Val G. Desai and Mahatma Gandhi

[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]

 

 

Val G. Desai and Mahatma Gandhi

 

Val G. Desai was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. He was an English lecturer in Gujrat College Ahmadabad, Gujrat, India. He reigned from service and joined Mahatma Gandhi for constructive work. He was a one of the best translator. So he translated Satyagraha in South Africa. He had translated other documents of Mahatma Gandhi. He lived in Sabarmati Ashram as its member. He wrote many letters to Mahatma Gandhi and he guided him through letters.  Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I have wanted to write to you. I find it possible to do so today. May your married life be happy and prove beneficial to the country. Let me know to whom you got married. I trust you are quite well. I should like you to write something for Young India.”1 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Please ask the Press to send the proofs of Young India for this time only at the address of the Rajasthan Seva Sang, Ajmer. They should be posted on Wednesday evening or early morning on Thursday so that they may reach Ajmer by the morning mail.”2

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “This will introduce to you Mr. Valji Desai who has been a co-worker for a long time. He went to jail soon after me on the same charge. Please help Mr. Desai in any manner that may enable him to stay in the Punjab and study things.”3 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “It may be said that the Committee had just to approve the arrangement regarding the secretary. Shri Valji Govindji Desai was appointed Secretary on a salary of Rs. 200 a month Shri Valji Desai is a go-sevak and a learned man. He did not ask for Rs. 200 out of greed but because his family responsibilities were large. I could not find a more qualified Secretary than Shri Desai. According to the Constitution of the Association the responsibility for the choice rested with me When Shri Valji Desai was appointed for this work, it was felt positively available if the works as well as the workers are good. Hence I have taken the above-mentioned authority from the Committee. Those interested in the welfare of the cow should render such help as they may wish to offer. Every pie is and will be accounted for. Accounts will be regularly published. Success or failure in the work depends on circumstances. It is hoped that at the end of the experiment both the activities can be shown to be self-supporting.”4

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “I had also got your telegram. Every effort is being made to send you all the original writings. I wish to engage you for translation work. I am writing to Kaka about it. The series being contributed by Shankerlal’s brother-in-law will continue for a long time and I feel that you can be utilized in that work. I am writing to Kaka as he is the editor. I suppose you remember that March 11 is the date fixed for the meeting of All-India Cow-protection Association. You must have found the names of the members and written to them. Sunday you must have dispatched the Association circular regarding the meeting, and finalized the accounts by obtaining details from Revashankarbhai, the Ashram, etc. Are you taking care of your health?”5 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Please get Mota’s5 nostrils operated upon and also his tonsils. There is no harm in doing that. Let me know the result. I will reach Wardha on the 22nd and Madras on the 26th. I have gone through your Bharati. It does seem enjoyable. But I do not fully understand the aim. Should we give to children descriptions of things which are beyond human experience without explaining them? Would even grown-ups understand? I am reading the Ramayana. I cannot raise any objection. I can barely get time to read it in the ‘Library’ or at such other times.” 

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “In Bombay there are less chance of your constipation and fever disappearing. Still, if you are obliged to stay there I may send a note to a homoeopath who has been offering to help. Both the complaints must be cured.”7 He was famous as go-sevak.

References:

1. LETTER TO VALJI DESAI, May 28, 1919
2. LETTER TO VALJI DESAI, November 2, 1921
3.   LETTER TO MANGALSINGH, August 10, 1924
4.   Navajivan, 26-12-1926
5.   LETTER TO V. G. DESAI, January 16, 1927
6.   LETTER TO VALJI G. DESAI, March 17, 1937
7. LETTER TO VALJI G. DESAI, March 21, 1940