Speech of Mahatma Gandhi at Prayer Meeting, Sabarmati Ashram-II

[Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav]

Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav

Senior Gandhian Scholar

Gandhi Research Foundation, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India

Contact No. – 09404955338, 09415777229

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Speech of Mahatma Gandhi at Prayer Meeting, Sabarmati Ashram-II

 

Gandhiji addressing the inmates referred to the names he had received and said that it was not necessary that one and all should give their names. If they felt the slightest doubt about their ability to join the campaign they might withdraw their names even then. He continued: People expect you to join in the fight with great preparedness on your part. The whole world is looking at the Ashram with great expectancy. It may be that you might not be ready when you joined the Ashram, but the discipline and atmosphere must have brought that much confidence in you and must have helped you in preparing yourselves for the ensuing fight. Gandhiji apprised them of the sufferings and hardships they would have to undergo during the fight. They might be sent to jail, and they might be beaten, but that was not all. They might have to go without food or might be driven out of the Ashram or a worse fate might befall them. But under all circumstances they must be prepared to remain non-violent in thought and in action and must never lose their temper or get angry.

They must try to have a thorough change of heart. The time might come when even God might be angry with them, but they must not lose patience. He continued: Suffering is writ large on the face of every devotee. Even Rama and Sita had to suffer. God tests you on the touchstone and if it is found that you have withstood that test, then nothing remains to be desired. In the Ashram itself, you have enjoyed yourselves to a certain extent, but enjoyment is worthwhile only when you show your mettle and sacrifice yourself when the time comes. You must now convert the Ashram into a lamp of sacrifice. Those who feel themselves weak or unable to join the fight must quit the Ashram. Once you have plunged yourselves in battle, if you retreat, it will be a blemish on you and blot on the whole fair name of India.

 

  Reference: 

The Hindu, 17-2-1930