The First Ashram Established by Mahatma Gandhi in India – Satyagraha Ashram, Kochrab, 25 May 1915

Oral History Division’s Record (Extracts), NMML

This Day in History: The First Ashram Established by Mahatma Gandhi in India – Satyagraha Ashram, Kochrab, 25 May 1915

              On his return to India, Mahatma Gandhi wanted to set up an Ashram to settle the small group of relatives and co-workers who had come with him from South Africa and to enable them to resume the life of simplicity and service in which they had been nurtured in South Africa. Gandhiji received invitations to set up Ashram at several places, but he chose Ahmedabad believing that he could best serve the people of the province of his birth. Moreover, as a great textile centre, it was well suited for experiments in hand spinning and weaving, which appeared to him the only viable supplementary jobs for the underworked and underfed masses in the villages of India. He established the Satyagraha Ashram temporarily at Kochrab, a village near Ahmedabad, in a bungalow belonging to a Barrister, Jeevanlal Vrajrai Desai. On 20 May 1915, Gandhiji arrived there and performed, with a cap as a head cover, a house-entering ceremony of the new house. On 25 May 1915, he formally started the Ashram to acquaint the nation with the method he had tried in South Africa. Many flocked to it such as Mahadev Desai, Narhari Parikh and others. The Ashram became a major centre for the followers of Gandhiji to practice constructive work, satyagraha, self-sufficiency and other values, which would build up the nation’s morale. The inmates not only strove for economic upliftment through promotion of khadi, but also the removal of social evils such as untouchability. They were being trained in the moral and emotional controls which are integral elements for a Satyagrahi, and they observed a code of discipline, rules and vows.

Some excerpts from the transcript of the recording of OHD:

Smt. Vanmala Desai (Daughter of Narhari Parikh, one of the first inmates of Satyagraha Ashram at Kochrab)

डॉ हरि देव शर्मा :       आप साबरमती आश्रम में कौन से साल में आई थीं ?

श्रीमती वनमाला देसाई : ... गांधीजी 1915 में दक्षिण अफ्रीका से वापस आए। वे बैरिस्‍टर थे। उन दिनों अहमदाबाद के वकीलों की गांधी में बहुत रूचि थी। वे सब गुजरात क्‍लब में मिला करते थे। महात्‍मा गांधी को उस वक्‍त महात्‍मा नहीं कहा जाता था। उनको गांधी साहब कहते थे। गांधीजी के बारे में बहुत सी बातें गुजरात क्‍लब में, जहां सभी वकील मिलते थे, हुआ करती थीं। उस वक्‍त वहां मेरे पिताजी नरहरिभाई भी थे। सरदार वल्‍लभभाई पटेल भी गुजरात क्‍लब में मिलते थे। यह लोग जवान थे। पहले तो ये लोग गांधीजी की सादा रहने की बातें करते थे, कि बैरिस्‍टर होते हुए भी कितने सादा कपड़े पहनते हैं। इन सब बातों को लेकर वे लोग ठट्टा-मसकरी करते थे और कहते थे कि यह क्‍या आदमी है, बैरिस्‍टरी करके विलायत से आया है पर क्‍या कपड़े पहनता है। परंतु फिर भी इन लोगों की गांधीजी के बारे में यह जानने की इच्‍छा होती थी कि दक्षिण अफ्रीका में इन्‍होंने इतना काम कैसे किया।

                   ... सन् 1917 में गांधीजी कोचरब में रहते थे। साबरमती के पास नदी के परले पार कोचरब एक गांव था, वहां उनके किसी एक दोस्‍त ने उनको एक घर दे दिया था। एक दफा शाम को मेरे पिताजी, नरहरि भाई, और महादेव देसाई दोनों वहां गए। इन लोगों ने सोचा कि हम गांधीजी से मिलेंगे, बातें करेंगे और कहेंगे कि हमें कुछ काम दीजिए ...।

                    ... गांधीजी ने इन्‍हें बताया कि हम तो यहां सुबह चक्‍की पीसते हैं, फिर खाना पकाते हैं, बर्तन मलते हैं और फिर कहीं आना-जाना हो तो आते-जाते हैं, लोगों से मिलते हैं। यहां पर यही काम है। आपको पसंद हो तो इसमें शरीक हो जाओ। इन लोगों के मन में जरा हिचकिचाहट हुई क्‍योंकि ये तो वकील थे, फिर सोचने लगे कि क्‍या हम ऐसा काम करेंगे? इन्‍होंने यह बात कही तो नहीं लेकिन मन में सोचा कि यह तो हम नहीं करेंगे। लेकिन ये वहां जाते रहे और इस तरह धीरे-धीरे इन कार्यों में इनकी दिलचस्‍पी होने लगी। जब कोर्ट खतम होता तो पांच-छ: बजे क्‍लब में जाने के बदले ये वहां जाने लगे। वहां जाकर कभी-कभी ये चक्‍की पीसने बैठ जाते थे और कभी बर्तन साफ करने में गांधीजी की मदद करते। जब गांधीजी कहते कि हमारे साथ खाना खाओ तो उनके साथ बैठकर खाना भी खा लेते, परंतु खाना पसंद तो नहीं आता था, क्‍योंकि दाल और सब्‍जी में नमक नहीं होता था, सिर्फ उबली हुई दाल होती थी और मोटी-मोटी चपाती। अत: ये लोग घर आकर फिर से खाना खाते थे ...।

                    ... लगभग एक साल के अंदर ही, 1917 में, ये लोग आश्रम चले गए। ... कुछ दिनों बाद साबरमती आश्रम बना, उन लोगों को जमीन मिल गई। फिर वहां जाने के लिए तय हुआ। उस समय वहां बबूल और बेर सारी जगह में जंगल की तरह फैला हुआ था। पैर रखने की भी जगह नहीं थी। एक दिन बापूजी ने कहा कि वहां रहने चलेंगे उस वक्‍त गांधीजी के साथ उनके दो भतीजे और साकरलाल भाई, किशोरिलाल भाई, नरहरि भाई, इत्‍यादि का परिवार था। इसके अलावा गांधीजी के साथ सात-आठ परिवार और थे, वे सब मिलकर वहां गए। 

Rash Behari Bose’s Birthday, 25 May 1886

Oral History Division’s Record (Extracts), NMML

This Day in Indian History: Rash Behari Bose’s Birthday, 25 May 1886

              On this day, Rash Behari Bose was born in the Bengal Presidency. He played a notable part and rendered valuable contributions to the cause of India’s independence. His life was an example of rare courage, conviction and selfless service. For his involvement in the Ghadar movement, Hardinge Bomb Case (1912) and other revolutionary activities, he had to go into exile in Japan. Even so, he continued to mobilize support for the liberation of India. He was instrumental in the formation of the Indian Independence League (1942) and second Indian National Army (INA) with the help of Subhas Chandra Bose.

Some excerpts from the Transcript of the recording of OHD:

Col. Prem Kumar Sahgal (Close Associate of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and ACS, HQ Supreme Command, INA)

Shri S.L. Manchanda :         What would you like to say about Rash Behari Bose?

Col. Prem Kumar Sahgal :  Rash Behari Bose was a great patriot. I think his contribution to the Indian independence movement is not understood in our country. He is the man who built up a cadre of Indian revolutionaries from Tokyo to Burma – from all those people who had migrated there at one time or other including those who had gone there by a famous Japanese ship. He was the one man who was responsible for inculcating the spirit of Indian nationalism among them. He infused a new life in them. Again, he had tremendous influence in Japan. He had a Japanese father-in-law. He had connections with the Black Dragon Society. He lived in Japan for a long time and was held in great respect by the Japanese. In spite of all that, he was a true Indian patriot ...

Manchanda:                           Had he become a Japanese citizen?

Sahgal:                                 Yes, he had become a Japanese citizen, but you should not forget the greatness of this man. Had he been a selfish leader, he would not have begged of Japanese to bring Netaji. Even when Netaji had come, he could have still tried to stay on in limelight – he had a tremendous following – but, he did not. When Netaji came, he went into the background completely. I think this was the greater act of sacrifice that a politician could have made.     

Remembering Gurudev

RABINDRANATH TAGORE’S BIRTHDAY 7^th May

October 9, 1932

DEAR GURUDEV,

           I have your beautiful letter. I am daily seeking light. This unity between Hindus and Muslims is also my life’s mission. The restrictions do hamper me. But I know that when I have the light, it will pierce through the restrictions. Meanwhile I pray though I do yet fast.

           I hope you were none the worse for the strenuous work in Poona and equally fatiguing long journey.

          Mahadev has translated for us your beautiful sermon to the villagers on 20^th ultimo.

 With Love, 

Yours,

 M.K. Gandhi

ON THE WAY TO CALCUTTA

February 19, 1940

DEAR GURUDEV,

          The touching note that you put into my hands as we parted has gone straight into my heart. Of course Visvabharati is a national institution. It is undoubtedly also international. You may depend upon my doing all I can in the common endeavour to assure its permanence.

          I look to you to keep your promise to sleep religiously for about an hour daily during the day.

          Though I have always regarded Santiniketan as my second home, this visit has brought me nearer to it than ever before.

 With reverence and love,

Yours,

M.K.GANDHI

Source:- MSS Section   

EXHIBITION OF RARE BOOKS: 1700-1900

1st MAY – LABOUR DAY

    On the occasion of the 1^st May 1947, International Labour Day, the World Federation of  Trade Union issues an appeal to all workers of the world, men and women.                

     The Trade Unions have acquired an influence and a position of importance in the economic, social and political life of many countries. In some of them, the Trade Union Centres have been able to obtain a large number of claims obtained in the declaration of the World Conference held in London in February 1945, even though the first anxiety of the workers has been to reconstruct what was destroyed by the war and Hitlerian barbarity.

     On the occasion of the FIRST MAY, International Labour Day, the  W.F.T.U  requests all its affiliated organizations to throw all their strength into the struggle against reaction, in order to ensure complete protection for the interests and legitimate rights of the workers.

                   Workers of all countries defend your trade union rights Demand:-

·  That an end be put to exploitation and to social and economic discrimination under all its forms, whether if race, religion or sex.

·        Equal pay for equal work for women and young people

·       The practical application of full-employment and the fixing of the salaries which will ensure the in dependable standard of  living for the workers.

·       Paid annual holidays where this is not applied

·       Freedom of speech, assembly, press and organisation

·       The rooting out of Fascism under whatever form it shows itself.

·       The real [d..sification] of Germany  and the democratisation of Japan

 

     On the occasion of the 1^st of May, 1947, the World Federation of Trade Unions appeals to all workers who are still outside its ranks to unite their efforts to those of its 71 million members in the interests of democracy and peace.

   

    LONG LIVE THE UNITY OF THE WORKERS OF THE WORLD

     LONG LIVE THE WORLD FEREDRATION OF TRADE UNIONS  

Source: AITUC Papers NMML

Centenary of Champaran Satyagraha, 1917

Oral History Division’s Record (Extracts), NMML

Centenary of Champaran Satyagraha, 1917

                  In April 1917, Mahatma Gandhi took up the cause of the poor peasants suffering from the excesses of the indigo planters in Champaran, Bihar. This experiment marked the beginning of satyagraha in India. The British government was forced to set up the Champaran Agrarian Enquiry Committee to address the injustices committed by the indigo planters and put an end to them.

Some excerpts from the Transcripts of the recording of OHD:

Acharya J.B. Kripalani (Gandhian, Parliamentarian and Participant of Champaran Satyagraha)

Dr Hari Dev Sharma:   Now, coming to Champaran, what psychological change Gandhi’s movement brought in the peasants there?

Acharya J.B. Kripalani:  He [Mahatma Gandhi] had gone to Champaran to study the conditions of the kisans there. But the British bureaucracy ordered him to leave Champaran within twenty-four hours. He disobeyed the order and asked the Magistrate to award him the maximum punishment for his deliberate disobedience. The very fact that he disobeyed the law and was willing to bear the consequences, electrified the atmosphere. Nothing like this was known in India. Even Tilak had defended himself in the court of law. So did everybody who was accused on the charge of sedition. Gandhiji’s resistance was a new phenomenon. Added to that was the mode of Gandhiji’s living. He had identified himself with the masses. All that made the peasantry there bold and fearless. They came and gave their evidence and narrated all the hardships they suffered at the hands of the white planters …

                                    The most important persons who worked in Champaran, one was Babu Braj Kishore, the father of Prabhavati Devi who married afterwards Jayaprakash Narayan. He was the oldest politician and had often taken up the cases of the kisans against the planters. Then, there was Babu Rajendra Prasad. Another person who came into prominence afterwards was Anugraha Narayan Sinha who later became the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar. The other lawyers were Dharni Dhar Babu of Darbhanga who is no more, and Ram Naumi Babu of Muzaffarpur who still carries on his legal profession there. Then there was Gandhiji’s host in Motihari, [Babu Gorakh Prasad]. There were one or two other lawyers. They had all come merely to record the complaints of the kisans against the white planters …

                                        Gandhiji’s Champaran campaign had a tremendous impact upon the political life of Bihar which was considered a sleepy hollow …

Sharma:                        Do you think the enquiry helped the peasants of Champaran?

Kripalani:                    The Enquiry Committee consisted of officials and landed planters. Besides, there were one Zamindar and Gandhiji in it. The other companions of Gandhiji helped him to present the evidence that they had collected. It was headed by F.G. Sly who was Commissioner in the Central Provinces. The Report was written out and submitted to Gandhiji. Gandhiji refused to sign it unless certain facts were incorporated in it. This was done and the Report was unanimous. I think, it gave very little advantage to the peasants but that was the beginning of the end. Soon the planters did not find that atmosphere in which they could reign over the peasants. On account of economic reasons also, in course of two or three years, they all disappeared, selling or relinquishing their rights and their properties. So, the whole question automatically solved itself.

Recalling Tilak’s views on this day

Tilak founded Home Rule League at Poona – 28 April 1916

Extract from an address delivered by Mr. Tilak on the subject “Tenets of the New Party”, at Calcutta on 2^nd January 1907 :-

“ What the New Party wants you to do is to realize the fact that your future rests entirely in your own hands. If you mean to be free, you can be free; if you do not mean to be free, you will fall and be forever fallen. So many  of you need not like arms; but if you have not the power of active resistance, have you not the power of self-denial and self- abstinence in such a way as not to assist this foreign Government to rule over you? This is boycott and this is what is meant when we say, boycott is a political weapon. We shall not give them assistance to collect revenue and keep peace. We shall not assist them in fighting beyond the frontiers or outside India with Indian blood and money. We shall not assist them in carrying on the administration of justice. We shall have our own courts, and when time comes we shall not pay taxes. Can you do that by your united efforts? If you can, you are free from tomorrow.”  

Source : B.N.Basu Papers, NMML Archives