Page 47 - GANDHI A Biography for Children and Beginners

GANDHI – A Biography for children and beginners

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Even as Gandhi was preparing himself for the struggle ahead, the Government

nd
of the State of Transvaal notified the draft of a new Ordinance on the 22 of
August 1906. The new law made it compulsory for all Indians, even children, to
register themselves with their finger prints. Everyone would have to carry a

certificate on his person at all times. Those who did not would lose the right of

residence, and would face prison or deportation from Transvaal. The Indian
community was incensed at the thought of their women being stopped and

searched for certificates. So great was the indignation that some Indians

threatened to shoot policemen who stopped or submitted their women to

search.

Gandhi was clear that if the Ordinance became law and the Indians acquiesced,

they and their honour would be wiped out. The Ordinance had to be resisted.

But resistance would bring unprecedented suffering. Would his people stand up
and fight? He convened a meeting of all Indians at the Empire Theatre,

Johannesburg. On the 11th of September 1906, when the time of the meeting

came, the hall was overflowing with people. Haji Habib read out the resolution
drafted by Gandhi. It declared that Indians would not submit to the Ordinance.

They would suffer the penalties that would result from defiance, but would not

submit. Gandhi did not want them to pass the resolution without full knowledge

of the consequences. He told them they might be arrested. They may have to
spend several months in dark and dingy prisons. They might not be able to eat

the food that they would be given. They would be at the mercy of African

warders. They should expect no mercy. They might be assaulted, handcuffed.

They might take ill and die in prison. Their families might suffer. Would they
still pass the resolution and pledge resistance?

At this time, the Chairman suggested that they should pass the resolution with
God as witness. Gandhi's ears stood up. In a flash, he saw a great opportunity.

He asked for permission to speak again. He explained to the listeners what it

meant to take a pledge or vow in the name of God. The resolution ceased to be

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