For Global Peace with Social Justice in a Sustainable Environment

Testimonials Given By Mahatma Gandhi

Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav

Senior Gandhian Scholar

Gandhi Research Foundation, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India

Contact No. – 09415777229, 094055338

E-mail- dr.yogendragandhi@gmail.com;dr.yadav.yogendra@gandhifoundation.net

Testimonials Given By Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi gave a number of testimonials to related and concerning persons. There details are here. Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “It has been a great pleasure to me to be able to visit this pencil and penholder factory. I was delighted to be informed some of the machines were designed and made in this factory. I wish this national enterprise every success.”1

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “Professor Hassanand had demonstrated his conjuring tricks before the inmates of the Ashram with a patriotic commentary running side by side.”2

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “M. R. Bob’s services as driver were lent by Sjt. Shanti Narayan Rao of Bangalore. Bob motored me throughout my Tamil Nad and Kerala tour. He was most attentive and careful. He made not only a good driver but he became my truest friend when I was in need of one. The only reward I can give him is to pray that God may bless him for his services.”3

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “While in Agra I had the privilege, in an abundant measure, of enjoying the music of Bhai Ajmeriji. His melodious voice and his knowledge of Hindi and Sanskrit gave me immense joy.”4

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “Shri Parashuram Mehrotra has been known to me for several years. I have found him to be an enthusiastic, industrious and reliable young man. His bent is towards editorial work. I hope he will soon secure such work and achieve success in it.”5

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “Abbas’s work in the Ashram was appreciated by everybody. He taught me many useful things about carding. He has done service in other ways too. It is my hope and my blessing that, wherever he lives, he will observe the Ashram rules and devote himself to service.”6

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “Shri Poovada Mrityunjaya Rao was most attentive during my day’s tour through Guntur District.”7

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “Kaimal has been a very skilful and attentive driver throughout the exacting tour in Tamil Nadu.”8

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “On behalf of the Nepal Government Tulsi Maher, the Charkha Pracharak of Nepal, is making a study tour of India in connection with the charkha. 1 hope that all lovers of the charkha will give him all possible information and the requisite help in his research.”9

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “Shri K. S. Savant was with me for nearly a week. He is a Harijan and sculptor by profession, having gone through the full course in the Bombay School of Art. I could not resist his appeal to be allowed to sit in my room and do his work without distracting my attention in any way. He had his heart’s wish and he made the fullest use of the opportunity. Experts alone can judge his art. But I could see that Shri Savant had varied gifts. He showed great application all the time he was with me and was entirely absorbed in his work. We found him to be thoroughly sociable and he became one of us the moment he came. He deserves encouragement from lovers of art and moneyed men. I wish him every success.”10

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “Chi. Bal, the younger son of Kakasaheb Kalelkar, is well known to me. It may be said that he was brought up under my care at Sabarmati Ashram. He is very intelligent, sociable and cheerful. His ambition is to live a life of service after acquiring much knowledge. Chi. Bal rendered me excellent service during my second 21-day fast and on other occasions. He is entitled to my blessings at all times.”11

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “Mr. P. N. Joshi, Superintendent, Bhavnagar Durbar dairy, has been studying the cattle problem in India for the last 14 years, and has done some work towards the improvement of the indigenous breed of cows in Kathiawar. Bhavnagar State is sending him to Denmark and the U.S.A. to study genetics and animal husbandry, so that his knowledge may be used for the betterment of the cattle wealth in this country. I shall be grateful for any facilities or guidance that may be given to Mr. Joshi in the countries he is visiting for the first time in his life.”12

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “Professor Malkani had been teaching in the National College of the Gujarat National University. He is now in charge of the Delhi Industrial Home for the so-called untouchables of India. He is voyaging to travel in Europe for a time. Any assistance rendered to him by friends will be appreciated by the undersigned.”13

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “Shri Lalji Parmar was under training in the music department of the Gujarat Vidyapith and he has acquired enough proficiency to enable him to teach a bit. Only his teachers can give a definite opinion regarding his progress. I have seen the testimonials given by the former music teacher and the head of the Gujarat Vidyapith. Shri Lalji Parmar is a Harijan and it would be good if the Bombay Government could grant him some aid.”14

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “Bhai Munnilal has given me a good shave today and done it with great affection. His razor is village-made and it needs no soap.”15

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “This is to introduce young Kalelkar to all my friends in America. He was brought up under my hands. He is one of the most promising among the boys brought up in Satyagraha Ashram. Any help rendered to him will be appreciated.”16

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “I have known Shri Uma Devi (Wanda Dynowska) of Poland for over four years. She has adopted India as her second home. She is simple in habits, extremely self-sacrificing and brave. I believe her also to be thoroughly honest.”17

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “I have gone through “The Scheme of Physical Training” which Sardar Prithvi Singh has given me. It was placed before the public many years ago but it does not seem to have been implemented anywhere. I liked the Scheme. It takes into account the condition of the country, is simple and inexpensive and can be readily implemented. I have always been of the opinion that for true education, strength of the body, mind and heart should be equally and simultaneously developed. But in practice attention is paid to one aspect only and that too without any reference to the condition of the country. Sardar Prithvi Singh’s suggestion regarding development of physique is worth pondering over. I hope that the experts in that field will study the Scheme and, if they approve of it, implement it.”18

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “Bhai Ganeshram the barber had come to Sevagram to serve. He lived here for many months and shaved the Harijans free and with great love. He has vowed that wherever he might be he would serve the Harijans. May God increase Bhai Ganeshram’s spirit of service day by day.”19

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “I can claim to have known Prof. Jaishankar Trivedi personally for a good many years. During all these years, I knew him to be ever ready to help people without any thought of gaining name or fame. He was a silent worker and his home had become a dharmashala.”20

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “During my stay at Bhangi Niwas in Delhi, Sardar Singh used to drive the car with devotion so said all those who used the car. As for me, I think I had no occasion to enjoy a ride in that car.”21

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “During the whole of my stay at Bhangi Niwas in New Delhi, Bhai Amar Singh always brought the car on time and drove me very carefully and with great love. He was always available, whatever the time.”22

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “When I was in New Delhi Bhai Hari Ram rendered all service willingly and with great care. It was rendered not by a mere servant, as it were, but in the spirit of pure devotion.”23

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “I have known Mr. Herbert Fischer and his wife for a long time. Mr. Fischer was for some time in the Village Industries section of my constructive activities. The Fischers belong to the Quaker Settlement at Itarsi. They are a simple godfearing family and lovers of humanity.”24

Mahatma Gandhi wrote in testimonial, “Shri Mukul De is extremely keen on the development of Indian art. It is man’s prerogative to desire that which is good. But God has kept the fulfilment of man’s desires in His own hands. Therefore, prayerful reliance on God must be Shri Mukul De’s sole support.”25

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