Page 21 - GANDHI A Biography for Children and Beginners

GANDHI – A Biography for children and beginners

his father even when his breath departed from the body. He had missed the

opportunity because of his desire for bodily pleasures. He let the bitter lesson

sink in.

His father's death raised many questions for the family. Gandhi had completed

his education in the High School at Rajkot. There was no college in Rajkot then.

So he had moved on to the Samaldas College at Bhavnagar. But there he found
studies very difficult. All subjects were taught in English. He found that his

knowledge of English was not adequate. He did not know what to do. The

family needed his support. He had his own wife. One suggestion was that he
should look for work or go to Bombay to study. Some friends of the family had a

different idea. It would be good if someone from the family could maintain the

tradition of serving as the Diwan of Rajkot or Porbandar. Only young Gandhi

could attempt this. But times had changed. No one could aspire to be Diwan
unless he had sound education. So why should not Gandhi go to England and

qualify for the Bar ? It would be a prestigious qualification, and would open new

avenues. The idea appealed to Gandhi. It was an opportunity and an escape.

England had its own attractions at that time. To be educated in England was to
receive a passport to the circles of the elite.

But there were many hurdles. The money had to be found. Elders, particularly
Gandhi's mother, had to give her consent. His uncle said he would not stand in

the way if his mother agreed. His brother agreed to make the money available,

if necessary by raising a loan.

The harder task was to get his mother's consent. After much persuasion from

many well-wishers and friends of the family Gandhi's mother agreed to let

Mohandas go to England, provided he took three solemn vows — to keep away

from meat, wine and women. Gandhi took these vows in all solemnity, and
went to Bombay on his way to England.

Gandhi's troubles were not over. At Bombay, he was summoned by the elders of
the caste. He was about to cross the seas and go abroad. This was forbidden by

tradition. So he should desist or face being expelled from the caste and made

an outcaste (denied all social contact with members of his own caste, including

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