be taken from Dr. Mehta; he will simply defray the whole of the expense of Chhaganlal’s stay. Chhaganlal, on his part, will naturally consider himself to be a trustee for the funds he will receive, and will be living a life of almost perfect simplicity. The cost therefore will be minimized. 15 The future, therefore, lies not with the British race, but with the Indians themselves, and if they have sufficient self-abnegation and abstemiousness, they can make themselves free this very moment, and when we have arrived in India at the simplicity which is still ours largely and which was ours entirely until a few years ago, it will still be possible for the best Indians and the best Europeans to see one another throughout the length and breadth of India and act as the leaven. When there was no rapid locomotion, traders and preachers went on foot, from one end of the country to the other, braving all the dangers, not for pleasure, not for recreating their health, (though all that followed from their tramps,) but for the sake of humanity. Then were Benares and other places of pilgrimage holy cities, whereas today they are an abomination. 16

I wonder if the taint (?) of simplicity runs through the family and if it only requires a little nursing to bring it all out. She says that is was she who suggested to Maud that Maud should go out, but she also adds that they do not want to desert the parents, and so she recognizes that one or the other should stay. I do not know how to take all this. I am afraid that I am very largely, responsible for their enthusiasm. I have spoken in such glowing terms about the charm of simplicity and all that, that they have pictured Phoenix as a Paradise. Simmonds cautions me against any hasty advice or hasty step. His caution I appreciate very greatly, and I therefore pass it on to you. I have no intention of advising the girls to take the plunge. 17 A summary of the speech has appeared in the Daily Mail. Its main theme was that ancient civilization was better than modern. The latter is selfish, godless and hypocritical. In this civilization, the chief object of man’s endeavour is physical happiness. In the days of ancient civilization, men were kind, God-fearing and simple and looked upon the body as a means of spiritual uplift. It is necessary to revert to the ancient way of life and for that purpose to adopt simplicity and village life. The speech was followed by numerous questions and answers and a lengthy discussion. The audience appeared to have been well impressed. 18

Increase still furthers the simplicity we have adopted. You were free so long as I was there. Consider yourself in prison now. Do not let the palate run away with you. Do not tell yourself, ‘I may have this and this too’; keep thinking, rather, ‘I have got rid of this slavery, and now I will of this too,’ and so be victorious. 19 We can ensure simplicity and dignity in communication only through our own language. Students and their parents as well, should all aspire for a high level of proficiency in their own tongue. If this library opened by me helps to weaken rather than nourish our language, I cannot help feeling sorry when I hear of the fact. 20 Why all this devotion to Krishna? As far as I can see, it must be because of his heroism and his unfailing solicitude for others. It is because he, with his infinite strength, helped the little Pandava kingdom to victory, destroyed the wicked Kauravas and freed the people from suffering, that he came to be sung of in songs and gained a place among the immortals. He cared nothing for the favour of one so mighty as Duryodhana. He was not tempted by his wealth, but relished Sudama’s rice with gusto, such was his simplicity. It is a miracle the poet has wrought in the story of Krishna. 21

Those who have foreign clothing seem to hesitate to take the pledge. Though this is natural, it is also painful. We want swadeshi to produce big results. These cannot be attained without sacrifice. Moreover, it is hoped that the spirit of swadeshi will bring in that of simplicity, and those who take to simple, though more durable clothing, will be able to recoup them for any loss sustained by reason of the giving up of foreign articles. 22 The women of Gujarat have much to learn from their sisters in the Punjab. Punjabi women are extremely simple in their attire. Very few wear ornaments, or materials such as gold lace, and all know spinning. Not all these women are poor. It is quite likely that they possess as much money as their sisters in Gujarat. But they love the spinning-wheel and prefer simplicity. Their freedom and modesty appeal to me very much. 23

They are taken up with admiration for me because of the truth they see in me and the simplicity of swadeshi which they have come to realize through me. The men’s love is no less. But I am not sure of its purity. Some are drawn to me because I am a fighter against the Government. Some think that, though I do not speak out, in fact I harbour a good deal of hatred which, being a shrewd man, I hide from others. Some consider that I have great fighting capacity, no doubt, but that I am something of a fool for lack of intellect. They do not, therefore, think it wrong to avail them of my fighting capacity and to show me sufficient regard with that end in view. Others are genuine lovers of truth and swadeshi and, regarding me as more experienced in these matters than themselves, bear sincere affection for me. Thus, since I suspect that men’s feelings for me are mixed, I am frequently uneasy and nervous when surrounded by men and sometimes I fear lest they and I together bring about some calamity. But with regard to women, such an idea would not occur to me even in a dream. They come to me with but one feeling in their heart and therefore their presence, even by the thousand, gives me nothing but a sense of peace. They strengthen my faith and confidence in Satyagraha and swadeshi, make me ever more resolute and create a new zest in me and inspire me to greater effort. If I could inspire in men devotion as pure as I find in the women, within a year India would be raised to a height impossible to imagine. As for swaraj, it would be the easiest thing in the world. 24

I go after good men as I do after good women. This Chairman at today's meeting is known for his simplicity, his amiable nature and other fine qualities. He has added to the achievements of his father and earned greater fame for himself as a reformer as also in other capacities, Shri Ramanbhai has done much. If we learn his virtues and achieve something, that will be doing a great deal. 25 I find it impossible to forget the frankness and the plain living of the Punjabis, their simplicity and magnanimity of heart, nor can I forget their sufferings. I feel that I have been purified by sharing, in however small a measure, in their tribulations. I can now better understand the greatness of the religion of compassion and love sung by Tulsidas. If I get time, I shall take some occasion to place before readers certain concrete instances of how that dharma is being followed. 26 More often than not, the line I take up is based on pure justice and, as justice always prevails, the people in their simplicity are led to believe that I try to have my own way in all things. When they come to know me better they see that I have no such desire, for I want neither money nor honour. I had had enough of wealth and gave up its pursuit. God meets all my needs through friends. Honour I receive in over-flowing measure from my conscience so that no room is left for receiving more from others. For what other reasons, then, should I feel tempted to have anything my own way? There is a fundamental difference between our points of view and so there always remains some distance between our positions. You believe that, as it is, the workers get more than enough and that they will not use well what they will now get in addition. I believe that they get very little at present. About Gurudev, I was a mere witness. I submitted to the desire of you all. Left to myself, I would not have gone in for arches, etc. I would have thought out a way of honouring him which would have cost little effort. I don’t feel either way about what happened. I believe it was our duty to give him a fitting welcome. I don’t think the students lost anything by being busy in this work. They merely followed the duty of service. These facts need to be borne in mind. Moreover, Gurudev is an exceptional man. He has poetry, goodness and patriotism in him. This is a rare mixture. He deserves to be honoured. What simplicity his is all that was done for Fatima seems perfectly right to me. If we remember that Imam Saheb is a Muslim, we shall see that we did nothing much. Every step was taken after full thought. If you admit that we were bound to celebrate her marriage, you will see that everything we did was right. Imam Saheb could have observed still greater simplicity. It would have been excellent if he had given her no ornaments, but how can we expect so much? I especially want to satisfy you on this. 27

You will see that I have aimed at simplicity, intensity and representation of all parties and all shades of opinion ensuring the predominance of that view which is most acceptable to the country. You will notice too that the Congress under the wieldy body retaining all the spectacular effect. Please go through the whole draft critically and suggest your dissent unhesitatingly wherever you disagree. 28 Where so much selfishness exists, how can one expect self-sacrifice? Does the business man cleanse his business of dishonesty for the sake of his country? Does he forgo his profit? Does he stop speculation in cotton for his country’s sake? Is any effort made to keep down milk prices by giving up the profit from its export? How many give up a job when necessary, for the sake of the country? Where are the men who will reduce their luxuries and adopt simplicity and use the money so saved for the country? If it is necessary for the country’s sake to go to jail, how many will come forward? 29

If we would really show our veneration, my preference is for some constructive work. We should, therefore, reflect over his good qualities and try to cultivate them in ourselves. He was a man of extreme simplicity; so in memory of him we should take a vow of simplicity. We should all give up, in his name, something we hold dear. He loved courage, we should, therefore, give up every kind of fear and try to become courageous. He wanted the people to be physically strong. We should all cherish his memory and try to be so. The country was dear to him as his very life; we, too, thinking of him, should give up love of self and cultivate, day by day, in increasing measure, pure love for the country. He was devoted to learning and had a wonderful command over his mother tongue and Sanskrit; we, too, if we do not love or know our mother tongue well enough, should love and know it better. We should improve our proficiency in the mother tongue and in Sanskrit. 30

For us, he will go down to the generations yet unborn as a maker of modern India. They will revere his memory as of a man who lived for them and died for them. It is blasphemy to talk of such a man as dead. The permanent essence of him abides with us forever. Let us erect for the only Lokamanya of India an imperishable monument by weaving into our own lives his bravery, his simplicity, his wonderful industry and his love of his country. May God grant his soul peace? 31 The right way of expressing our veneration for a man is to emulate his good qualities. I would, therefore, prefer some constructive work to a hartal. It is certainly necessary to observe a hartal, keep a fast and do similar things on that day, but the “specialness” lies in emulating his virtues. He was a man of extreme simplicity; so in memory of him we should take to simplicity ourselves and give up using certain things to the point of being put to discomfort. He was a man of courage; let us be brave likewise, and do only that which our conscience approves and never swerve from our aim. He was a thoughtful man; we, too, must learn to think before we speak or act. He was a learned man and had a wonderful command over his mother tongue and Sanskrit; let us take pains to be scholars like him. Let us give up using a foreign language in the conduct of our affairs, be proficient in our mother tongues and learn to express all our thoughts in them. 32

Swadeshi is a dharma wherein lies simplicity which can keep off our hunger and want, which can bring down the price of cloth. If the prices of cloth should go down you must take a vow of Swadeshism. Hindus and Mussulmans should live in mutual friendship and amity. The Hindus cannot protect cows by killing Mohammedans. If the Hindus are really serious about the protection of cows they must sacrifice themselves for Islam. You must keep your conscience clear. 33 And it was my faith in our ancient civilization it was my faith in our simplicity it was my faith in the inborn religious instincts of every Indian be he a Hindu or be he a Mohammedan, Christian, Parsi or a Jew it is that faith in me which has sustained me throughout all the dark days of scoffing, of scepticism, and of opposition. 34 I know we have not all yet become non-violent in speech and deed, but the results so far achieved have, I assure Your Royal Highness, been amazing. The people have understood the secret and value of non-violence as they have never done before. He will see that this is a religious, purifying movement. We are leaving off drink. We are trying to rid India of the curse of untouchability. We are trying to throw off foreign tinsel splendour and, by reverting to the spinning-wheel, reviving the ancient and poetic simplicity of life. We hope thereby to sterilize the existing harmful institutions. 35

I have found the homes of Bhangis for cleaner than many Vaishnava houses. I have been astonished at the truthfulness, simplicity, kindness and such other qualities in some of them. It is my conviction that we have fallen because of the entry into Hinduism of the demon of untouchability, and have, in consequence, also become powerless to ensure the protection of mother cow. So long as we have not rid ourselves of this Dyerism, we have no right to ask that we should be freed from the Dyerism of the British. 36 There are no doubt serious difficulties in our way. The temptation to resort to social boycott is irresistible when a defendant, who submits to private arbitration, refuses to abide by its award. Yet it is easy to see that the application of social boycott is more than likely to arrest the splendid movement to settle disputes by arbitration which, apart from its use as a weapon in the armory of non-co-operation, is a movement fraught with great good to the country. People will take time before they accommodate themselves to private arbitration. Its very simplicity and inexpensiveness will repel many people even as palates jaded by spicy foods are repelled by simple combinations. All awards will not always be above suspicion. We must therefore rely upon the intrinsic merits of the movement and the correctness of awards to make it felt. 37

But the energy, the devotion, the faith, the simplicity, the industry that you are exhibiting amazes me. Your natural freedom and natural self-restraint have enchanted me. With all such magnificent qualities it will be nothing but a misfortune if we do not attain swaraj during one year. I ask every one of you to remain on the watch-tower, to watch and check yourself in everything you do. It is no exaggeration to say that all that you have let me see of you convinces me that you have in you the making of Ramarajya. Frankness and generosity are written in your faces, and I pay the sisters of Andhra Desh the highest compliment when I say that they have shown the same noble bearing which I have seen in Maharashtra. 38 He understood. He did not know me and addressed me as Bawaji. I liked Bawaji better than “Mahatmaji”. From my dress he had taken me for a bawa. It is easy to wear a bawaji’s dress, but difficult to acquire the virtues of one. But the simple masses of India have always been, and will always be, taken in by the simplicity of the sannyasi’s dress. 39

There have been many multi-millionaires among the Parsis. Though they had earned such immense wealth, they did not give up simplicity, ever kept their hearts clean and never forgot God. But I feel some doubts about the Parsi sisters and brothers of the modern age. I fear lest, bewitched by the lure of the West, they lose their ancient heritage. 40 A Parsi gentleman used to visit my father. The two were on intimate terms. I was then a child. How can I forget Edulji Sheth? Every time he came to see my father, his favourite subject of conversation was simplicity. His own way of living was extraordinarily simple. He was related to the late Thakore Saheb of Rajkot too. Edulji Sheth did not hesitate to express even before him his views on wasteful expenditure or ostentation. His courage was as great as his simplicity and both were as great as his noble bearing. Ever since then I have felt that the Parsi community can do much, give much, if it wills. I am sure it will save itself from this poisonous wind from the West and that its enterprising nature and its regard or dharma will save it. It is my faith that the Parsis will continue to serve India as citizens of the country in the same way as they have done in the past. May God endow them with discrimination, right thinking and courage! Whatever the contribution of the Parsis in this holy fight, India can never forget their nobility and culture. 41

If you want fine cloth, teach your wives, your sons and your daughters to spin yarn of fine count. As recently as 30 years ago, our elders felt ashamed to wear fine cloth. I have still fresh in my mind the sacred memory of my mother. She made it a point to reserve dresses of fine cloth for her daughters-in-law and felt embarrassed when wearing such dresses herself. If you do not adopt the traditional simplicity of India, you cannot resuscitate fine Muslins. If you feel satisfied with having enrolled 4,200 members of the Congress, who will come forward to enroll the starving masses of Bihar? There will be some hope of our succeeding in our task if, in a population of 120,000 you enroll 50,000. Give up the wrong way of reckoning and adopt the right one. 42 Incongruities pointed out by the writer such as the wearing of khaddar on public occasions and at other times of the most fashionable English suits and the smoking of most expensive cigars by wearers of khaddar must disappear in course of time, as the new fashion gains strength. It is my claim that as soon as we have completed the boycott of foreign cloth, we shall have evolved so far that we shall necessarily give up the present absurdities and remodel national life in keeping with the ideal of simplicity and domesticity implanted in the bosom of the masses. 43

Parsi youths have recognized the ideal of simplicity. Parsi girls have taken to wearing khadi. Those who do not have the courage to wear khadi wear cloth made in Indian mills. I believe that as soon as the current among the Parsis changes its direction, things will change greatly in no time. The Parsi community has given me the impression that it will not turn disloyal. Being a small community, it may not seem to have come forward in the measure that the Hindus and Muslims have done but my conviction that they are at heart Indians and that they love India will never be shaken. I do not know in what matter they have remained backward. Hindus and Muslims therefore, should have regard for Parsis and should not always be watching their faults or pointing at them. 44 I will far rather see the race of man extinct than that we should become less than beasts by making the noblest of God’s creation the object of our lust. But this is not a problem merely for India. It is a world problem. And if I preach against the modern artificial life of sensual enjoyment, and ask men and women to go back to the simple life epitomized in the charkha, I do so because I know that without an intelligent return to simplicity, there is no escape from our descent to a state lower than brutality. I passionately desire the utmost freedom for our women. I detest child-marriages. I shudder to see a child widow, and shiver with rage when a husband just widowed with brutal indifference contracts another marriage. 45

The giving up of foreign cloth will mean the introduction of simplicity and an end to living in pretentious style; khadi clothes besides, last longer as they are more durable. On whose monthly expenses come to a hundred rupees will now find that his expenditure for the entire year is much less. For such a person, throwing away foreign garments worth thousands should be no hardship. By discarding foreign cloth forthwith we save the country crores of rupees. That being so, throwing away foreign cloth worth lakhs or crores of rupees will be a sign of far-sightedness. 46 I am loath to think that what the friend who is himself a non-cooperating Vaishnava pleader says is all true. And I am inclined to disbelieve the statement that the Tamil sisters are worse than the rest in the matter of love of gaudiness. All the same, his letter ought to serve as a warning to the Tamil sisters. They must revert to the original simplicity, and certainly God will be better pleased with those who wear the spotless khadi sari as a symbol of inner purity than with those who are gaudily dressed. Our temples are not meant for show but for expression of humility and simplicity which are typical of a devotional mood. There should be a continuous propaganda amongst women in the Madras Presidency with reference to the evil complained of. 47

But we should provide the very best facilities in Indian style. Today, the distinction is between an Indian style of accommodation which is dirty and the English style of accommodation which is clean. On the contrary, the rule should be, the greater the simplicity the greater the cleanliness and the greater the outer pomp the greater the amount of the filth within. But in modern times we associate simplicity with lack of cleanliness. We shall have to give up this attitude. 48

For following this rule of pure swadeshi, it is essential for us to adopt simplicity. We may also have to change our aim in dressing. We should dress not for decoration but for covering the body. We may, therefore, wear only such and so many clothes as are necessary in view of our climatic conditions. 49 All women should devote at least one hour daily to spinning. Realizing that simplicity is dharma, women should regard themselves adorned through it, regard as sacred whatever quality of cloth is produced from yarn spun by girls and wear such cloth for the purpose of covering their bodies. 50

The women of Bombay, like its merchants, are awake. Where shall we find women as advanced as in Bombay? The swadeshi movement can make no progress without their support, which means that we cannot win swaraj without it. We should not ask their help merely that they may give us the benefit of their presence. They are not invited just to make speeches. The country today begs of them the favours of utmost simplicity and hard work. Women will have to have good understanding and patriotism. If they do not shake off their fascination for foreign cloth and they obstinately insist on having dreadfully coloured saris, satins and muslins, what can poor men do? I hope no one will ask what connection khadi has with peaceful revolt. I have explained above that the spinning-wheel is a symbol of our peacefulness. When, besides, people are being invited to take it up as such, those who have no faith in peace will not play it at all or do so with zeal. Since we invest the spinning-wheel with the qualities of courage, honesty, simplicity and peacefulness, it will become the means of promoting more and more virtues. 51 In other matters, too, simplicity about the ceremony was maintained. The bridegroom’s father had offered Rs. 500 to the Swaraj Fund. Let us hope this regard for swadeshi and simplicity will be widely emulated. I am sure every reader will join me in wishing this couple a long life of service to the nation. 52

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