Page 96 - GANDHI A Biography for Children and Beginners

GANDHI – A Biography for children and beginners

humanity and secure justice. He could act as an advisor of the Government and

of the Congress if they wanted him to lead them to a world without war.

The Congress was not willing to accept this position. It had not accepted
'pacifism'. It had never accepted the view that Independent India would have no

army, and would not use arms in self-defence. It, therefore, reluctantly and

respectfully decided to differ from Gandhi and offer co-operation to the
Government in its war effort if a provisional Government was set up.

The Government did not care to accept the offer of the Congress. It made a
statement which was a virtual incitement to communal and obstructive

elements to persist in obstruction. It virtually assured them that the progress

towards self-government would depend on their consent.

Congress felt insulted and humiliated. The country too felt that its hand of
friendship and co-operation had been rejected. Some kind of protest was called

for, even to protect national honour. They did not want to disrupt the war

effort. Nor did Gandhi want to embarrass the Government when it was fighting
for the survival of Britain and the Allies. Congress turned or returned to Gandhi

and asked him to resume leadership.

Gandhi hit upon a new form of Civil Disobedience, — Individual Civil

Disobedience. Individuals chosen or approved by Gandhi would defy the orders

of the Government by notifying the Government of their intention to do so.

They would address the public and declare that India had not been consulted
before the Government proclaimed that India was at war.

Vinoba Bhave was chosen as the first Satyagrahi. In phases, members of the

Working Committee, Legislators, Office bearers of the party and others offered
Satyagraha in this manner. Tens of thousands were lodged in prison.

Meanwhile, the war was going against the Allies. Country after country had
been overrun in Europe. The soldiers of the Axis powers — Germany and Italy —

were on the shores of the Mediterranean. Britain was fighting a heroic battle

for survival. Japan had entered the war, and had made spectacular gains,

sweeping down the Asian coast. America had rallied to the defence of the

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