Page 28 - GANDHI A Biography for Children and Beginners

GANDHI – A Biography for children and beginners

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When Gandhi landed in India he was shocked to learn that his mother had

passed away while he was in England. His brother had hidden the news from

him for fear of the effect that it would have on Gandhi's mind and studies in
England. Gandhi was deeply devoted to his mother. But he absorbed the shock

and wanted to return to Gujarat to start work as a barrister. His brother,

however, took him to Nasik to have a holy dip, — to wash off the sin of having
crossed the seas. On his return to Rajkot his brother also organised a dinner to

pacify the elders of the caste who had declared that Gandhi had lost caste.

Gandhi himself had no remorse, and saw no reason for these 'Amends'.

However, he bowed to his brother's wishes.

It was not easy for Gandhi to set up legal practice at Rajkot. Though he had

passed the Bar Examination in England, he had not studied Indian laws. There

was acute competition. He would not be able to earn what he wanted. The
British Political Agent had turned down his request for help. He decided to

move to Bombay. He enrolled in the Bombay Courts, but could not get clients

because he strictly refused to take the help of touts. Finally, he got a client
and appeared in the Small Causes Court.

But when the time for cross-examination came, he stood up, but could not find

words to speak. His head reeled. He sat down and returned his fees to the
client. He then tried to teach English in a school. The headmaster told him that

he could not be appointed since he did not have a degree from a University.

Gandhi was disappointed. It seemed to him that all doors were closed to him.

How would he earn enough to look after the family, and help his brother to
repay the loan that was taken to send him to England?

He returned to Rajkot and started to earn a pittance by drafting petitions and
memorials. This did not give him enough income. Nor was it in keeping with the

status that he had acquired as a barrister who had returned from London. He

was at his wit's end, and could not see the way forward.

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