Page 52 - GANDHI A Biography for Children and Beginners

GANDHI – A Biography for children and beginners

Kallenbach and other colleagues of Gandhi — Indian as well as Western — joined

him. Everyone had to do manual work including the grinding of corn. The

community baked its own bread; had its tannery and shed for shoe-making.
Inmates had wooden pillows and two blankets each. Life was rigorous, but it

was lived on the high plane on which the Satygrahi was expected to function.

Gandhi also dealt with the need to provide education to the children of the

families. His own children were part of the young community that Gandhi tried
to teach and guide. Gandhi conducted his experiments with education and

dietetics both at the Phoenix settlement and the Tolstoy Farm.

Meanwhile, a new King was ascending the throne of England, and the British

wanted to create an atmosphere of good will. They decided to amend and

soften the Black Act, to make it look as though it was not specifically

discriminatory against Indians. They released the Satyagrahis who were in jail.
The Satygraha movement had gone on for four years or more. It was now

decided to suspend Satyagraha and review the next moves.

At this time, the British Government in India encouraged the great Indian
patriot Gopal Krishna Gokhale to visit South Africa. He was a highly respected

figure in the Empire as a great scholar, man of integrity, wisdom, moderation

and high values. He had espoused the cause of South African Indians for many
years, and done so with great force and effect. Gandhi looked upon him as his

political Guru. He, therefore, saw a great opportunity in the visit of Gokhale.

He took personal responsibility for all arrangements and for attending to

Gokhale's needs and serving him in every way. The Government of South Africa
treated Gokhale with great respect. He was received by General Botha, General

Smuts and other ministers. Gokhale got the impression that General Botha had

agreed to repeal the Black Act and abolish the 3 pounds tax. But Gandhi knew

the South African leaders better. He expressed his disbelief.

During the visit, Gokhale got an opportunity to observe Gandhi at close

quarters. On his return to India, he said that Gandhi "has in him the marvellous
spiritual power to turn ordinary men around him to heroes and martyrs. In

Gandhi's presence one is ashamed to do anything 'unworthy', indeed afraid of

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