NEWSLETTERS FROM LONDON
SENT BY SAVARKARDURINGAUGUST 1906- NOVEMBER 1909 |
Preface
Vinayak Damodar SAVARKAR, popularly known as Veer
Savarkar was the unsung hero of the Indian freedom struggle against the British
rule (1906-47). He made an outstanding contribution to this great cause.
Leaders like Gandhi, Nehru and Bose adopted Savarkar’s main philosophies, but
many years later. At the time of the Indian independence in 1947, many
prominent leaders of the Congress Party, including its President, were members
of Savarkar’s secret revolutionary society, called The Abhinav Bharat. He was
the main source of their inspiration and, yet, was never given any
credit for this.
Savarkar suffered terribly for 27 years at the hands
of the English rulers. He spent
10 ½ years of hard labour in jail, in Andaman Islands,
1,000 miles off east coast of India, followed by further 3 years in various
jails in India and then 13 ½ years in internment there as well. Despite having
suffered this appalling persecution by the British rulers, Savarkar had the
greatness to proclaim, “ I never hated the English just because they were
English.” He sincerely believed in the universal brotherhood of man.
In prison,
Savarkar also faced religious fanaticism from Muslims. Although he was in a
helpless condition, he fought against their tyranny and defeated them and in
the end won their respect. Yet he said in 1927, “ I never hated Muslims nor
even despised them.” He was truly a Humanist.
During his internment of 13 ½ years, Savarkar was
forced to live in a remote place called Ratnagiri and could move within the
district but was forbidden to take part in politics. Undaunted by this, he
concentrated on the task of social reforms and had to fight against the
entrenched attitudes of orthodox people. By 1933, with his sheer
resourcefulness he had managed to achieve four incredible social changes in
Ratnagiri.
* Removal of the practice of untouchability.
* Dining together by Hindus of ALL castes, including
untouchables.
* Opening up of a new temple for ALL Hindus including
untouchables.
* Running of a Café open to ALL Hindus including
untouchables.
After his
release from the internment in 1937, Savarkar fearlessly opposed Gandhi’s
policy of perpetual capitulation to Muslim demands, as it was clearly proving
to be disastrous to the nation. For this reason, Savarkar was much
misunderstood and maligned, which unfortunately continues to be the case even
today. But unlike many public figures of his times, he did not abandon his
principles to suit the public mood.
The Newsletters
While in London
as a student (1906 -1910) Savarkar sent 43 Newsletters surveying current
affairs and how they affected Indian freedom struggle, delineating strengths
and weaknesses of the British and the Indian people. These were published in
the Marathi papers Vihari (of Bombay) and Kal (of Pune)
Unfortunately
they are all in Marathi. I have therefore decided to translate them into
English for wider spread of his thoughts.
Savarkar touched
on many contemporary events such as The Suffragette Movement of women in
England, Passive Resistance (Satyagraha as Gandhi called it later) being tried
in France. Indians had a lot to learn from both. He also tells us of the
repercussions in 1907 of the Indian War of Independence 1857. He gives details
of celebrations of birthdays of Shivaji, the 17th century Maratha
king, and Guru Govind Singh, the last Guru of the Sikhs.
Savarkar came to
London on 3 July 1906, registered with Grays Inn for his legal studies, sought
permission to attend debate on Indian budget in the House of Commons, and sent
his first newsletter on 17 August 1906.
Savarkar’s last
newsletter is in November 1909 and relates to celebrations of Vijayadashami,
the day when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after exile in forests for 14 years.
One Barrister Gandhi was in the chair. He praised sacrifices made by Savarkar.
At that time no one would have thought that just a year later Savarkar would be
sent to transportation for life twice to Andaman Islands, spend 11 years
there, then 3 more years in Indian jails followed by 13 ½ years in internment
in a remote Indian town called Ratnagiri, while Gandhi would become Mahatma
Gandhi in 1920.
In 1909, Savarkar
was seeking ‘Absolute Political Independence for India’, whereas Gandhi was
singing ‘God Save the King.’ Nearly two decades later Gandhi said, “An
Englishman will never respect you unless you stand up to him.” Savarkar has
been saying that since 1907.
By strange
coincidence, in 1924, both Gandhi and Savarkar were in Yerawada jail (near
Poona). But they were not allowed to meet. Gandhi was kept in the European Wing
and treated as a Class ‘A’ prisoner, while Savarkar was treated as an ordinary
convict. In January 1924, Savarkar was released on two conditions namely
(1) He will not
take part in politics
(2) He will stay
within the confines of Ratnagiri District.
Gandhi was
operated for appendicitis and released unconditionally on health grounds in
February 1924.
In February 1927,
Gandhi was on a tour of Maharashtra. As Savarkar was ill Gandhi with his wife
Kasturba called on Savarkar and his wife in Ratnagiri.
A request for
the reader.
Nearly a century
has passed since these newsletters came out. It is expected that the reader has
read the book Inside The Enemy Camp in which Savarkar had outlined the
political movements in India and London from 1857 to 1906. Reader would find it
easy to understand the issues by first referring to the Appendices A and B.
-----------------
The newsletters
were published in Samagra Savarkar Vangamaya (Complete works of Savarkar)
Volume I (Autobiography part I), part 5 – Londonchee Batamipatre. I have
used the abbreviation SSV
Editor’s Name –
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
Place of
Publication – Mumbai (Bombay), India
Publisher – Veer
Savarkar Prakashan
Date of
publication – 1993
Savarkar’s Newsletters
No
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Title
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Year |
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1906 |
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1 |
17 August 1906 |
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2 |
28 September 1906 |
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3 |
5 October 1906 |
|
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4 |
26 October 1906 |
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5 |
2 November 1906 |
|
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6 |
23 November 1906 |
|
|
7 |
20 December 1906 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1907 |
|
8 |
4 January 1907 |
|
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9 |
8 February 1907 |
|
|
10 |
15 March 1907 |
|
|
11 |
15 March 1907 |
|
|
12 |
12 April 1907 |
|
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13 |
22 April 1907 |
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14 |
17 May 1907 |
|
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15 |
10 June 1907 |
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16 |
19 July 1907 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
1908 |
|
17 |
18 February 1908 |
|
|
18 |
29 May 1908 |
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19 |
5 June 1908 |
|
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20 |
31 July 1908 |
|
|
21 |
7 August 1908 |
|
|
22 |
14 August 1908 |
|
|
23 |
21 September 1908 |
|
|
24 |
5 September 1908 |
|
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25 |
2 August 1908 |
|
|
26 |
16 October 1908 |
|
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27 |
23 October 1908 |
|
|
28 |
13 November 1908 |
|
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29 |
27 November 1908 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1909 |
|
30 |
15 January 1909 |
|
|
31 |
22 January 1909 |
|
|
32 |
15 February 1909 |
|
|
33 |
26 February 1909 |
|
|
34 |
5 March 1909 |
|
|
35 |
9 April 1909 |
|
|
36 |
30 July 1909 |
|
|
37 |
6 August 1909 |
|
|
38 |
13 August 1909 |
|
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39 |
20 August 1909 |
|
|
40 |
27 August 1909 |
|
|
41 |
10 September 1909 |
|
|
42 |
17 September 1909 |
|
|
43 |
26 November 1909 |
* SSV means Samagra Savarkar Vangamaya (Complete works of Savarkar) Volume I, published by Balarao, Personal secretary of Savarkar in 1993.
My
fellow countrymen, you follow the path that suits you.
Last week many important
events took place in London. There was to be a debate in the British Parliament
on Indian Budget. Our leaders were anxiously waiting for the result of the
debate. On the day of the debate Daily News and other papers published
Mr Gokhale’s remarks, “ My nation stands expectant.” Mr Gokhale* may have had
high hopes, but they were not the hopes of people of Hindusthan (India).
There are those
who see genuine concern about India in Henry Cotton’s* carping. They saw
progress of India in the debate. But it merely amounted to ‘how much wealth was
looted this year, how much and in what way more wealth would be looted next
year.’ And what was the end result? Which expectation was fulfilled? What did
Mr Morley *, a Liberal leader give you? Our leaders have been begging for
concessions for the last decade. And what did they get yesterday apart from Mr
Morley’s crafty speech? Did he not say that the leaders of the Indian National
Congress are opium eaters? You misguided folks, when are you going to come to your
senses? Would you not realise that it is no good using Sir Henry Cotton’s
speeches as a Barometer and seek ‘self government’ by that route? When will you
feel ashamed that men of all the independent nations are laughing at you?
No sooner the
farcical debate took place in the British Parliament, than an interesting event
took place elsewhere in London. The well-known Social Democratic Federation has
been arranging a series of lectures. On 22 July, Barrister Parekh, who
practices in England spoke on ‘The Recent Persecution in Bengal’. He is the
Vice President of Indian Home Rule Society. He spoke for about an hour. He
quoted some examples of harassment of Bengali students and asked, “ Our people
are harassed in this way and there is no legal remedy to seek redress. So, what
should our nation do?”
“What should your
men do?” exclaimed one listener. He was one of the leaders of Social Democratic
movement. He spoke beautifully and then there was a questions and answers
session. An Irishman (I think he was Irish) said – Like the Irish Nationalists,
people of Hindusthan (India) too should not co-operate with the British rulers
and both Ireland and Hindusthan should support each other for mutual benefit.
This was followed
by a lecture by Mr Harvey. In short, this is what he said - When persecution by
a foreign power reaches its climax and the legal machinery is there only to
help the oppressors, there are only two ways to revive the national spirit. The
first is General Passive Resistance, the second is the formation of Secret
Societies.
Passive
Resistance is an indirect confrontation. But an enslaved nation is generally
not ready to put this method into practice. It needs far more political
awareness, education and enlightenment. This is not possible under the strict
rule of a foreign power. People therefore resort to the second option, that of
formation of Secret Societies. With secret societies we can rapidly spread
patriotism and create a vast network of workers in the field. This is what is
happening in Russia right now and their full-fledged revolution is not far off.
Notes – Savarkar’s remarks were made at the policies
of Indian Moderates.
Gokhale – A Moderate Indian leader from Poona in
Maharashtra.
Morley – Secretary of State for India
Sir Henry Cotton – Retired ICS Officer, one of the
founder members of Indian National Congress
After Mr Harvey
another lady spoke. She was calm and dignified and the way she delivered her
thoughts impressed me. I think she was also Irish. She compared Russia with
Hindusthan and said, “ I feel sympathy for all the oppressed people wherever
they are in the world and I will not feel happy unless they are all liberated.
One English
gentleman rose and suggested to Mr Parekh that Indians should donate money to
the Labour Party so that when it comes to power they will help the cause of
Hindusthan, as if the financial help given to the Liberal Party all those years
was not enough. The Sahib was soundly ridiculed.
Finally the
Chairman said, “ People of Hindusthan need to work in their own country. It is
no good sending delegates to England to tell the Englishmen about the
conditions in India. It is futile to expect results by helping any political
party financially and hope that when it comes to power it will help the cause
of India. It is despicable that Mr Morley should talk about freedom of speech
and writing in India, in the British Parliament and should at the same time
allow the current persecution in Bengal.”
Thus, we found
two medicines for ills of Hindusthan. One bottle was given to Mr Gokhale by Mr
Morley in the House of Commons, another bottle was offered to Mr Parekh by Mr
Harvey in the Chandos Hall. My fellow countrymen, you take the medicine that
suits you, follow the path that is suitable for you.
17 August 1906
There is a public
saying – ‘Big palace, elegant looking from outside but empty and decayed from
inside’. England is in a similar position. Many get carried away by the pomp
and show of the British Empire but do not know how hollow it is. We in India
six to seven thousand miles away fear the might of the British. Many
feel that England could exercise control not only over the 300 million people
of India but the rest of the world too. Many feel that England is a paradise, a
Kamadhenu*. But what is the real situation? Seats in British Parliament are
sold for money *. Thousands of people are starving. There are riots by the
unemployed. Corruption, making false statements and deeds of brutality are so
common that people do not even demand public enquiries.
At every public
place and at the entrance to historical monuments, a big notice is displayed –
‘Beware of pickpockets.’ What does this indicate? The pickpockets are
widespread. But then who is not a pickpocket in England? It would have been
much better if the slogan was displayed on every country kept in subjugation by
England.
The fear of
English pickpockets is not restricted to England alone; all countries of the
world fear them. One can say that the English are expert at it. They behave
professionally in this. They abide by their principles. Pockets are of two type
– that of an individual and that of a nation. The first has already been dealt
with. To describe to Indians how clever the English are at becoming
‘pickpockets of nations’, is to admit that the ‘Natives’ do not know about this
character of the English.
During the Zulu
war the English behaved worse than animals. And this is being reported by the
English papers themselves. A Zulu woman was consoling her crying child. All of
a sudden an English soldier appeared. He said, “Don’t worry madam. I will
silence him.” And he shot dead the baby. I am giving this as an example of
their barbarity. English soldiers themselves are writing to English newspapers
about hundreds of such examples.
During the Boer
war, there were rumours that the Boers were supplied with arms from England.
But it was soon revealed that such ‘virtues’ were also discovered during the
Zulu war. It was proved that the Zulus were supplied with rifles by the
English. Not only that the Military Commission of enquiry found that there were
many corrupt practices involving huge amounts of money. Hundreds of such
examples show how rotten England is from inside. But, our people get carried away
by the first impression of show of strength of the British Empire and despair
for our future without realising how hollow their show of strength is.
The English are
rotten mentally as well. Once upon a time they may have had some virtues, but
they all have vanished now. Any Empire shows signs of decline at some stage, so
is the English Empire and they are aware of this. Many in India feel that the
--------------------------------
Notes – Kamadhenu – a mythical cow who would fulfil
wishes of her worshippers.
* ‘Peerages for sale’ had been a news item for the last century. See The Times (of London) of 14 March 2006, Editorial on page 19. David Lloyd George, the British Prime Minister during 1916 - 1922 was notorious for selling Peerages for money. A Prime Minister could appoint new Lords who would enjoy the privileges of House of Lords, and so would their progeny.
that the people
who have never seen even a broken sword or a damaged ship, should
be frightened by
the ‘Maxim’ rifles and warships of the English. But when we consider how
expansive the British Empire is we realise how insufficient their military
power is.
If Germany
invades England they will be far stretched to defend themselves. How can they
control Egypt, Ireland, Zululand and other territories? Most of all Hindusthan!
The land of Shivaji, Rana Pratap, Guru Govindsingh. And to control them
indefinitely? How can this be done? Until recently the English could rely on
the loyalty the Indians to the crown of, but when they become loyal to their
motherland, how can the English control them? Mr Seeley wrote in his
book,’Britain cannot sustain its rule over India even for one day. British Navy
would not be adequate. The English know that their empire is doomed. They are
merely trying to delay its demise as long as possible. It is simply a matter of
delaying tactics. The English are not very strong physically as we imagine.
Only a select few are sent to India and we imagine that the rest of English are
similarly strong. But in fact there is no physical difference between ordinary
Indian and ordinary Englishman. This was witnessed when Indian soldiers
(Gurkhas, Sikhs and Marathas) came here in 1901 to participate in the
coronation ceremony of King Edward the VII. Our soldiers are in no way inferior
to English soldiers. In fact they are superior in toughness to the English.
Indians are deficient in their patriotism and are therefore working for the
English.
The English are
rapidly declining in physical strength. Standards of height and weight for new
recruits were set some 25 years ago. But today even 10% of recruits do not
reach those standards. So the standards are reduced. Lord Roberts, the
Commander in Chief of the British Army has angrily commented that the English
youth are running away from the life of a soldier and are more interested in
comfortable life in commerce. He is therefore going to start a ‘Rifle club.’
His comments are being discussed in many papers. Everyone is suggesting means
to face the physical decline of English youth. They are really scared. Added to
that are the movements of the Ireland, Egypt and India. Germany’s moves in
Turkey are causing concern. The English know that the English Army and Navy
once produced fear in the hearts of Indians. But today they know how much both
forces have deteriorated. If Ireland and India have serious agitations and
there are external pressures, existing army would not suffice to defend half of
Britain. Therefore everyone is seeking a remedy.
Daily Mirror is published from London. Its circulation
runs into hundreds of thousands. This paper is very popular among youngsters.
Therefore a series of articles is being published in it. Decline in physical
characteristics was discussed in detail. It was pointed out that with the
freedom movement in Ireland and India things are going to be very difficult and
therefore England needs to produce soldiers for defending their own country.
Everyone from Lord Roberts* to the editors of newspapers accepts that a
volunteer army needs to be raised. Some demand imparting compulsory military
training. Some say that military training should be made so popular that young
men would be eager to go for military training.
A Military
Officer writes in the Mirror - The main route would be to form a habit
of physical exercise and fitness at young age. Once this is done they will
continue that habit for the rest of their youth. It is very difficult to start
physical training at the age of ----------------
* Lord Roberts – Commander-in-Chief of the British
Army
20, but if the
same is given at the age of 14, human body takes shape wonderfully. But once
the muscles and bones become stiff, it is difficult to make them flexible. So,
many argue that physical education must start at the age of 14.
But mere physical
training is not sufficient. Military training must be given at the same time.
And thus a Volunteer Army can be formed.
We Indians have
some crazy ideas about military training. We feel that it is a very
complicated, dangerous and difficult task. Many feel that it takes ages to
train a soldier. But that is a fallacy. It is very easy to train a soldier to
defend the country. Any one can be trained to be a soldier and it needs neither
high intelligence nor time. Even a dumb uneducated Englishman can be trained as
soldier. In the words of The Spectator, “ Soldiers can be thoroughly
trained in six months and made to enjoy their training instead of dragging
through* it as they do it at present.”
“Military
training involves three main aspects. Horse riding, shooting and drill. Out of
this, drill is no longer vital, tenacity is required. All the three qualities
can be taught and developed easily at young age. Generally it is much easier to
teach boys than young men how to shoot or ride a horse. Once this is done at
the age of 14 or 15 they develop a taste for soldier’s life. They then spend
more time on physical exercises and horse riding than playing cricket. And they
would develop the capacity to fight for freedom of the motherland.”
The Daily
Mirror says, “ Thus we
can form a nation of soldiers. What can be matter of more satisfaction than the
fact that every youngster will be fit to sacrifice his life for defending his
motherland?” The paper has suggested the formation of a Boys Army for Britain
and has asked for volunteers among its readers. Soon after, the paper published
an article – A striking and patriotic response to our proposal. It read,
“ A patriot has
offered to teach a batch of youth of 14/15 years, shooting, horse riding, drill
and use of swords.”
Thus it is no doubt that a Youth Army will be
formed. And for what reason? ‘In case a foreign enemy invaded our shores every
Englishman should to be in a position to assist in expelling the invader.’
It is a divine
inspiration that everyone should join in a battle for defending the country’s
freedom. Vitality of a Nation is its political independence. Once this is
achieved, the nation is prepared to progress. It all depends on necessary physical
and mental training of its youngsters. But many short-sighted leaders ignore
this training. The weak will not survive in this world. Every nation needs to
raise such ‘National Youth Armies.’ It is very easy to do. And what are we
doing in India? Playing cricket!!
28 September 1906
---------------
* He means formation in files, drills, marching,
right turn, left turn, about turn, quick march, marking time, saluting seniors,
standing to attention and such mundane activities. When there is nothing more
than these all day, soldiers get bored.
Last week Indian
affairs caused a sensation in London, like of which had never seen since 1857.
I do not say that the Englishmen had totally forgotten us since 1857. I do not
deny that persons like Sir A O Hume, Sir Henry Cotton and Wedderburn* have been
enjoying our hospitality. Modern day Mazzini Mr Gokhale, C.I.E had nearly
conquered England, that too, I accept. But no sooner Gokhale’s mission was
declared a success in the newspaper ‘India’ than the ill-omens began.
Gokhale had a close encounter with Mr Morley and had assured him that there is
no sedition in India. After reading about Mr Fuller’s* resignation, Gokhale had
also assured the reporter of Daily News, ‘The public opinion will come
to normal state.’ It was obvious that the agitation was only about Mr Fuller.
Indians were not agitating because of looting of their wealth of 400 millions
of rupees every year by Britain. They were not agitating because Indians starve
to death every year in the same number as died in the recent Russo-Japanese
war. They were not agitating against slavery. Their agitation last year was
only against Mr Fuller. Now that he has rendered his resignation, people will
be quiet, no matter if the fetters don’t loosen by the smallest amount. Having
assured thus Mr Gokhale was to return to India. He said in public and believed
himself that the British Raj was ‘public dispensation.’ And all of a sudden
came a telegram – King Edward was deposed and Babu Surendranath* had become the
King of India.
As soon as the
telegram was published in the evening papers, the whole London was rocked. Some
were startled. ‘Today morning India was under our rule and within 12 hours it
was taken over by a Bengali Babu – some could not take food. Merchants were
concerned about their trade. Pensioners were concerned about their pensions.
Sir Henry Cotton and Wedderburn became anxious – what will happen to India
now?
Indian members of
the British Committee of Indian National Congress became more restless about
the Indian news than the Englishmen, and could not sleep. They were all told by
Gokhale that the British Raj had been a God given gift to India and we
should pray for its eternal survival. But what will God say if he hears the
news of Surendranath Banerjee having defied the British Raj and has been
crowned King. Then, the only consolation is that English do not worship murtis
(idols), so their God does not have ears. But Sir Henry Cotton does have ears,
what do we do with that? He must have heard this news from India itself and he
would have become angry – for the benefit of Indians of course. When Sir Henry
Cotton got angry it does not matter what God felt. So, what a sin has
Surendranath committed! To expiate his sin Mr R C Dutta* sent a letter to The
Times, not just one but two. He wrote, “ Brahmins gave their blessings to
Surendranath, such ceremonies are celebrated all the time in India and there is
nothing to worry about. Surendranath has recently become arrogant and therefore
such laughable events take place. I do not know why Surendranath should be so
eager to seek blessings from Brahmins etc.” He signed the letter R C Dutta. But
then he thought – what is it that I have got that will make the Englishmen take
notice of my letter? After a little thought he decided to add – Late (former)
Civil Servant, a good slave and most obedient servant.
-------
* Sir Hume, Cotton and Wedderburn – former ICS
officers who had served in India
* Fuller – On 16 October 1905, Bengal was partitioned
and Sir Fuller was appointed Lt Governor of East Bengal. He was forced to
resign due to furious public agitation against him.
* Surendranath Banerjee – a moderate Indian leader
from Bengal.
* R C Dutta – an Indian from Bengal who had joined
the ICS in 1868.
This settled the
commotion in London, and then English took some courage. They realised that
India was not lost and everyone started to congratulate Mr Dutta.
But when
difficulties arise they also start to mount. Something more serious happened. Daily
News printed news that in Bengal the police had discovered a secret society
named ‘Golden Bengal.’ Its branches are widespread. They (secret society) have
recently published a leaflet in which they say – Why Cry? Drive out the Saheb.
During his coronation speech Surendranath said, “The sugar from England
contains the blood of cows and pigs.” Thus the events of 1857 are repeating
again. In the frivolous paper Vande Mataram it has been printed, “ They
(The English) desire to make the Government of India popular, without ceasing
in any sense to be essentially English. We desire to make it autonomous and
absolutely free of British control.”
This article in
the Daily News has really set the English to panic.
It is said – if
you fear a demon, he will indeed be behind you. Here are extracts from some
British papers --
Daily
Chronicle, in its
article, ‘Hindu Unrest’ writes – “The coronation of King Banerjee in Bengal is
the climax of political unrest in Bengal. He is a typical Babu, a frothy
speaker with no backing of judgement or character. The cry ‘Vande Mataram’
has a seditious meaning attached to it. The Partition of Bengal was the
greatest mistake of Lord Curzon etc.”
Daily Mirror sent its reporter to Dadabhai Naoroji*
and asked if there is going to be an uprising in Bengal. He said that it all
depends on the attitude of the government, but there would be no uprising.
Daily
Telegraph wrote – “He
(Surendranath Banerjee) has just surpassed himself by being crowned and
anointed king, whether of India or of Bengal only is not stated. In the old
days the shift of such an impostor would have been short. The Government would
either have clapped him under restraint as dangerous lunatic or ended his days
in summary fashion. But now Banerjee’s neck is quite safe. … mined up with the
Swadeshi movement this is a vague, elusive nationalist feeling, which is
fostered by a cheap national press. None can form any clear idea as to how much
of this would inflammatory oratory, is merely the talk of Banderlog.”
The Standard contains a long article. It says, “ It
appears that we are on the eve of an eruption, which, though it might take a
different form, would be hardly less deplorable than the storm that was brewing
half a century ago. There is certainly an active and malignant agitation
against the government. Sedition is openly preached and authority defied. To
the cry of ‘India for Indians’ has been added the watchword ‘Down with the
master foe.’ The coronation of Babu king cannot be overlooked, etc… “
The paper further
says that this will not be of any benefit to India. Indians will not get the
concessions like jobs which they enjoy under the British Empire.
Daily Graphic has published an article on Emperor
Banerjee, with his picture.
----------
* Dadabhai Naoroji – a prominent Moderate Indian
leader from Bombay
The information
in the paper Vande Mataram is reproduced in most papers.
Daily News contains an additional article, this time
from Sir Henry Cotton who says that now Britain must grant some political
concessions to Indians. Without this, the faith and loyalty of its educated
section of population will be shattered.
The Times has also written extensively on the
subject. Two prominent papers of Scotland have also warned of a forthcoming
revolution.
One Sanskrit
scholar has tried to find meaning behind the slogan Vande Mataram. He
says the word Mataram implies Mata or the Goddess Kali, the one who kills.
Therefore the slogan implies – Oh Kali you totally annihilate the English.
Now, why are the
English having such bad dreams? We Hindus believe that God does what is in his
mind. We have not become arrogant to ask God – you do this. He is capable of
destruction or protection in an instant. We do not wish him to annihilate
anyone. We will bow to God who will do what he wills. One thing is certain; we
as a nation are progressing towards our goal. But why should the English fear
that we have a network of secret societies or that there will be mutiny
tomorrow? We are not Russians to form secret societies. We are Indians and our
leaders have been swearing on oath that the British Raj is a divine
dispensation*. That being the case it is not possible that we would have a
network of secret societies or rebel against British Rule. Whatever the case,
we should remember the suggestion by a journalist. He says that Muslims are
suffering as a result of Swadeshi and therefore we (Hindus) should abandon that
movement, and instead seek friendship with Muslims.
Thus there is
extensive debate on Indian affairs. Tories (Conservatives) suggest that the
rising unrest in India should be crushed with force and make British Rule
permanent. Liberals on the other hand plead that the use of force at this stage
will make matters worse and therefore, some political concessions should be made
to make British Rule permanent. Though there is a difference of means, both
parties are eager to make British Rule in India permanent and unshakable. Sir
Henry Cotton wants to suggest that even the Hindus too want the same, and has
praised Mr Gokhale and Dutta in his quotation and said that it is these two
leaders who will ultimately benefit India – this means creeping reforms under
the British Empire.
Hyndman, in his
paper Justice, has written – At last England is concerned for welfare of
India. The present agitation is ‘The beginning of the End’. Where truth is –
success follows.
5 October 1906
-----------
* Indian Moderates propagated the view that the
British Raj was a divine dispensation
Flocks of Sheep of Indian National Congress
Once calamities occur they come from all sides. God alone knows
what is in the horoscope of England. Whatever they touch as gold turns to dust.
Ireland, India, Egypt – wherever they look they see inauspicious stars. To keep
peace in Ireland they promised them Home Rule. But instead of satisfying the
Irish it made them more irate. In Egypt, they imposed heavy prison sentences on
the agitators, and instead of steadying the situation it simply made it worse.
In India, the Swaraj movement, under the leadership of Surendranath Banerjee is
in full swing. This is enough to make anyone scared. This is evident from the
extracts I sent from English newspapers. But one thing bad happened in India.
No matter how childish the activities of Indians were, as long as Sir Henry Cotton
was caring for Indians there was no need for concern – that had been the
attitude of the English. The Indian National Congress had garlanded Sir Cotton.
And he too proved worthy of their trust. He has no enemies. It is said – While
In Rome do as Romans do and Sir Cotton too has been behaving like other sheep
of the Indian National Congress. But just recently he slipped a little.
Englishmen are bound to be angry after hearing about activities of Surendranath
Banerjee and Bipinchandra Pal, but they do not show their anger in public. Sir
Cotton was speaking at the funeral service of Badruddin Tyabji and lost his
temper. He praised the loyalty to British Crown and moderation of past leaders
and asked the present generation to do the same. He said,” Some of you are now
going to the extreme and are demanding complete independence; you say that you
want to get rid of the British rule completely. Please don’t do that. Whatever demands the Congress is making are
fair. But to say that you want to completely remove British rule over India –
is disastrous.” There were some anti-Cotton slogans. Sir Henry again said, “ I
say again. That demand is ruinous.”
Well, at least he has shown his true colour. The earlier, the
sheep of Congress realise this, the better.
As I had said
previously, Daily News published an interview with Sir Cotton. The
criticism of Sir Cotton in The Indian Sociologist is worth reading.
Many people in
India are demanding independence, so Sir Cotton calls them extremists. But in
England too there is another political movement that can be called ‘Extremist.’
They recently had a huge meeting in Hyde Park. Large number of English women
have joined this new movement. They want political rights at par with men (The
Suffragette movement). Miss Emmeline Pankhurst spoke at the meeting at Hyde
Park. She said, “We know that pitiable condition of women in England is a
result of
our political
slavery. We want political freedom and men folk to co-operate with us for
achieving it. But if they do not give us that freedom, we are quite capable of
snatching it from their hands. If we wish we can bring England to a halt within
a day and seize our political freedom.”
Listen fellow
countrymen, an Englishwoman is saying this and we call ourselves moderate
Indian men!! Never again should any country grind under slavery.
It is natural
that people should be fed up with slavery. It was surprising that we Indians
had not been disgusted with our slavery until now. But now, no matter how angry
Sir Cotton becomes, our slavery is bound to end. Hiding behind presidency of
Dadabhai, Sir Cotton criticised some more militants, Shyamji Krishnavarma being
one of them. Despite the curses against him in English papers the fact remains
that Shyamji is one of the few persons to whom credit for forthcoming bright
future of India, can be given.
Shyamji has
recently awarded ‘Edmund Burk’ scholarship to Mr Pradhan, B.A, L LB. As per
requirements of the scholarship Mr Pradhan recently read his paper on ‘India in
the Future’. It will soon be published. Before describing how our future should
be developed, Mr Pradhan described how the British rule has been worse in many
ways than the rule of Muslim rulers. His paper was detailed, thoroughly
researched and his arguments were forceful. He said, “what peace we see is the
peace of a graveyard. If we have to be grateful to the British for the present
peace, why should we not also express our thanks to death? The only solution to
present malady is complete political independence. It is but natural for everyone
to seek freedom. How can we say that just because it is difficult today, it
cannot be achieved at a later day? Once Italian freedom was a daydream, but the
same has come true. The city of Rome and the Italian Alps are proclaiming to
the whole worlds – seek you freedom. So, to get away from present situation we
must have political freedom. There are two ways to achieving it. We should
spread education and make people aware of political rights. Hindus, Muslims and
other communities should gather together and be determined not to stop their
agitation until freedom is achieved. The English have promised to give us our
freedom when we become capable and deserve it. etc. …. “
Shyamji concluded
the meeting by thanking Mr Pradhan for his wonderful paper.
The meeting ended
after singing the Vande Mataram rendered by the grandson of the Bengal
fame, poet Ravindranath Tagore.*
Oh dear, but what
will happen if Sir Cotton comes to know of Mr Pradhan’s paper? May God bless
him.
26 October 1906
-------------
* Ravindranath Tagore – Indian poet, writer, painter and philosopher from Bengal. Winner of Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913
Snake charmers of Hindusthan
London 5 October
1906. It is Saturday. I had free time, so I went to the Hippodrome. Our people
back home do not know what Variety Theatres are. Let me explain. There is lot
of entertainment under one roof. Singers, Dancers, Acrobats, Bicycle riders,
Body builders, Wresters, Trapeze artists, Magicians and people with similar
skills are present there. A good mixture of entertainers indeed.
As I went in, I
purchased a programme and started to read. I saw in it – Indian fakirs, Hindu
Conjurers. I became curious. They appeared shortly afterwards. Their dresses
and instruments were something new to the English spectators and their show was
new to them as well. Their performance was much appreciated, which could be
gathered from the clapping of hands. We in India are used to such performances.
One charmer made a person disappear from a cage and made him appear again in
the same cage. People were very surprised. Many were looking through their
binoculars and all were very pleased. The performers were well paid for their
work.
Later I saw
presentation of San Francisco earthquake and came home. As I dozed off I had a
beautiful dream. It was like this -
On the stage
of Hindusthan a snake-charmer was making wonderful shows. People from far off
lands were keen to watch. Some nitpickers were looking for any mistakes that he
would make. Some were simply wondering what he would do. He soon received a
challenge in terms of Partition of Bengal*. He showed smoke and fire coming out
of mouths of Congressmen. But spectators did not think much of it, they were
least affected. After a long while, the game of Swadeshi* started. Everyone
started to pay attention. Nitpickers said that the game would be lost. But soon
they were proved to be wrong and others laughed. Then started an interesting
game. In one cage Hindusthan was gripped by poverty, plague, internal
conflicts, jealousy, bad administration and foreign rule. The snake-charmer
intended to remove Hindusthan from the cage and bring it back again out of the
cage free from all the disabilities. Everybody was watching carefully. And all of sudden I woke up. I felt very
sorry and disappointed.
Those snake
charmers from Hindusthan who want to come to the stage of England to seek
advancement of their country should realise that nothing will be gained here by
begging. A beggar has no place on this stage. Not only that, he will become an
object of ridicule. This one lesson must be learnt by our snake charmers.
2 November 1906
----------------
* Bengal was partitioned by Viceroy Lord Curzon in
October 1905. This caused wide spread anger and resentment among Indians.
* Swadeshi - Movement to support indigenous industries in India. Indians were urged to buy Indian goods and boycott British goods. This movement did affect British trade with India.
>> Some 20 years after this newsletter, Gandhi
once said, “An Englishman will never respect you unless you stand up to him.”
This is what Savarkar had preached in this newsletter.
What is the meaning of this?
London 2 November
1906
Discussions are
taking place in the British Parliament about Indian Affairs. It is well known
that Surendranath Babu has been sent letters informing him of this situation.
In one of the letters it was suggested that if the current anti-partition
agitation* is continued with vigour and a series of appeals made to Secretary
of State for India, it is the intention of the British cabinet to annul the
partition of Bengal. As soon as that letter was made public Mr Morley was asked
a series of questions in the Parliament about whether the partition of Bengal
would indeed be annulled. Mr Morley got annoyed by these questions and
declared, “The partition is final. It can never be revoked.” The trouble is
that a politician should never tell the truth clearly. He should always be
vague and make statements that are neither true nor false. He should tell utter
lies but never tell the truth. I am sure Mr Morley knows this very well. After
his recent speech on the Indian Budget, even Mr Gokhale cannot unequivocally
say that Mr Morley tells the truth. Morley says, “ India is getting richer.”
Now, is there any slightest truth in it? Morley is crafty and takes extreme
care not to tell the truth. But it seems recently he lost his temper. Those who
know the consequences of saying that the partition of Bengal will not be
revoked were very disappointed. They felt that they lost the game. It is easy
to tempt a cow to slaughterhouse by tangling a stack of bale in front of her,
but if she knows the truth she will have to be dragged. Moreover, the butcher
enjoys how the cow is deceived. He enjoys the fun. If you were in authority and
say – “The partition will be revoked, today or tomorrow. I will certainly do
something about it,” the result is interesting. The cows of Bengal believed in
such statements. There was the fun of mass meetings, resolutions, and empty
promises by British politicians. Now all this will stop. So, our sympathetic
English friends were really very sorry. They asked to ‘try again’ and Bengali
cows being Loyal are going to oblige.
Mr Redmond, M.P
and one or two members of the Labour Party asked Mr Morley – “Will you present
to the Parliament, the papers relating to partition of Bengal?”
Mr Morley – Those
papers do not contain much information.
Others – So what
is the difficulty in putting forward the papers?
Mr Morley – Those
were presented to Parliament in the past. I do not know the exact date. I was
not paying much attention at that time.
Mr Morley has
full sympathy for India. Even our militants agree on that. But they will be
disappointed to know that the sympathy arose only after he became the Secretary
of State for India. Until that time his mind and pocket were empty. As he
started to draw the salary of Secretary of State for India (of £5,000 per
year), his pocket started to become full and so did his mind – he was fully
sympathetic to the cause of India.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Partition of Bengal.
Bengal Presidency consisted of Bengal, Bihar and
Orissa. Lord Curzon, under the pretext that it was too big a province for
administration, proposed to partition it, to create a Muslim majority province
of East Bengal. Despite strong public opposition, Curzon put partition into
effect on 16 October 1905. This led to widespread public anger and resentment
among Indians against the British. Due to enormous public protests, King George
V was forced to declare in Delhi in 1911 that the partition of Bengal was
annulled.
After the recent
discussions in the Parliament, I met an Indian student. He said to me, “ Did
you notice how Indian affairs are being discussed in Parliament since the
Liberals came to power? If we make petitions after petitions and meet their M.P
s, we will succeed.”
It is indeed our
misfortune that our youth are still such foolhardy. Indian affairs are
attracting attention of the Parliament not because of our petitions or Mr
Gokhale’s deputations but because of the rise of Swaraj Party*. Moreover, we
should remember that it is not the first time that the Parliament is attending
to Indian affairs. After feeling the intense heat of the 1857 uprising, people
everywhere in England, from Buckingham Palace to small villages*, had been
discussing the Indian affairs and paying attention to them.
It is said that
Dadabhai Naoroji is going to Hindusthan to start such fire again*. He is going
to be the President of the Indian National Congress for the third time. It is
interesting to note that he is going to be given a big send-off and many
British M.P s are going to take part. If Tilak had been thus honoured, Indians
would have been delighted. Now why is it that Englishmen are rejoicing the
election of Dadabhai in a similar manner? What is the meaning of this?
Recently one Mr
Pandurang Mahadev Bapat*, B A had published a booklet entitled – Home Rule for
Hindusthan. For daring to make such a demand, Bombay University withdrew his
Mangaldas Nathubhai scholarship. Did Mangaldas specify that only those who wish
to see India permanently enslaved should be given my scholarship? It is but
natural that Indian youth should seek independence. And it absurd to make such
threats. Days are fast receding for making such threats. Soon they will become
ineffective.
23 November 1906
------------------------
* Swaraj Party – Due to partition of Bengal in 1905,
there arose a faction in the Indian National Congress, called Swaraj Party
demanding more action that the Moderates were prepared for.
* Discussion of Indian affairs. What Savarkar says is
true. In 1857, there was a public meeting even in a small town like Bedford,
where I (Godbole) live. Population of Bedford at that time was only 13,413
* Dadabhai – How did Savarkar know what Dadabhai was
going to say in India? In December 1906 Dadabhai did demand Swaraj as President
of Indian National Congress.
* Mr Bapat was a graduate of civil engineering from
Edinburgh University. In 1907, he went to Paris, met Russian revolutionaries in
exile and learnt how to make bombs. He spread that knowledge to revolutionaries
in India.
He was imprisoned by the British several times.
He came to be popularly known as Senapati (General) Bapat.
Streams of Revolution
As per the laws
of nature, revolutions and evolutions are continuous and ever present. When
streams flow down the steep slopes they gather tremendous forces and their
impact is called revolution. The river flowing silently and quietly on plains
is ‘evolution’.
Revolution and
evolution are inter-related, they follow each other. This has been going on
since the beginning of time. In a similar way, we have revolutions and
evolutions in the field of Philosophy, Religion and Politics. Water inside a
pond becomes stagnant, filthy and degenerates. And the same applies to aspects
of other human activities. There is no way out of breaking the pond and let the
water flow. That is the law of nature.
When the water rushes out of an enclosed area and suddenly falls out
with tremendous energy it leads to huge noise and destruction. Later on, its
speed is reduced and then the flow is called ‘evolution.’ There have been
religious revolutions in Christianity (challenges to authority of Pope, rise of
protestants etc) Political progressions (evolutions) are still to follow. Many
selfish and interested parties are preventing this. Political and social
revolutions are therefore necessary. Without them the world will not move
forward and forward movement is natural. These are already taking place in
various countries. So many stagnant waters are awaiting breaking away into
flowing water; many volcanoes are also going to erupt. It will be illustrating
to review the situation in various countries at the moment. Mr Hyndman recently
delivered a lecture on this subject. It is very important. We Indians, if we
have courage, have to learn a lot from it.
First of all Mr
Hyndman reviewed the current political trends and explained differences between
them. Indians may not like his dissertation, because slaves prefer to remain
aloof to reality and don’t like free thinking. He said that the difference
between Conservatives and Liberals is namesake only (insignificant). Both are
illiberal and imperialist. One party is impulsive by nature that is why it
openly gives voice to its inner evil intent. The other party is cunning and
crafty and hides its real intentions.
The first is only
vicious, while the other is not only vicious but also treacherous. This
treacherous party has been in power in England for the last one year. What
beneficial deeds have they done? How are they any different to the
Conservatives? What have they done for Egypt or India? Have they stopped
millions of pounds worth of wealth being looted from India every year by even a
little? So, what difference did their coming to power make?
(I think Mr
Hyndman slipped here a little. One cannot say that no one benefited from the
Liberals coming to power. Take for instance, Mr Morley. We should remember how his physique has
changed. Once, he was merely a bookseller and now that he has a huge salary
charged to India’s account. The difference is remarkable. Mr Hyndman should not
have forgotten the difference.)
Mr Balfour says,
“ Liberals and Conservatives pretend to be different.” Otherwise both are
rascals. Both are getting rotten. But we also see signs of forthcoming
revolution. People’s parties are increasing in strength. They want equality and
freedom not only in England but also all over the world. In Russia, people’s
movement has nearly broken the years of injustice. As I speak, feudal power in
Russia is being broken and the capitalists too would be brought under control.
Every justice loving person would be happy at the victory in Russia. No one can
suppress revolution. The more it is suppressed the more it will spring up.
Revolution leads to progress – like flowing water. It is a sign of vitality. It
is flowing with full speed. It is happening in the East. Now it is unstoppable.
If anybody comes in the way, he will be lifted and thrown away. Revolution will
follow its path. No one should be arrogant enough to stop it. If they do, they
will be blown off like children’s balloons. This not a mere wish. Japan is
witness to this. Fish eating Japanese of small stature inflicted a spectacular
defeat on the bigger looking Russians. That was based on this revolution.
Russia tried to stop it and was blown off. Now the flow has entered China. I
have been told reliably that there is a tremendous public awakening in China.
Education, patriotism, awareness of political power is spreading there rapidly.
But political reform is not the only way revolutionary rapids flow. It is true
that China had maintained its political freedom despite attempts by the Western
Imperial powers, so its revolutionary flow is somewhat mild.
At long last the
revolutionary spirit is springing in India too, which until recently was numb.
We Socialists welcome their struggle. If India achieves its independence it
will in no way be harmful to us. In fact our trade will increase. A shopkeeper
benefits by the affluence of his customers. We should offer every assistance to
Indians in their freedom struggle. Concern for the welfare of all living
creatures is a special attribute of humans. Their (Indian National Congress)
conference is going to be held in December.
We should sympathise with their aims. I request today’s gathering to
declare that when the time comes and the Indians start their political
revolution we would give them full support. (there was huge clapping of hands
at this stage). I have reviewed the revolutions in Asia. Now, there are no
political revolutions in France and Germany but social revolutions are taking
place in those countries and also in England. At present, thousands of workers
struggle in poverty and a few handful rich live in luxury. We must change this
unjust system as fast as we can. We need to change Social economy. In America
too, a similar situation exists. There, millions of people starve. It makes no
difference to people’s misery whether there is a President or a King at the
head of Government. There has to be a revolution to improve the lot of the
masses.
Revolutions are
taking place in England, America, France, Russia, China, Japan, Iran and
Hindusthan. The purpose of revolution is human progress. It is for this noble
aim that they are all welcome.
Mr Hyndman was
given a standing ovation.
My fellow
countrymen, read this speech very carefully in order to grasp it’s meaning.
Until now we
foolishly sought progress by supporting Conservatives and Liberals. Now, don’t
make a similar mistake of looking at the Socialists with the hope of achieving
independence. You can’t get a piggy back on persons like Hyndman. You must
learn to stand on your own two feet. Don’t get carried away by what Hyndman
said. He may have spoken with sincerity and mean well, but time has now come
for you to throw away the crutches and walk on your feet without support from
others. And when you do that and show your capability, not only Mr Hyndman but
also the entire world would praise you. If Mr Hyndman shows sympathy to your
cause, accept it with thanks and grace but never seek it. If you are invited
for a lunch or dinner, attend with self -respect, but never beg for it. Do not
participate without being invited. You find your own food. You progress on your
own. The Lord has given you this wonderful land and blessed it with huge rivers
such as Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Kaveri, Sindhu and Brahmaputra. In this
wonderful land our forefathers have grown not just crops but also gold (yes,
India was known to the outside world as land of gold). But he has put a
condition that YOU must farm this land. If you yourself plough,
the land will
grow crops and even gold. However, should the plough belong to a foreigner, be
it Balfour (British Prime Minister 1902-05) or Morley (the then Secretary of
State for India), it will give rise to disaster, Bubonic plague, famine and
slavery. So, if you abide by the condition the Lord has set, in the next season
India will grow Konihoor diamonds, poets like Kaildas, golden thrones like
Mayura Sinhasana, warriors like Shivaji, whether or not it rains.
Lord Krishna has
said –
Uddharet
atmnaatmanam
Natmnanamavasadyet
Atmeiva atmna
bandhu
Atmeva
ripuratnmah (Geeta, chapter 6, verse 5)
“You progress,
liberate and emancipate yourself. Have faith in your capability. Never demean
yourself or underestimate your potential. You are your own brother, you are
your own worst enemy.”
------------------------
[Note - For centuries India was known as land of Gold. Though there were no goldmines, the country was so rich that it had huge reserves of gold. Hence Savarkar’s remarks – your forefathers have grown not only crops but also gold in this land. ]
20 December 1906
English women and Hindusthani men
If a nation has
political freedom, it leads to progress in many other areas. And one thing
leads to another. A good example is found in the present agitation of English
women.
England was ruled
by Romans for some 500 years and after they left came various monarchs. Later,
since the days of Magna Carta in 1215, the King’s powers were curtailed by the
Barons. Centuries later, the rich businessmen got representation in Parliament.
Now women are demanding a say in the running of their country. We have to learn
quite a lot from their movement. I therefore give the details of the movement.
The movement for
women’s liberation began nearly fifty years ago. Mazzini the great Italian
freedom fighter prophesised in 1870 that the women would demand their rights
in the next
century. Though the movement in England is 50 years old, no one paid any
attention to it until recently. Some broadminded liberals had shown sympathy
for their cause. But everyone thought that it would take decades for women to
achieve their aim. Those who controlled the Parliament looked down at the
movement. But some women leaders carried on with their movement despite
discouraging signs on all fronts. They were hoping that they would be granted
representation in Parliament if they continued to educate the people about
women’s rights, made petitions to sympathetic members of Parliament and
produced leaflets at the time of elections. Women continued their activities on
those lines. Afterwards, in order to bring some practicality to their movement
women started delivering series of lectures. Articles started to appear in
magazines. There were discussions in newspapers. Women were getting more
determined to get elected to Parliament. But, in practice, no political party
was prepared to take concrete steps.
Women were facing
the same old arguments. They are less educated, they cannot become soldiers,
nature has given them very little strength in accepting political
responsibilities, etc, etc. Some women thought that these arguments were true
and started thinking of overcoming the disabilities. But soon they realised
that all these excuses are false. Who is going to relinquish power unless
forced to do so? And it is not just today that these excuses are being put
forward. Until America snatched their independence (1776), were not British
politicians arguing that the Americans were uneducated and incapable of ruling
themselves? The Austrians were saying until recently (1870) that they were ruling
over Italians because they were not capable of handling administration. In
England, did not the politicians proclaim that at present the labourers are not
capable of working in Parliament, therefore they have not been given the
political rights, they will be granted these once they deserve them. So, the
English women concluded that it is they who should decide whether or not they
are capable to run for parliament. They came to the conclusion that they are
indeed capable. Moreover, the disabilities put forward for denying women the
right to vote, are a direct result of not having the vote (franchise) and lack
of political freedom. They argued that it is absurd to say that someone will
not be allowed in a tank unless one is able to swim. But how can one swim
without entering water? We have to say, ‘Oh yes we will enter the swimming
pool.’ You would not allow us to enter? We will enter despite your objection.
This stand of
women leaders attracted some male sympathisers and well wishers. However, they
said, “we fully sympathise with your objectives but you must conduct your
movement within the law and on the lines that would suit well bred women
(ladies). Your behaviour in the movement should be befitting the well-bred
ladies. Women, encouraged by the fact that some men were becoming their
sympathisers, decided to try movement within the Law. Of course, laws made by
men. When the words ’within legal framework’ are branded people forget a
parallel example.
A wrestler, when
facing challenge, says, “you are free to adopt all the tactics, but they should
be within the law.” Meaning that I must know how to face your moves. This is a
usual ploy employed by the oppressors. A slave will never free himself if he
was to abide laws made by its master.
One can quote an
example using our mythology. A demon will never die as long as law books are in
existence. So, he tells the man ,”I perfectly sympathise with you, but you do
one thing, you must not destroy the legal books.” Poor man! He does not
appreciate the implications of this crafty move. He agrees to keep the law
books intact. The demon laughs and shows that he is facing a grave crisis and
tries to show that at time he gets hurt and falls down. At times he is hurt at
sensitive parts. But al long as the Law books are in existence, he never dies.
Poor man, he gets tired and is eventually killed by the demon.
`
During the
Italian freedom struggle, Mazzini realised the danger of ‘working within the
law.’ He therefore burned the law books. Netherlands did the same(they overthrew
the Spanish). Shivaji also did the same. English women decided to do the same.
They declared that we can never succeed if we abide by the laws made by men. We
will break such laws. Men will use force. We have to meet force with force.
Women decided on their action plan.
In the last
election (January 1906)), hundreds of M Ps had promised to promote women’s
rights. However, once the elections were over they all forgot their promises.
This caused a fury among women. But it split the movement into Moderates and
Militants. Among the Moderates are many old ladies, they had a meeting of women
and decided to appeal to the elected M Ps but the militants consisting of young
women declared, “time for old methods of petitions has passed. Time has now
come for practical resistance.” When it came to Practical resistance, the
militants split again. One wanted Passive Resistance, the other Active
Resistance. The latter group attacked the Parliament, got inside and had
skirmishes with the police. Inside the Parliament that was in session, the
women started to have their own meeting and raised the banner ‘Vote for Women.’
Naturally they were arrested and driven out. When charged with disturbing
public peace many said, ’we do not answer your charges because you have been
appointed Judge without the consent of women.’ When asked ‘why did you break
the law?’ they said, ‘That was men’s law, passed without the agreement of
women.‘ They were all sent to prison but released after about one month. Once
again, they started their agitation. A meeting was held in the office of the
paper Tribune. One Moderate lady spoke. In protest rose a Militant lady
and asked, “What have you achieved by your ways for the last 50 years? Did you
ever attract today’s audience? Why do you think there is a lively debate about
our demands in the Parliament? That is the result of active resistance. We are
the real ladies of well-bred families. You are slave women, because you are
content with slavery.”
Within a few days
they attacked an M.P. He had used foul language when describing women. He was
due to speak at a public meeting. These militant women rose on the platform and
started to speak. ‘This man has used foul and abusive language when referring
to women. If you have any shame we appeal to you not to listen to him.‘ They
thus broke the meeting. At the same time, the leader of women’s movement held a
huge meeting elsewhere and declared, “ We will now resort to active resistance.
No revolution has ever been successful without one. We will deal with not just
one but any number of M. Ps and make them cry and repent.“ After this, England
slowly woke up. Papers like The Daily News, Tribune wrote
sympathetic articles. Miss Fawcett, one of the women’s leaders said, ‘ the
country has woken up as it never did in the last 50 years.‘ Another one said,
‘the main benefit was that it awoke the women. All over the country, women are
discussing our agitation. Moreover, these despotic and arrogant rulers will sit
up and take notice only when they see the stark injustice of their misrule.’
A typical example
of how this work continues with unabated determination was seen recently.
Yesterday, a group of 50 women gathered around the Parliament. By Law, when the
Parliament is in session, no public meetings are allowed within a mile of the
building. So, the women deliberately set up their dais near the parliament and
started to speak and shout at the Parliament. When the police came and asked
them to move on, they cursed the Liberal government saying that they made false
promises, are treacherous, scoundrels etc. They rushed inside the Parliament to
protest. As soon as they saw the doors being shut they started shoving and
pummelling with the police. When one was arrested, another took her place. This
went on for some time. One woman came with her child and said, “ Next time we
will all bring our children and then you shovel us. The whole world will
witness what we suffer for bringing up you men.” Many of those who are
arrested, are Barristers, They have refused to budge to the demands of their
fathers, brothers or husbands.
English women!
What would they have done if England were ruled by foreigners? English women
and Hindusthani men!! Oh dear, why did not our motherland become childless?
4 January 1907
Beginning of New Year
Christmas has
just ended and new year began in Europe. In our country, at the time of Diwali,
merchants close their accounts, review their performance over the year and
after considering profits and losses, decide the policy for next year. In a
similar manner, merchants here too do the same. Private businesses decide their
policies on personnel, while national merchants (rulers) decide the national
policy. At the beginning of the year, members of the public institutions also
meet to decide their future policy and decide how they could achieve their
aims. Throughout Europe various institutions and governments have published
their budgets for next year. In France, there was stormy debate about rights of
Pope. At one time it even threatened the stability of the cabinet. But now
everything seems to have settled down. In Germany, there was uproar because the
Kaiser dismissed the Parliament all of sudden. But now he has promised to hold
new elections to pacify public opinion and things are running smoothly. When
Italy became independent of Austrians they were so exhausted by years of
battles that many doubted if Italy would survive. But political independence
gives some special inner strength. Garibaldi knew it, Mazzini knew it and now
they have been proved right. One can only be happy at the progress of Italy.
As in France,
Italy and Germany, England too has produced its budget. Last week, Mr Hyndman
delivered a lecture on ‘New Year.’ He depicted political events in England. He
said, “India, this vast and ancient country has to struggle for its
independence and we are all watching the developments with interest.” One
Indian youth thanked Mr Hyndman for mentioning movement in India. Afterwards Mr
Hyndman said, “ Some 25 years ago, I used to meet Indian youth. They used to
say – your opinions about India are strong and extreme and such violent
statements are incompatible with our moderation. But when I meet Indian youth
today, I feel that my opinions are too moderate. I am happy with this progress.
But don’t think that this merely from humanitarian point of view. It is also
for the material benefit of the workers. English businessmen have become so
arrogant because they have virtual monopoly of trade in India that they are
unyielding and unsympathetic to the plight of British workers. We therefore
feel that if this privileged ground is lost the Businessmen will become more
flexible and meet our demands.”
“As you say,
efforts for your freedom need to be practised in Hindusthan. The huge amount of
money that your moderate leaders spend in England is a waste. The British Raj
is already looting huge amount of your wealth to England. And yet you pay huge
amounts of your money, hoping that some retired civil servants who served in
India, will fight for you in England. Sir Henry Cotton and Wedderburn make you
false promises and you believe in them. This is all deception. I know what our
countrymen are like and must therefore appeal to you not to get deceived.”
In his speech Mr
Hyndman has solved so many puzzles. He has admitted that his countrymen are
deceptive and Indians should not get carried away by their rhetoric. He has
also explained how absurd and impossible it is to change public opinion in
England. There is just one way to change public opinion in England – that is by
constant agitation, without bothering the slightest about British public
opinion. In 1857, who had sent deputations to England or arranged series of
lectures explaining British exploitation of India? But the attention of all
Englishmen was drawn to India by the volcano of 1857, as it was never done by
Gokhale’s lectures. If we press ahead with our action England will pay
attention to Indian affairs even if we don’t ask for it.
Mr Hyndman has
said that it is in the interests of British workers that India should be free.
But be warned. What, if the poor and rich of England agree to share the annual
loot of wealth from India? We can’t take that risk. We must increase our
strength and power. If the Socialists extend their hand of friendship we will
welcome it, but if they turn around, we are prepared to get rid of them too.
Having learnt this much from New Year in England, let us turn to Ireland.
In Europe,
England, France, Germany and Italy are well progressed democratic nations.
Russia does not fall in that league. But their Tsar is no different to the
Russians. When we say that money is taken away by the Tsar it simply means that
it goes from Moscow to St Petersburg. That is all. The money does not go
outside Russia. But the condition of Ireland is far worse. When countries like
Hungary are independent it is only Ireland that is enslaved. When all other
European nations are breathing freely, it is only Ireland that is suffocating.
The Irish do not have their own country, their own flag or even their own name.
It has been reduced to the state that India is. Is it because of this that
Gokhale is preaching that we should be moderates like the Irish? If we really
became moderates like the Irish, India will be free in no time. Let us get some
examples.
The Irish are
refusing to sing ‘God Save the King’, and instead want to sing ‘God Save
Ireland’. Their mother tongue Gaelic almost became extinct under the pressure
from English language. In large assemblies not even 10% can understand Gaelic.
Imagine that in the annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur majority of the devotees
speak English and only a handful speak Marathi – that is how pathetic the
condition of Ireland is. They are therefore fed up and have decided to fight to
finish. Their Swadeshi movement is in full swing. They are also trying Passive
Resistance. They are persuading their men not to drink, not to serve the
government, etc. But some doubt if Passive Resistance would ever achieve
results. Can then ‘No tax campaign’ work? Some have started to answer such
questions. They say, “There is only one way to liberate Ireland. That is to
force the British out of Ireland. But how? By petitions? By lectures? Or by
passive resistance? “ An Irish paper replies, “ That can be done only by
physical force, no matter how many little things can be got by other means,
there can be no substitute for force to achieve complete freedom.” Enslaved
people always think that battles are very difficult. But, the paper adds,
“don’t the Irish die in large numbers due to starvation? Those who are alive
are in slavery and are in reality dead. Are battles that difficult? They do
need discipline.” But we have seen from a recent article in The Mirror
how easy that is.”
The paper
continues, “The essential thing in modern warfare is good shooting.” People who
want to liberate themselves do not need drill as long as they can run fast when
required. This was recently proved when the Japanese Army attacked the
Russians. The Japanese recruits were so raw that they could not even march
properly. Freedom fighters just need ‘will power’. If it is coupled with
shooting skills, success is guaranteed. Even shooting is not that difficult to
learn. The paper continues. “ The boys of fifteen in the Boer ranks were as
effective as grownup men. One Boer boy of that age, young Snyman, took five
regular British soldiers prisoners.” Thus shooting is not a skill it is simply
a matter of practice. But how are the Irish going to get practice? Well, they
can go to America. And in fact, thousands of Irish are going to America to
learn shooting. They have also raised their battalions for liberation of
Ireland.
Does Mr Gokhale
think the Indians should follow this moderation of the Irish?
8 February 1907
The idea of aeroplanes
The idea of an
aeroplane was floated in the last century. But very few thought that it will
develop so rapidly. The 19th century was the century of steam. In the 20th
century electricity replaced steam. Electric lamps and engines were seen
everywhere and have made considerable changes to public life. But now, travel
in air, which was only a dream till recently is now a possibility.
Until recently,
power of the aeroplanes used to be limited. If someone flew 20 miles across the
English Channel that was considered a great achievement. Planes were used to a
limited extent during wars. However, it was nothing more than a novelty. One
would not have imagined that one day planes will change human life. Very soon
planes will be flying all over the world. Credit for this revolution goes to
the French. Man could walk, run or travel on land and also move across the
oceans in ships, but had not rivalled the birds in travel in air. When England
is busy enslaving people on land, it is surprising that the French can think of
travel in air. We are all grateful to
them. Mr Dumand who had been doing research in this subject for number of years
is also working in France. Until now, planes were made only of lightweight
materials. But Mr Dumand has proved that planes made from heavier metals can
also fly. Until recently it had two wings attached to the main fuselage. Mr
Dumand has proved that a single engine plane properly designed can fly just as
fast. This speed is a result of motor force, which has helped to move on land
as well as in air. On both sides of the plane, wings are attached to ride
through air. A balloon with light gas used to be attached to the front of the
plane and it would ride due to the light gas. But now fans are preferred.
Planes with speeds of 18 miles per hour were possible. Mr Dumond has surprised
everyone by saying planes of 100 horsepower capacity are possible and would fly
at 250 miles per hour. Imagine a chariot with beautiful horses and travelling
at 250 miles per hour. This has tremendous military significance.
Now it is not
going to be sufficient to maintain large navies to control the seas, nations
will have to keep ready, fighter planes. France has 80 such planes. Where man
could not walk he travelled by water. Now where he could not walk or travel by
water, he will fly. A pilot has planned to fly to the North Pole and President
Theodore Roosevelt of America is going to bear the cost.
But what is
liberating for the mankind is disastrous for England. The English have been assuming
that because they are an island nation they can only be attacked by sea. Many
had requested the English to agree to a tunnel link across the English Channel
between England and France. This would increase trade. But England had
adamantly refused, because they thought that they were invincible on water. But
now France has built fighter planes travelling at 250 miles per hour and can
reach English shores within minutes. So the tunnel does not matter. England is
at last considering the tunnel for increasing trade with France.
15 March 1907
Generosity of Shyamji Krishnavarma
Shyamji
Krishnavarma is now popular and well known among people of India. He has
recently donated Rupees 10,000 for national benefit. I think the readers would
have heard about this by telegram. Ever since he started his magazine The
Indian Socialist many people in India are curious to hear about this
person. I therefore take this opportunity to give some details of his career.
During his
student days Shyamji achieved mastery over Sanskrit. Swami Dayanand Saraswati,
founder of Arya Samaj was so pleased with Shyamji that he made him his
favourite disciple. Whenever, a dispute arose with opponents, Swami Dayanad
would ask Shyamji to reply to his opponents and would intervene to conclude the
debate, if required. Shyamji became a preacher of Arya Samaj and delivered his
lectures in Pune, Nasik and Calcutta. Many old stewards were impressed by his
scholarship. This included Late Mr Krishnashastri Chiplunkar, Justice Ranade.
Later on when he reached England, British scholars too were impressed with
Shyamji. But the same person is now being cursed by the British because the
scholar has become a patriot. Many Indians were surprised by this change in the
attitude. They had been preaching that by nature the English are freedom loving
and appreciate personal achievements. They should remember that as long as a
bull is prepared to pull a wagon he is praised by his master, but as soon as he
hesitates he gets the whip. In a similar manner, the English praised Shyamji’s
scholarship as long as he was prepared to sing ‘God Save the King’, but once he
starts to preach ‘Home Rule for India’ he is being cursed by the English.
In 1883, Shyamji
obtained his B A degree from Balliol College, Oxford and he also qualified as a
Barrister. On return to India he served as Divan (Chief Minister) of the states
of Ratlam and Udaipur. While he was serving as Divan of Junagad state, trouble
arose. He had done a favour to an Englishman and offered him employment in
Junagad state. But he turned against Shyamji and this led to considerable
headache to Shyamji who eventually went back to Udaipur as Divan and then
suddenly came to London in 1897. He was deeply impressed by philosopher Herbert
Spencer. He realised that he must work for the emancipation of India and began
his political career in January 1905 when he started his magazine The Indian
Sociologist. He was among the few to openly stated that unless India throws
away the yoke of British rule, she will never benefit materially.
The British
Committee of the Congress Party had offered lifelong editorship of the paper India
to Sir Henry Cotton. And now Shyamji started his Indian Sociologist
fighting for India’s freedom.
Apart from these
external changes, the main difference was in the transition of minds of Indian
students. Until now Indian students used to get carried away by pomp and glory
of England, get demoralised and when back in India praise the English and
preach moderation. But The India House (hostel) has been effective in checking
this mental deterioration. If someone says that his address is India House, the
Englishmen say, ‘So you belong to the revolutionary Party!’
Shyamji had
sponsored some lectureships for Indian preachers. He had given fellowships in
the names of Maharana Pratap, Shivaji, Akbar and Swami Dayanand. Barrister Rana
was a great help in this endeavour. The fellowships amounted to Rs
2,000 each. It is
important to regain our freedom, but it is just as important to think how the
free India should govern itself. Shyamji had offered a price of Rs 750 for a
suitable essay.
On the second
anniversary of the founding of Indian Home Rule society Shyamji offered a sum
of Rs 10,000 for preachers to go to all the provinces of India, and promote
demand for (Swaraj) Home Rule for India. The word Swaraj has tremendous
historical significance. It was first uttered in 1646 by Shivaji who overthrew
the Muslim rule. Marathas too used this word and almost liberated whole of
India. They flew their flag right up to Attock (now in Pakistan). As sheer
coincidence Dadabhai Naoroji too uttered the same word as President of Indian
National Congress (December 1906). That day would be written in golden letters.
That is the ultimate goal of all 300 million Indians. Now who can stop us
achieving Swaraj?
Shyamji has
donated Rs 10,000 to support preachers of Swaraj. He says, “It is my desire to
see India becoming independent in my lifetime.”
Dear Shyamji*, let
God fulfil your wish.
15 March 1907
------------
* Shyamji felt unsafe even in England and left London
for Paris in May 1907 and
carried out his propaganda from there. His address was 10 Avenue Ingress,
Pasey, Paris.
On 1 May 1909
, Shyamji was struck off the register of Barristers by benchers of the
Inner Temple. In 1903, he had endowed a sum of 1,000 pounds to the Oxford
University in memory of philosopher Herbert Spencer who died in that year. This
was returned to him in July 1909. The once venerated Sanskrit scholar had
suddenly become a persona non grata
because now he was seeking independence for India.
Shyamji died in exile in Switzerland on 31 May 1930. His wife Bhanumati also died there on 22 August 1933. They were both cremated at St George Cemetery, Geneva. They had no children and like many Indian freedom fighters they never saw their beloved motherland again.
Treachery to motherland
We see many signs
for the uplifting of our country. One symbol is increasing self-confidence
among Indian students abroad. Until now they used to be demoralised by the show
of British power. On their return to India these students would further
increase the inferiority complex of fellow Indians who felt that someone who
had been to England must have some virtues. And when these ‘foreign returned
Indians’ took to external symbols of British way of life, such as dress,
drinking and eating manners, they thought that they must do the same. These
‘returned Indians’ would feel elated by praise by natives of India and would
denounce our feebleness, our poverty and lack of qualities. The British knew
this from the start. Indians now realise that the education imparted by the
English in England was not out of benevolence but with a hidden intent of demoralising.
The (English) East India Company had sent a memo to Lord Wilberforce in London.
In it they said, “We made a mistake in America by opening institutions of
further education there and as a result we lost America. We must not make the
same mistake again. We say to the Hindus – you want higher education, you must
come to England.” What is the meaning of this crafty remark? Higher education,
imparted in India will be harmful but the same imparted in England would not be
so. It can imply that not many Hindus can reach England, but that is incorrect.
It is possible to start an association in Bengal and send thousands of Indian
youth to England. The rulers of East India Company were shrewd enough to know
that. What they meant was that the Indian youth would get carried away by pomp
in England and get demoralised and when they return to India they would spread
the feeling of lack of self-respect and inferiority complex among Indians.
There are many examples of them having used this trick on unsuspecting Indians
and Africans.
In the 1850s,
there was growing unrest in India at the policy of Lord Dalhousie of annexing
various Indian princely states. The
Officers of the East India Company therefore arranged a trip to London of Sir
Salarjang, Nizam’s Divan (Chief Minister). In a similar manner, Maharaja
Jayajirao of Gwalior and his Divan Dinkarrao were invited for a function in
Calcutta. How these three were deceived by pomp and show of strength by the
English and how they betrayed the cause of India’s freedom in 1857 is well
known. We recently witnessed a similar case in London. Some Black Princes from
South Africa had come to London with their grievances. But first, they were
demoralised by the pomp and show of glory and strength of the British Empire
and then they were even asked to shake hands with His Majesty King Emperor
Edward the VII. They were so mesmerised by this that they forgot what they came
to London for and to the newspaper reporters they said that they felt so proud
and great to have the opportunity of shaking hands with the Big white chief.
In the epic
Mahabharata, Shalya was engaged in constantly discouraging Karna. Similar
function was being fulfilled by Indian Sahibs. Really if anyone is responsible
for spreading fantastic ideas about power and character of the British, it is
the Indian students who come to study in England. The only reason we are
enslaved by the English is lack of patriotism among us for last century. But
the English have been propagating that we (Indians) deserve to be slaves and
that they (The English) are born to be rulers. The same theme is being repeated
by Indian students who come here for studies. They would say to our countrymen
that the English are indeed brave, adventurous, determined, scholars in various
fields. They would praise beauty, glory and the atmosphere of England and say
that it is the English weather and nature that makes them industrious and
brave. How many times have you heard that the English are physically giants?
There are those like Anne Bessant who claim that there is no injustice or
immorality in England and that their merchants are honest. Many Indians believe
that the English are far advanced in arms and armaments. For a number of years
our ‘England returned’ students have been telling us that our religion, nature,
strength, intelligence and morality are far inferior to those of the English.
But the things
are changing. Indian students are realising that India is indeed indebted to
mother nature. Our religion, customs, history and energy for revival are far
superior to other countries. It is absurd to reject this truth. Their eyes are
opening. The flame of patriotism, which had become extinct, is burning again.
They appreciate our virtues. Indian students now realise that studying in
England does not mean betraying our motherland, nor does it imply loyalty to
the British Crown. Let me illustrate with two or three examples.
News reached
London of the severe punishment meted out to the editor of the paper Punjabee.
Indians here became furious and were ashamed of their helplessness. As long as
the English have the power to enact legislation and enforce their laws,
moderation or even passive resistance would prove to be futile. Our youth are
earnestly discussing the use of force. Telegrams of sympathy were sent from
India House, Cambridge and Cirencester to the editor of Punjabee. There
was delight for the fact that the English rulers are openly resorting to
oppressive measures that will open the eyes of people in India. A fund entitled
‘Penny Fund’ has been raised to help Punjabee. How sincere are our
students! In Cirencester Agricultural College there are only five students like
Harnamsingh. Even then they have sent eighty rupees. More important is the
change in the attitude. Most are now coming to the conclusion that instead of
sending telegrams of sympathy or raising funds, time has come for a decisive
action.
Many readers
would be aware of the ‘Paisa Fund’ raised by Antaji Damodar Kale, who started a
glassworks in Maharashtra. His name is becoming famous here too. Many feel
inspired by the hard work put up by Kale. It just shows what can be achieved by
sincere efforts. Many Rajputs, Sikhs, Bengalis and Madrasis are proud of Mr
Kale.
He is known by
the term ‘originator of Paisa Fund.’ They are aware that this title is more
important than any granted by the British rulers. Indians here have already
collected fifty rupees and the money will be sent with some reliable person.
Yet another
encouraging example was seen recently. One Mr Deo from Bengal had obtained a
degree of M Sc (Agriculture) in America. He was sponsored by Bengal National
Association. On his way to India, he stopped in London and asked if he could
buy a turban. Someone asked, ‘why don’t you buy one when you reach India?’ He
replied, “When I land in Calcutta, if people see me with a foreign hat, even
local children will laugh at me. Moreover, it is honourable to dress in a
national costume when returning to one’s motherland.” What a significant
statement! Just twenty-five years ago ‘England returned’ Indians despised
everything Indian and were proud to be anglicised and would search for English
hats in Indian markets. And today, Indian students are afraid that they will be
laughed at if seen in western dress on return to India. Moreover they search
with pride for Indian turbans in markets of London.
12 April 1907
London Tower
In Maharashtra
there is a belief that the famous Wagnakhas (Tiger claws) with which Shivaji
the great Maratha hero killed Afjulkhan in 1659* are kept in the famous London
Tower. Our readers would have thought that I would be deeply interested in
seeing those. But I felt no enthusiasm. When teaching philosophy of Geeta on
the battlefield of Kurukshetra (near Delhi), Lord Krishna gave special eyesight
to Arjun. But even then he could not bear the magnificent sight of the entire
universe in the mouth of Krishna and he requested to stop and give him back his
normal eyesight.
I started to
tremble at the thought of Shivaji’s tiger claws. From history we know that those
claws are after the blood of slavery. If I try to peep, will not Shivaji come
out and start shouting and claiming blood of slavery? It was some centuries
before when the claws were actually used. But I was terrified that my loyalty
to the British Throne would be an anathema to Shivaji and if he were to appear,
he would kill me too.
As these thoughts
came to my mind I had the sight of sword of Tipu. And immediately I thought
that I would rather die from Shivaji’s claws rather live in slavery. So I was
very anxious to see those claws. I decided to offer my blood as my homage to
Shivaji and I looked at Tipu’s sword with expectations but it replied, “ Tipu’s
sword is ready but where is Tipu’s hand? Slowly I looked up and saw the claws,
but could not see any glow in it. I moved forward. The information on the glass
cabinet read, Waghnakhe or tiger’s claws, a weapon for concealment in the hand.
It was a similar instrument with which the famous Shivaji destroyed
Afjulkhan, a Vijapur general while entertaining him. These claws are from
Mysore where they were used by robbers.”
Thus, it was
clear cut that the claws exhibited were similar to those used by
Shivaji. They were NOT Shivaji’s claws, and it is not known if they are in
England at all.
I came to London
Tower in search of Shivaji’s claws and was rather disappointed at not seeing
them. But in a way I was relieved. Instead of keeping them in this Tower those
claws should be preserved in India. They should be taken out, only for killing
tyrants and seeking our freedom. They are NOT a showpiece. If you really want
to see them that can be done. When you are prepared to tear away the intestines
of slavery they are given in the temple of Goddess Bhavani at Pratapgad. But
you must be ready for a fight and face a life or death situation.
---------------------
* Killing of
Afzulkhan created a great sensation and spread the name of Shivaji throughout
India.
Published in
paper Vihari
22 April 1907
Be warned
Time passes by.
If you do not hurry, you face death.
Our motherland is
becoming weak day by day. Do you know that the nooses round your neck are
imperceptibly but surely being tightened? Who is coming to save us from death?
Not much time has left. Just 50 years ago our motherland could produce persons like
Tatya Tope, Kuvarsingh and Nanasaheb. Ranjitsingh had dreams of expanding his
domain and our heroes fought the battles of Chilianwala and Kanpur. What of
today? It means that we are rapidly losing strength and have lost vitality in
the last 50 years. On the other hand the disease of foreign rule is spreading
rapidly. Let us look at present affairs to illustrate the point.
Do you want to
know how serious the situation is? Then study carefully the current events in
England and Europe and don’t get carried away by external appearances. Learn to
read between the lines. Think what lies behind the headlines.
Last week,
colonies day was celebrated in England with great enthusiasm. There has been
growing resentment in these colonies against the rule from England. People from
the colonies have been demanding equal rights as English citizens. This
ceremony is held partially to alleviate the growing resentment among citizens
of the colonies and grow affection towards the mother country – England. But
that is not the real reason.
Countries such as
Egypt and India are trying to break free from their shackles. England is trying
to establish friendly relations with its colonies to keep its rule in Egypt and
India, so that in case of any trouble the colonies will help England to keep
its empire.
* The biggest of
the colonies is Canada with a population of 5,766,606. Its Premier is Wilferd
Larier.
* Population of
Newfoundland is 217,037 and its Premier is Sir Robert Baad.
* Population of
Australia is 5,000,000 and its Premier is Alfred Deacon.
* New Zealand has
a population of 888,578 and its premier is Sir Joseph Ward.
* Population of
Cape Colony is 2,400,000 out of this 1,000,000 are white. Its premier is
Jameson.
* Population of
Natal is 2,100,000 out of this 100,000 are white and its premier is Mr Moor.
* The smallest of
the colonies is Transvaal with a population of 1,200,000 out of this 300,000
are white. Its premier is General Botha.
The premiers of
these seven colonies have gathered in London for a conference for the defence
of the Empire. Everyone’s attention was
concentrated on General Botha.
On the second day
of conference, a huge procession through London was organised. The streets were
decorated with floral arrangements and flags of the English colonies were
fluttering proudly. A huge square in front the famous St Paul's church was
especially decorated. Huge flag of Britain was flying in the centre, surrounded
by flags of English colonies. Hundreds of well-dressed people were lining the
streets. They were eagerly waiting for the ceremony to begin. Various bells of
St Paul’s began to ring, and the crowd swung to the sounds of the bells. Then
began the procession. The Premiers started to arrive in open coaches. First one
was General Botha. The crowd cheered – welcome General Botha. The procession
ran up to the Guildhall where they were offered freedom of the City of London.
While accepting this honour the recipient has to take an oath of allegiance to
the British Crown. Using this ploy all the premiers took that oath. And what
was the result of all this? The military forces of all the colonies were wedded
to defending the Empire. After the procession a conference was held and India’s
name was not on the agenda. It was unanimously agreed to defend the Empire. So
said Mr Campbell-Bannerman, the (Liberal) British Prime Minister.
English navy may
not be able to hold down the Indian Empire so they are seeking co-operation
from the colonies. They have proposed a combined Navy, cost of which should be
born by the colonies. As an inducement, they have been offered a Parliamentary
committee and trade concessions. Egypt and India is an easy market to goods
from England and the colonies. In order to maintain this situation combined
Navy is being created so that on one will escape the clutches of the Empire.
Until now only the English were imposing their slavery on India but now her
seven daughters too are going to help.
Of course, this
is not the only move of England. In the parliament Mr Halden has proposed an
Armed Forces Reform Bill. The intention being that no matter what cost English
Army must be maintained at high state of preparedness. Empires which are built on injustice and
imposition of slavery have only one way to keep their power – to increase their
military capability.
The third move is
the visit of King Edward the VII to various European capitals. English Empire
has grown so huge that it cannot be sustained without peace in the world. When
we are not well we do not like the slightest disturbance outside the house.
Therefore Britain proposed at the international conference at The Hague that no
country should increase its Navy. Of course, England is saying this after
having increased its navy threefold. Naturally, countries like Germany and
Austria oppose this selfish proposal of England. Therefore King Edward is on a
tour of European countries. He has already persuaded Spain, now he plans to
visit King of Italy.
Thus, the
intentions of England are quite clear. First, there should be no uprisings
anywhere which will threaten their empire so they want to keep their Army and
Navy at full strength and up to date. Second, if required, the seven colonies
should help in holding down the Empire. Third, other countries should not
increase their navies that may help India.
My fellow
countrymen, we should take note of all these developments. There are those who
propose gradual political progress and achieve independence in a hundred years
times. Hundred years? If the current state prevails for 25 years it will be impossible
to rescue our motherland. I say that time for action is now. By all means make
friends with Ireland and Egypt as fellow sufferers. Remember that justice is on
your side no matter how many countries conspire against you. But do not waste
time.
17 May 1907
Memories of 1857
People who watch
news carefully realise that the news coming from India and comments in English
papers on the same clearly indicate the beginning of a new chapter. 50 years
have passed since the Indian war of independence 1857. It is just for this that
people all over the world have been looking at India in new light. During the
last 50 years, what would have attracted world attention to India? People
satisfied with slavery, outbreaks of bubonic plague, and plenty of beggars. Why
would the world be attracted to us? But the 50th anniversary of the
war has given us new strength. Since January we have been feeling that we are
not dead people, we have something to be proud of. English papers carry news of
1857 war, some publish maps of battles of those days, and some published
sketches showing English platoons, being astonished at the uprising in Meerut.
We Indians at once felt that we were now in 1857. And we can walk with raised
heads when facing the Englishmen. It has also provided a subject on which we
can talk to the English on equal terms. Until now, we were grumbling ‘you take
taxes on salt from us, you shoot us like wild animals.’ These were indicators
of slavery, foreign domination and lack of manliness.
But now we can
say with pride that we rose in rebellion against you, we massacred you in
Kanpur, your officers used to run away from offices in Calcutta even at the
mere mention of Nanasaheb. Our motherland produced a woman like Rani Laxmibai
like of which is not seen in the English history. The 1857 war happened and
gave us something to talk about with pride. It did not leave the last century
without a fight and gave some hope for the future.
Since the year
began, the English are somewhat scared. They are sure that something terrible
is going to happen in the 50th anniversary of 1857. It was kept
secret for a while but began to be discussed openly in public in May. By
coincidence, movement in Punjab grew at the right time. No sooner the English
papers published articles about the 1857 war than came the news of riots in
Rawalpindi. When news reached London of the result of riots caused by the
verdict in the prosecution case of the paper Punjabee, the English got
worried. Then came the news of unrest among Pathan soldiers. This proved that
unrest has spread among Indian soldiers. Just last month Mr Morley had given
assurance in the parliament that there is no real unrest in India. Papers
started to quote Mr Morley and started to comfort themselves. Just then came the
news that in Lahore, Ajitsingh has assembled thousands of people with sticks.
The English really panicked. They assumed that the 50th anniversary
would not go without an incident. Pound fell in currency market. The telegram
about Ajitsingh caused more sensation than thousand lectures by Mr Gokhale.
Reporters of every paper started to find out real information about Indian
affairs. They all started to gather around Indians everywhere, on trains, in
trams and on roads. Attention was drawn to Indian affairs by rumours of
collection of sticks (not even swords or guns) thousand times more than
lectures by our leaders. This is an important indicator. Those who had paid
thousands of rupees to the Daily News on the condition that it should
publish news about India, should note that all the English papers have written
articles on India when news came that Ajitsingh has distributed sticks among
people.
The British
papers are divided into two, Tory and Liberal. Articles in the papers of first
category are very important because they hide nothing and we can read the minds
of Englishmen clearly (without inhibition).
Daily Graphic says, “In India, never since the 1857 war
was our authority or our laws defied as today. The reason behind this unrest is
that Indians want freedom. This unrest is the result of increased taxes – that
is merely an excuse. We must suppress this desire to become independent.
Otherwise the mutiny that will take place now will be far more serious than the
1857.”
Daily
Telegraph has constantly
been scorning Indian affairs.
Some Tory papers
say that the best way to stop this unrest is to ban all printing presses. But
other paper says that such a ban will have exactly the opposite effect. If we
ban the presses, we will be in the dark about public unrest.
Other Tory papers
have become furious, but they do not hide their intentions.
Evening News, in its article Indian Unrest
says, “The trouble which has long been fermenting in India, and which has now
reached the stage of open riot and flaunting of authority is only what might
have been expected from the attitude allowed to certain sedition-mongers in the
past. We have allowed these self-important agitators to say what they pleased
and the natural result has been that considerable section of the native
population has come to believe that we are afraid to punish the insults, which
have been hurled at us. We cannot feel thankful to what Mr Morley seems to be
in the present instance quite agreed with the Viceroy as to the necessity of
muzzling India’s mad dogs. If we have a regret, it is that they were not
muzzled earlier.”
Now this is a
Tory writer. Let us see what a Liberal paper says. Our moderates consider the
Liberals as fatherly figures. To compare British rule with Nadirshah is to
insult Nadirshah. Our people who just curse Mr Fuller, should realise how many
Fullers are hidden inside Mr Morley. We still do not appreciate this. Who has
spent more time in public service than Lala Lajpat Rai? And yet he was not
deported by a Tory but Liberal Morley authorised his deportation from Lahore to
Mandalay in Burma! (A distance of 2,125 miles). When the news of the
deportation was received in London no Liberal newspaper protested. Tribune,
a well-known Liberal paper wrote – ‘We do not question the need of these
measures.’
When the Indian
affairs were being discussed in the Parliament, Mr Morley said, “ It is not
desirable to make Indians feel that there are divisions among us, by holding
such discussions. “
To deport
Ajitsingh and Lala Lajpat Rai, to ban public meetings in Punjab and Bengal, to
ask teachers not to preach patriotism, to imprison anyone at will – these are
all the acts of Liberals. If the time comes, the same Liberals will not
hesitate to blow off Indian villages with guns. Those who preach Passive
Resistance should consider this situation. With the slightest sign of unrest,
this country has resorted to its military might. The awakening in England is
the result of 1857. It is the result of memory of Nanasaheb.
But it is not
just the English who are remembering the 1857 war. Indians too remember it. On
11 May a meeting of Indians was held to pay homage to heroes of the 1857 war.
Thus, by an extraordinary coincidence, both the parties remember the1857 war.
Future will tell what this implies.
Vihari
10 June 1907
Success and failures of Passive Resistance
In France, all
kinds of political questions bloom. ‘King is divine’ that was the slogan once
prevalent there and revolution to destroy the same institution also began
there. In the 18th century, philosophers Rouspean (1712-78) and
Voltaire (1694-1778) prospered in France. ‘The declaration of the Rights of
man’ was also proclaimed in France. Democracy, the new system of government,
which began a new Era and attacked Feudalism was also born in France. Now
everyone is after that system. France had tried so many types of government
from 1789 to 1848 that one wonders if God has created a laboratory in France to
study them and explain their strengths and weaknesses and for conducting
political experiments.
They had
Uncontrolled Monarchy, Controlled Monarchy, Anarchy (no king), Monarchy
appointed and controlled by the people, government of people’s representatives,
combination of monarchy and democracy and after all these experiments they have
now settled with the present Democratic Form of Government which has lasted for
50 years. There have been so many changes in the last 200 years that it
amounted to a Revolution every ten years. It is difficult to find any other
country that has undergone such experiments. Moreover, the minds of the French
are subtly sentient and ready to retaliate. We therefore see some incredible
and beautiful deeds and thoughts in their agitations. In the history of their
revolutions specialities of various means are clearly seen and these have been
beautifully described in books in simple terms. It is difficult to imagine a
treatise on various political methods than the History of France.
In this wonderful
laboratory, a new technique is being tried. It is extremely valuable to analyse
it detail. This is particularly important at present. Passive resistance is
always within the existing legal framework. Thus, it cannot be seditious. To
refuse to serve under government against which the agitation is to be carried
out, to encourage others also not to serve that government, not to use its
schools, judicial system and other institutions of administration, not to
advance any loans to the government so that it does not have money, not to keep
any money in government banks and when it comes to the crunch – not to pay
taxes. These are all means of passive resistance. It is intended to make
government laws ineffective without resorting to arms, and harassing the
government at every stage – that is the essence of passive resistance.
It means not to
attack the government machinery but to make it useless by strikes of its
workers. In Bombay, workers go on strike in support of their demands. In a
similar manner, if all the citizens go on strike, government will have to
accede to their demands. That has been the thinking in many countries at
present. They argue, “ if we refuse to serve the government, who will collect
the revenue? Who will man police stations? Who would be the soldiers? Thus, the
government will collapse within a day or will have to accept public demands.
Without shedding any blood, without facing charges of sedition, a revolution
will happen. That will be the wonderful new weapon of the 20th
century. However, no one has tried this weapon before. Therefore, it would be
valuable to see how this works in practice.
The French tried
this new weapon within the last fifteen days. There was dispute about
government taxes on farmers in the vineyards in Southern France. Thousands of
farmers organised mass meetings, submitted petitions to the authorities. But no
satisfactory solution was offered by the government. The people were not
seeking a revolution, but they thought that they had to do something. Old means
were not producing results and they decided to try the new weapon. The French
are superb at
Organisation. So,
last week we witnessed an interesting and notable experiment on stage of
France. First, people converged on Narbonne* to meet their leaders. So many
people gathered there that there was no accommodation left. The problem
remained even when churches and other public places were made available. In the
end many men, women and children had to sleep on the streets. Still many people
remained on the outskirts of town.
Early in the
morning, at the set time, a public meeting was held and its members declared
who does what. There was no public disorder. Passive resistance began at the
set time, but not as would have happened in other countries. In France, all
movements began with a special touch. Same happened here. At the set time
church bells began to ring at Narbonne and immediately passive resistance began
in hundreds of towns and villages. In cities thousands of clerks left their
services. Children left schools. Municipalities were abandoned. Throughout the
South representatives of local councils sent their resignations to Paris. And
in Paris, members of Parliament too resigned. Government badges, belts and
symbols of authority were abandoned by hundreds of thousands. Thus within one
hour no Government was left in huge area of South of France. No police were
left. Soldiers refused to fire bullets on participants in passive resistance.
Nothing could have been more superbly organised. France taught the world how
such resistance can be completely and skilfully organised. This was complete
victory for the movement.
But just as it
proved what can be achieved, it also soon proved what it could not
achieve. In the present state of human
behaviour it is difficult to believe that passive resistance will be completely
successful. Those in authority are habitually inclined to solve all problems
with a superior force of arms. Therefore, the French experiment showed how it
fails to resist organised physical force. Leaders, who believed that passive
resistance would suffice, were arrested by police from other parts of France.
The entire Southern region was surrounded by soldiers. Martial Law was
declared. Public meetings were banned. People who thought that government will
give in were disappointed. Eventually the people too resorted to arms. So, they
have moved from ‘passive resistance’ to ‘active resistance’. The result of
conflict now depends on who has the military might. Thus, unless the passive
resistance is backed by force of arms, it fails. This was proved by the experiment.
If we think
straight, we come to the same conclusion. When attempting passive resistance,
it is assumed that all the human beings are noble. It is presumed that all
government employees will leave their jobs – that is the beginning. But poverty
stricken people do not have the strength to live without government service;
howsoever they may like to do that. Moreover, it is assumed that the rulers are
also noble. It is assumed that they will not break existing laws and will not
promulgate new ones – that is the theory. But this is impossible. Rulers who
are prepared to go against public opinion are also capable of making new laws
and implementing old ones that were not used for years. In England, when the
suffragettes refused to pay taxes, they were put in prison. We have to remember
that it is the internal affair between English men and women.
------------
* Narbonne – a small town 400 miles south of Paris.
In 1962 it had a population of 36,000.
It is difficult
for Mill workers to get their demands agreed by the Mill owners by going on
strike. Then how will the Government, which has at its disposal, money,
military and arms, agree to demands of those taking part in a Passive
Resistance? That is just not possible.
What we have
learned from the French experiment is also exemplified by an interesting story
in Indian mythology (puranas). Sage Vasistha had a cow named Kamadhenu who
would fulfil all the wishes. King Vishvamitra wanted that cow. Vasishta
resisted Vishvamitra’s demand as far as he could. Vishvamitra tried to take the
cow by force. Vasishta, according to the principles of passive resistance,
decided at least not to co-operate. He said, “I will not ask Kamdhenu to leave,
I will not co-operate with Vishvamitra in any way.” So, he stood still.
Vishvamitra ordered his soldiers to remove the cow by force. Everyone around
Vasishta had tears in eyes. But they were of no avail. Eventually the Kamadhenu
created soldiers (as she could) who defeated soldiers of Vishvamitra and the
cow was saved from abduction.
19 July 1907
Light and Darkness
History of
mankind is very strange. There is not a single person who would know the causes
and effects of various events. Similarly no one knows where these events ultimately
lead. Day before yesterday King of Portugal and its prince was shot dead.*
Younger brother
of the Prince has been enthroned. Tsars of Russia and King of England have sent
telegrams of sympathy. The assassination was being discussed in the French Parliament.
But some representatives were of the opinion that root cause was lack of
democracy in Portugal and opposed the motion of sympathy. Those who wanted to
show sympathy with the Portuguese monarchy were disappointed.
In Portugal,
dictator Franco has resigned. And the new coalition cabinet has been appointed.
Its chief has said that if 130 representatives are deported, there will soon be
peace in the country.
Why was the king
and his son killed? Who carried it out? Was the Democratic Party involved in it?
The killing has taken place, but will it benefit or be harmful to the
Democratic Party? King of Russia and England have expressed their sympathies –
what is the reason behind it? Is it a matter of joy or sorrow?
When the reasons
behind the killing were discussed it was clear that the King had recently
appointed a Dictator to keep peace in Portugal. Democratic people everywhere no
longer want a farce of democracy. They no longer want a puppet or a fool who is
a nominal head of state. When power is concentrated in the hands of a few
without the slightest regard to the public opinion, such disasters are bound to
happen. Days are bound to follow nights.
Any society is
bound to increase its knowledge and bound to decide what is right or wrong. It
cannot be forcibly kept in the dark. What has happened in Portugal? We see the
fight between the two ways of conducting public affairs. Just as the people
dislike dictators, they also dislike puppet heads. People will not be satisfied
as long as the power is concentrated in the hands of a King. It is wrong to
assume that people think that democracy has no defects. People do realise that
no human institution is without deficiencies. That is bound to happen. They
feel that democracy has fewer faults than other forms of government.
In Europe, people
distaste words like King, Knight or Baron, which indicate class division and
distinction. There is demand for equality. This has been the result of the
incessant efforts of intellectuals and philosophers. People’s struggle is
against a few enjoying rights and privileges at the expense of the majority.
History of England and France are a testimony to that. There is continuing
struggle between people and enemies of the masses.
The new Chief
Minister has said that if 130 representatives are deported there will be peace
in Portugal. That proves our point. It is also supported by the fact that Kings
of Russia and England have received a shock and in the French Parliament a
motion of _________
* Note - (King Carlos and his son were assassinated
on 2 February 1908. See Times
[of London] of 3 February)
sympathy was not
passed. Darkness in the hearts of people is decreasing and light has been
spreading. We are pleased by this development. It was natural that the
monarchists and their cronies would say that King is Country and moan the
killing. But their days are numbered.
Laws of natural
progression also apply to human beings. As children grow, at first they only
know their parents. But slowly they come to know the rest of the society. They
realise what nation and humanity are. They become concerned with progress or
disasters facing their society.
We are pleased
with events in Portugal because the masses have woken up and are aware of their
rights. It will be interesting to observe the developments. One thing is
certain; people’s party has been delighted by the defeat of the monarchists.
This is the sign of coming daylight.
A few days after
the killing we have received more news from Portugal. The punishment suffered
by the Royalty has had the desired effect. Many democratic leaders are released
from prison. The new King*has promised that he will not appoint an uncontrolled
prime minister. The current cabinet has representatives of all shades. It was
agreed by all that the head of upper chamber (House of Peers) should be a
progressive person. Accordingly, one Mr Falcao has been appointed to that post.
Previous dictator Franco has been asked by the new government to leave Lisbon.
Accordingly, he has left for Madrid (Spain). He has withdrawn all his money
from Portuguese banks and is going to put them in French and English banks and
he is going to live in Switzerland. Mr Macado, the democratic government leader
has declared that the old system of monarchy is out of date. New cabinet is full
of capable ministers and will accept King as head of state. After three years
the monarchy will end and democracy will take its place.
Let us give our
blessings to Portugal. But friends, what about our future?
18 February 1908
First celebration of Shivaji's birthday in London
Men die but their
reputations remain. Their deeds are wonderful medicines for future. Little
wonder then that Shivaji has become immortal. That tiny little boy born in fort
Shivaneri in 1627 is alive and is full of vigour in 1908. He is winning new
battles, conquering seas. His name is taken by people of various languages; he
is being honoured in various literatures.
Does anyone want
to defy death? Want to be eternal as the ‘time’? Then only way is to die in a
freedom fight. Shivaji, who died in that manner, is being remembered in London.
His birthday was celebrated under the auspices of Free India Society. We stood
in front of his mini statue and his banner. People from Madras, Bengal, Bombay,
and also Hindus, Muslims, Parsees, Jews had assembled. This is an indication of
growing feeling of unity among Indians.
Mr Iyer, B.A
explained Shivaji’s life and mission. He said that the very fact that such a
person was born in India shows that our motherland is still full of vitality.
Shivaji, who fought against Muslims in his days, would have fought for Muslims
today. His fight was not against any particular community but against slavery,
against foreign domination. Marathas, who produced such persons, are being
looked at with expectations for guidance. Afterwards Mr Yerulak (Jew), Mr
Master (Parsee) also spoke. In the end, Savarkar spoke for nearly one hour. And
the audience dispersed with slogans cheering Shivaji. The credit for the
function goes to Mr Deshmukh and Mr Ratnabhu (of Madras).
Just as we were
celebrating birthday of Shivaji, the English were making us furious by their
depiction of events of 1857 war. As it is the 50th anniversary of
that war it is breaking sleep of many Englishmen. You have probably heard about
the fund for English veterans sponsored by Lord Roberts. As a result of raising
this fund several dramas are appearing on the stage on the 1857 war. First,
they show secret meetings of the rebels. Then there are slogans of ‘drive out
the foreigners’. The fighting begins. The rebels put crown of whole of India on
the head of Bahadurshah. English audience shout slogans condemning the rebels.
Then follows the massacre of Kanpur. The rebels shout ‘death to the foreigners’
and raise banner of free India. English audience shout in anger. After many
battles the rebels are defeated, they face torture, many are blown off guns.
English theatres shake with thunderous applause.
Such dramas are
pleasing the English. But they are also increasing
curiosity about that war among Indians. The result will be known next week. A
huge public meeting is being planned on 10 May to celebrate anniversary of that
war. Details will be given in a future newsletter. The invitation card reads as
follows –
Bande Mataram
To Commemorate
The anniversary of the
Indian National uprising of
1857
A
Meeting of Indians in England
will be held at India House,
65 Cromwell Avenue
Highgate
London (North)
On Sunday 10 May 1908
At 4 p.m.
You and all your Indian friends are
cordially invited
to be present
Programme
(1) National Songs
(2) National Prayer
(3) Tribute to the sacred memory of
Emperor Bahadurshah
Shreemant Nanasaheb
Rani Laxmibai
Maulana Ahmadshah
Raja Kuvarsingh
And other martyrs.
(4) Declaration of Self-denial
(5) President’s Speech
(6) Distribution of Prasad
(7) National songs
29 May 1908
------------------
Note – This house at 65 Cromwell Avenue, London N6
was known as India House. It should not be confused with the present
office the Indian High Commission in Aldwych, which was built in the late 1920s
Gandhi and Savarkar met for the first time in October
2006 in India House. Gandhi led a delegation of Indians to complain against
discrimination and persecution faced by Indians in South Africa.
Big celebration of the 1857 War of Independence.
Last week there
was a great sensation among Indians as there had never been before. As the day
of annual anniversary of 1857 war approached, Indians were more and more
determined to celebrate it on a big scale. In the month of May, they were
meeting in groups; large and small discussing the importance of the occasion,
true nature of the 1857 war and the significance of observing month of
austerities for the national cause. Eventually when 10th of May
arrived, large number of Indians started to arrive at the India House*
where it was decided to hold a big function. A hall in India House was well
decorated. There were red banners and beautiful floral arrangements. Photo
frames of the heroes, Bahadurshah, Shreemant Nanasaheb, Rani Laxmibai of
Jhansi, Maulavi Ahmedshah and Raja Kuvarsingh were well displayed. Names of
some other warriors were engraved. There were several flowerpots in the hall
with beautiful flowers. Mr Varma was ready to play the harmonium and the slogan
Vande Mataram was on the lips of everyone.
At 4.30, the
chairman and his friends arrived. This was none other than Barrister Rana. He
had specifically come from Paris. He carried with him an inspiring letter from
Madam Cama. Mr V V S Iyer B.A. started with the National song and said a
national prayer. At this stage, so many people had arrived that many had to
stand on the street outside the house (65 Cromwell Avenue, London N6). Indians
came from afar, Cambridge, Oxford, Cirencester and Reading. There were many
women too.
Savarkar began by
explaining the events of 1857 and paid tributes to Bahadurshah and Nanasaheb.
The assembly recited their names in reverence and participants shouted Vande
Mataram several times. Mr Khan paid tributes to Raja Kuvarsingh. Mr
Das B.A. honoured Rani Laxmibai. Mr Master (a Parsee) and Mr Yerulak (a Jew)
talked about other heroes of the war. These speeches were followed by address
by the main speaker.
Then began vows
of sacrifices. Doctors, Pleaders, Barristers, University graduates; young and
old started to take vows of sacrifices. The enthusiasm was indescribable.
Everyone was wearing badges made especially for the occasion. Some gave up
smoking, some gave up drinking, some resolved not go to theatre for one month,
some abandoned life of luxury. The money thus saved was given away to the
National Fund. Some volunteered to persuade other Indians to contribute in a
similar way. As a result of this function Indian politics was widely discussed.
The chairman announced that Madame Cama had given 75 rupees for the National
fund. Barrister Rana also announced that he was to give away his one-month’s
income for the same.
Mrs Dutta sang
national songs and Chapatis were distributed as blessing because in 1857
chapattis were distributed secretly passing on the message of intended uprising
against the East India Company.
The meeting came
to a close with the chants of Vande Mataram and names of the heroes of
the 1857 war. London had never witnessed such fervour and enthusiasm of Indians.
5 June 1908
Unique convocation ceremony
Harnam Singh and
Khan were suspended from their college for wearing badges in memory of Indian
heroes of the 1857 war. They left their college and abandoned their courses.
They said, “We will not step inside the college whose Principal abused
Nanasaheb and Rani Laxmibai and called them murderous brutes.” I have informed
this to my readers. If these two students had been Hindus that would not have
been of concern for discussion in the House of Commons. But unfortunately, one
was a Sikh and the other a Muslim. Both communities were supposed to be rock
solid pillars of the British Raj. Naturally seeing that even the firm support
is crumbling, persons such as Mr Rees, M.P were worried. He tried to persuade
both to resume their studies. A retired gentleman who was in authority in
Punjab and Bengal wrote a long letter to Harnam Singh*. He said, ”You are a
Punjabi, Sikh at that. Your behaviour does not suit you. If you go back, I will
advise the Principal to treat you leniently.” Other Englishmen also tried both
to threaten and reconcile, but both students refused to be bullied or succumb
to temptation. They even faced wrath of their parents,
One has to say
that things have changed quite a bit during last 50 years. In 1857, Shreemant
Nanasaheb and Bahadurshah were hated most by Sikhs. And today it was a Sikh
student who made considerable sacrifice to honour the two national heroes.
While Mr Rees,
M.P was cursing such firm stand by the two students; Indians were arranging a
function to honour them. Mrs Dhanadevi from Punjab was in chair.
First toast was
raised for Independent Hindusthan.
Second toast was
raised in honour of patriots. Prof Gokulchand, M A of Dayanand College spoke
wonderfully.
Third toast was
raised for the two students. The chairman then praised the two students and
honoured them with the title – Yar-e-Hind. She presented two silver medals to
the two. She said, “It is people’s right to offer Degrees. I say that a Degree
not offered by the Nation is NOT a degree at all. These two have given us a
wonderful opportunity to use the right to honour them with degrees. I have
three sons. If they win such degrees I will consider myself honoured. I would
prefer to be childless than see my children getting degrees from foreigners.”
31 July 1908
-----------------
* Harnam Singh’s Principal John McClellan wrote to India Office 'Harnam Singh
should come back without bearing the medal. Not to do so would be a folly, as
he is likely to get a gold medal for his studies.'
* British
authorities put pressure on Maharaja of Nabha who was forced to withdraw
Harnam's scholarship.
* He later
studied Law at Grays Inn with Savarkar. In 1909 the benchers had decided not to
call him to the Bar. But later they did call him.
We are breathing at last
We can now say
with certainty that Indian politics is now alive and kicking. When youngsters
abandon petty personal ambitions and wander on the streets, when school boys
defy their parents’ selfish advice of personal gain and take part in national
activities, when three editors go to prison one after the other and more
writers come forward to take their place, it can be said that the movement is
alive. When volunteers are prepared to go to jail rather than pay fine, when
Brahmabandhav dies, when Sunil Kumar Sen faces flogging with dogged
determination, when Chindambaram Pillay refuses to accept bail and come out of
jail because poor workers cannot afford bail, when Tilak and Paranjape are
arrested, it can be said that India is now alive. The consolation is that when
there were rumours that India was dead, we did not believe in the rumours.
Thank god we are breathing again.
But as soon as
our motherland started to breathe there was commotion all over England. Those
who were ignoring our affairs and those who had become frustrated, started to
run towards us. Some came close, some tried to come close. Those who stood
aloof started to think afresh and gave up the idea that India was dead. Our
opponents were in trouble. The falsehood of death of India that they had spread
started to bite them, at times they felt ashamed, at times they were angry, at
times surprised. Until now the English papers would not publish any news about
India, even if they were paid thousands of rupees as inducement. All of a
sudden they started to write several columns about India. Until now Indians
were treated as clowns and were given such roles in public shows in theatres.
But now status of Indians suddenly rose. Reporters of newspapers of America,
France and England were anxious to meet Indians to get news. Japanese writers
became anxious to meet Indians.
Day before
yesterday, the whole day was engaged in discussing Indian Unrest in the House
of Commons. Lord Curzon and Vicount Morley argued all day. Difficult to discuss
Indian unrest, difficult to ignore it. Lord Curzon argued for one hour and
warned others that they should not ask explosive questions in Parliament. Lord
Morley argued with Lord Curzon and warned that their discussions are heard over
a long distance, so it is better not to talk at all. They had to discuss Indian
unrest for one hour to come to the conclusion that it is wiser to keep quiet.
But the newspapers would not keep quiet knowing growing unrest and patriotism
among Indian students. The celebration of the day of remembrance of the 1857
war caused quite a sensation among the papers. When Indian students openly wore
remembrance badges of 1857 war, in Oxford, London, Cirencester and other
cities, it was considered desirable to ignore those badges. But Principal of
Cirencester College ordered students not to wear such badges. And what
happened? Students left the college. When the Principal wrote letters asking
the students to come back, they replied that we will not set foot in the
college where the Principal used foul language to describe the heroes of the
1857 War. Harnamsingh and Khan sacrificed the money spent and efforts made for
their education. Mr Rees M.P asked questions in the House of Commons about this
and what was the result? Indian students were even more furious and publicly
honoured the two students!!
Judging by these
events, we can say with certainty that our motherland has started to breathe.
Reports of her death proved to be false and immature. Good job that even when
times were very bad that we did not lose hope. 7 August 1908
Discouragement of students
As far as
possible, Indian parents tend to send their sons to England for further
education. But sooner they abandon the practice the better. Until now the
students did not realise the discouragement they faced in England, they just
did not have the vision. But the picture is different, once we know what to
look for.
The first effect
living in England is that the students become dispirited, lose hope and become
despondent. They see the Palaces, the might of the British navy, wealth of
British people and that starts spread of inferiority complex. Crafty Englishmen
who behaved nicely towards the Indian students until now had the same intention
in mind. Indian students used to get carried away by the pretended affection
and showy love. When the students went back to India they started to preach,
“The English in England are really very nice people, it is only the English
rulers in India who are curt and arrogant.”
However, as the
students started to wake up, they realised the deceptions that were not evident
before. In colleges, the Professors spend half an hour in explaining the
difficulties of English students, no matter how stupid the question was. But
the same professors would dismiss a perfectly valid question by an Indian
student. This realisation is the result of growing awareness. Even in
Cambridge, we found colleges, which debar Indian students. In Edinburgh, boarding
houses were created to control activities of Indian students. Their first rule
was that the students must not discuss politics. On the Empire Day even
children in English villages discuss politics, but Indian graduates are
forbidden to do that! What can Indians learn in England apart from slavery and
insults? So why should we send our sons to England? The real education is to be
obtained in Japan, Germany and America. England is 50 years behind these
countries. Even English students go to America and Germany for further
education. The education there is not costlier than in England. In America,
students get suitable work, which pays most of his expenses. So when are we
going to abandon the practice of sending boys to England? Moreover, going to
Germany and America would avoid becoming infested with inferiority complex.
14 August 1908
Lokamanya Tilak sent to Transportation
There is hardly
an Indian who has not felt furious by the sentence of Transportation* passed on
Lokamanya Tilak. He is the gem of Maharashtra and symbolised our self-respect,
patriotism and morality. In India, merchants shut their shops. Mill-owners shut
the mills. Students left schools. Citizens observed fast. In Bombay, even
workers living in the slums and shantytowns and living in poverty who are
supposed to be ignorant of politics, became furious. They showed their anger by
throwing stones at police, many of them faced bullets. This went on for eight
days. All this excitation was reported in the British papers, which stunned the
people.
One thing was
noticed that at a time like this, Indians were united. At a national crisis
like this, they forgot their factions and differences, personalities, opinions,
personal feuds. We have progressed that much. This was evident from reports in
the papers like Sudharak, Chikitsak, Vande Mataram, Hindu,
Dnyanprakash, Induprakash and also papers in Bengali, Gujrati and
Punjabi. When Tilak was sentenced, Anglo-Indians were hoping that they would
get sympathy of the moderates. But their dreams were shattered. (Note
– Anglo-Indians means British administrators in India, not people of mixed race)
Undaunted by the
severity of punishment meted out to Tilak, Indians of all opinions decided to
hold a protest meeting in London. There was no division between Moderates and
Militants. It would have been better if Gokhale had not spoiled the occasion to
show solidarity.
Really, Gokhale
should have taken a lead in calling for such a meeting. He did not do that. So
the meeting was held in the famous Caxton Hall. People of all shades of
political opinion gathered. Many European men and women were also present.
Barrister Parekh, a Moderate and follower of Dadabhai Naoroji, was in chair. It
was irritating that Gokhale would not attend such a meeting. He was asked if he
would speak at the meeting. He declined to do so. It is astonishing that the
person, who wasted his time on seeing even minor British officials with his
complaints about conditions in India, should not understand the need for
attending such a protest meeting. People still have deep reverence for the
service he had rendered for our country in the past. So, they attach importance
to his attendance or non-attendance at public functions. God knows what he
achieved by his non-attendance. Let us hope that some good may accrue to him.
Everyone at the meeting felt angry and a resolution was passed condemning
Gokhale’s dereliction of duties / aversion of responsibility.
Modern Review of Bombay commented, “ We do not know
what good Gokhale achieved in not joining unanimous condemnation of sentence
passed on Tilak. Let us hope it did him some good personally.”
Fury of Times of London
Many simple
minded believe that curtness and selfishness are restricted to English officers
who are sent to India, but the Englishmen in England are free form these and
are always just and benevolent. For the last fifty years, Indian politics has
wandered through the desert of spineless, lifeless and harmful activities of
the Moderates. They are responsible for encouraging the above impression.
Justice is being obstructed by the English administrators in India but the
English in England are just, responsible and freedom loving. Therefore, they
got into their heads that instead of appealing to the Anglo-Indians, we should
approach the Englishmen in England and our grievances will be redressed. These
moderates un-necessarily raised hopes of our countrymen.
In reality, there
is no difference between the Englishmen sent to India as administrators (called
Anglo-Indians) and the Englishmen living in England. Take for example Lord Morley.
Is he an Anglo-Indian or Englishman? The editors of Daily Telegraph, The
Times and Daily Mail have congratulated English rulers who have
crushed our freedom movement. Are they then Anglo-Indians or Englishmen?
It is not
therefore absurd to say that only the Anglo-Indians are holding up our
progress?
Until recently,
sons of few rich Indians used to come here. They would get drunk and enjoy
luxuries of life – they had complete freedom. They were free to marry street
girls in churches, bow to any Englishman, denounce Hindu customs and
traditions, take the landlady and her children to theatre at their own expense,
donate money to Cricket clubs. They had complete freedom in England. They would
consider their frivolous behaviour as freedom. They would go back to India and
spread false rumours. They would preach that the atmosphere in England is by
its very nature encourages freedom. The rude and arrogant rulers are only the
Anglo-Indians but the Englishmen in England are truly just and honourable.
But now the
Indian students have changed. They abandoned the temptation of life of comfort
and ease. They were concerned about advancement of India. Many had denied
themselves life of luxury. They decided to fast as millions of Indians are
starving. They would live simple lives. They would use only essential clothes
and refused to buy expensive outfits. And all of a sudden hell broke loose.
These Indians must be controlled – that was the cry raised by papers from The
Times to Daily Mirror; from Lord Morley to Mr Rees, M.P. They are
arguing that it completely unacceptable to allow Indians to live such isolated
lives. As long as Indian students were taking to drink, spent money on dance
clubs and theatres, that was not harmful. But as soon as they became patriotic,
considered making sacrifices for India, the English well wishers became
restless.
Lord Morley had
appointed a committee to study the behaviour of Indian students. Sir Lee
Warner, Sir Curzon Wyllie and others were the committee members. It recently
published its report. Last Tuesday The Times had given major points of
observation. Their article is very important. The author says, “Some English
well wishers have started Tea Parties and get together for Indian students by
which they would come in contact with English gentlemen and mix with them. But
recently Indian students have been declining to go to such parties and are
deeply engrossed in political debates. We try to keep them in comfort but our
efforts fail and they get attracted to politics of militants. Out of some 500
students in England and 150 in Edinburgh, some 100 students attended the
function on 10 May, to commemorate the anniversary of the Indian Mutiny. This
is an indication of the current state of affairs.
Times has discussed many other points in the
report and finally has recommended that Indian students should be brought under
supervision of Englishmen. It is certain that very soon such ‘Reservations’
will be established to make the students ‘loyal’. What is not certain is that
if this would change the mood of the Indian students.
Last Monday,
lawyer Dadasaheb Khaparde came to London to make an appeal on behalf of Tilak
who has been sentenced to transportation for six years. We heard the news just
three hours before his arrival, but Dadasaheb is a champion of our freedom
struggle and therefore the railway platform was full of Indians. As soon as
they saw the face of Dadasaheb they started shouting slogans welcoming him to
London. At the same time we received a telegram from India informing us that
Narendra Goswami* was shot dead in prison. Dadasaheb thanked everyone and went
to his lodgings.
When Mr Gokhale
came to London he was received by three or four Indians and a few
Anglo-Indians, but when Dadasaheb came all Indians had gathered to greet him.
There was not a single Anglo-Indian in the crowd. It just goes to show whom the
Indians are following.
5 September 1908
-------------------
* May 1908. Maniktola Conspiracy Trial in Calcutta. Narendra Gosawmi turned Government witness. He was shot dead by another Indian revolutionary.
Swadeshi affects England's trade
England had
suppressed the truth about its trade position for the last two years, but now
they had to accept the truth. The English wanted to pretend that the Swadeshi
in India and agitation by Sinn Fein, are not affecting and has not affected
their trade. Swadeshi in India had reduced demand for British goods, but a show
was made denying this fact, and for last the two years goods were still
dispatched to India even when the demand had been reduced. The British wanted
to pretend that the Swadeshi movement was ineffective. Mills in India were
producing goods and Swadeshi goods were in demand in Indian market. The secret
of reduced demand for British goods and maintaining the level of exports to
India was finally revealed by Anglo- Indian papers (i.e. British papers). They
said that both sets of figures are correct but it had not affected the British
workers.
Well, our
Swadeshi movement was for encouraging the growth of Indian industries.
As long as Indian
mills, factories and industries are growing that would have been a success of
Swadeshi movement. We never maintained that Swadeshi succeeded only if British
trade was affected. If the English could sell their goods elsewhere we would
not have been jealous for that. The fact is that India has been an easy market
for English goods. Therefore the true figures of exports to India, is the true
indicator of the status of English trade. The figures prove that Swadeshi and
boycott movements have been successful over the last two years. The Board of
Trade has published following bulletin -
Our Foreign Trade
Decrease of
72,000,000 pounds in eight months.
Again we have to
record a falling off in trade, which is sufficiently serious. Increase in the
imports is 42,045,186 pounds and decrease in the exports is 30,083,043 pounds
making an aggregate shrinkage during the present year of upwards of 72,000,000
pounds.
Thus, English
trade has been affected to the tune of 72 million pounds. Figures of reduced
exports are also available. They are –
Seed oil, oil
products etc 350,000 pounds
worth less exported.
Paper and paper
products 200,000 pounds worth
less exported.
Wool 550,000 pounds worth less exported
Steel products 650,000
pounds worth less exported.
Cotton clothes 650,000
pounds worth less exported.
Woollen clothes 400,000
pounds worth less exported.
Hides and hide
products 550,000 pounds worth
less exported.
Above figures
speak volumes for impact on English trade, of boycott of English goods. What is
true of manufactured goods is also true of machinery. Last year, there was an
increase of 250,000 pounds in export of machinery. This shows how strong the Swadeshi movement has been. Indian
businessmen will soon turn their attention to importing machinery from Germany,
Japan and other countries.
England exported
6,300,000 pounds worth of coal for industrial use. Here too Indian
industrialists may think of importing from Japan and other countries.
The real picture
is worse than the reduction of 72 million pounds in trade, because the figures
were compared to those of last year. But last year’s figures too would have
shown the reduction in trade. Therefore the real picture must be far worse.
Already the owners of cotton mills of Manchester and Lancashire have asked
workers to take a pay cut of 5%. They have refused to accept this reduction and
have threatened to go on strike. Daily papers are carrying articles on ‘Cotton
crisis.’ In Glasgow, unemployed workers have rioted in thousands. The
Socialists have also joined in. Just as our Governor visits riot affected areas
of Bombay, English Price* too has visited riot-affected areas. But the rioters
rejected his mission. As soon as ‘God save the King’ was played the workers
shouted – ‘Down with the tyrant’ and started to sing the Marseilles* song.
However, unlike our kind hearted Governors in India, the prince has not ordered
to shoot the workers, they are also not facing any arrests.
2 August 1908
----------
Notes -
* The prince was the future King George V
* The French national song is called Marseilles as it
was composed in that town during the French revolution of 1789.
Congratulations to Sardar Ajitsingh and Sayyad Haidar Roza
Last Sunday, the
following resolutions were unanimously passed at the meeting of Free India
Society. Mr Alikhan was in the chair. The meeting was attended by Hindus,
Muslims and Parsees.
First resolution
was put forward by Savarkar. It was seconded by Dr Rajan and Lala Hardayal. It
read –
We congratulate
Sardar Ajitsingh* for his continuous service to our motherland. Once he became
the member of the National Party he did not deviate from his duty.
He was not afraid
of dangers nor did he succumb to foolish remarks made by his opponents. Our
respect is increased by the news of his deportation to Mandalay in Burma (a
distance of 2,125 miles). We are confident that he will continue to serve the
National Party in future.
The second
resolution was made by Mr V V S Iyer, B.A and supported by B K Das, Bar at Law.
It read –
We congratulate
Sayyad Haider Reza for spreading the seeds of patriotism and love of motherland
among the citizens of Punjab and North West Frontier Province. This is
especially appreciated as we have many factions, faiths and classes. It is a
difficult task to bring them all under one banner. We are extremely grateful
that he is leading the unity required for achieving for our independence.
16 October 1908
-----------------------
* Sardar
Ajitsingh – uncle of famous Indian revolutionary, Bhagatsingh.
Welcome to B C Pal
Babu Bipinchandra
Pal, the famous leader from Bengal is coming to London. He acted like sunrise
on the horizon when the whole of India was fast asleep. He faced many insults
when he prophesied the future of India. His singing has woken the youth who are
eager to see the sunrise of Swaraj. He is a brilliant speaker. Although we
received only two hours notice, many Indians gathered at Charing Cross station.
As soon as Bipinchandra got down, there were shouts of Vande Mataram.
Flowers were showered on him. Englishmen present at the station were surprised.
Before his arrival, English papers reported, “That irreconcilable agitator
Bipin Chandra Pal is coming to England.” With that reputation there was race
between English writers and Journalists. He entered the famous India House, and
after a brief speech and singing of Vande Mataram he said good-bye to the
crowd. He is accompanied by his son. On coming Sunday, Bipinchandra is going to
speak on Nationalism. Indians are very eager to listen to him.
23 October 1908
Celebrations of Rakshabandhan
Some fifteen days
ago, Reuter sent a telegram to London saying that there was serious riot
between Hindus and Muslims in Nasik and British soldiers from Deolali have been
called to maintain order. When we saw the telegram we were perplexed. We knew
that Brahmins of Nasik had invited Sayyad Haider Reza to the Ganesh festival
there and surprised everyone. It was an excellent example of Hindu-Muslim
unity. So, how come there was a Hindu-Muslim riot just eight days later? Some
thought that, to break the growing bond of friendship between Hindus and
Muslims this riot was provoked by Government agents, just as happened in Bengal
recently. Many felt that there would not be a single fool who would want to
destroy the recent friendship between Hindus and Muslims in Nasik. As we were
engaged in such thoughts came another telegram from Reuter the next day –
Yesterday’s telegram was not true. So, what was the basis of previous telegram?
It was of course wise to wait for a fuller explanation from the Government.
From the detailed information received later, it became clear that the riot was
sponsored by local police.
It is now clear
that the divisive forces are trying their best. But the citizens of Nasik will
fight them and win. After all, this place is settled on the banks of river
Godavari (one of the seven revered rivers of India). It was once blessed by the
presence of Lord Rama and famous saint Ramdas (17th century) made
his penances here. We have no doubt that the citizens of this holy city will
stand any trial.
Rakshabandhan
and Sympathy for Indians in South Africa.
Last Friday, 16
October meeting of Indians was held in London with great enthusiasm. One felt
as if we were back in India.
At 3 o’clock, Sir
Mancharji Bhavanagri, former M.P of British Parliament assumed the chair. The
meeting of Indians was held in Caxton Hall to express sympathy for the plight
of Indians in South Africa. Many Englishmen also attended. Bhavanagri’s speech
was clear, firm and appropriate for the occasion. He stressed the importance of
Boycott.
First resolution
was moved by Lala Lajpat Rai and seconded by Barrister Parekh.
Second resolution
related to the plight of Indians in South Africa and was put forward by
Bipinchandra Pal. It was seconded by Savarkar.
Third resolution
was on Boycott and put forward by Dadasaheb Khaparde and supported by Mr Rampen,
Bar at Law.
Proceedings of
the meeting were published in papers like The Times, and papers like The
Daily News have written commentaries on the same. These show the
significance of the meeting.
This meeting
ended at half past five. At six o’clock another meeting of Rashtrajayanti
started. Lala Lajpat Rai explained how the Nationalist Party* was born on 16
October. His speech was full of vigour, appropriate and patriotic. This was
followed by speeches by Dr Kumarswami, Dadasaheb Karandikar, Dadasaheb Khaparde
and others.
Afterwards
Bipinchandra Pal started the ceremony of Rakshabandhan*. After the singing of Vande
Mataram, Bipinchandra started to speak. He said, ‘ This time last year I
was in prison, today I am in exile. But my heart is where Arvind Ghosh is
imprisoned, where Tilak is imprisoned.’ It took thirty to forty minutes to
pronounce the names of Ghosh and Tilak because of the clapping of hands and
chanting of Vande Mataram. Bipinchandra then paid tributes to those who
had suffered tremendously for India and once again there was loud clapping of
hands and shouts of Vande Mataram. Some European reporters were present.
They were impressed by speeches of Bipinchandra.
13 November 1908
____________
* On 16 October 1905, on the day of partition of
Bengal, the militants in the Congress Party formed a group called The
Nationalist Party.
* Rakshabandhan – Originally sisters used to tie a
small thread around the wrists of brothers, who would to promise to defend the
sister. Later, it was extended to people of all castes and social hierarchy to
show love and affection between all.
Indian students on 'Reservations'
During the last
two years, Indian students in England have shown signs of growing patriotism,
sacrifice and unity. This has upset some well wishing Anglo-Indian
sympathisers. They wanted to arrange a public meeting for some time and it
finally took place last week. Indian students who formally spend time in luxury
are now much restrained. Instead of laughter and free booze, they seem to be
engaged in deep thoughts and become concerned (about their people back home).
When Mazzini, in
his twenties, was deeply engrossed in thoughts his Austrian well-wishers too
did not like it. They stated that it was not desirable that young men should
stay alone and think about the future. They should enjoy life.
Indian students
fasted, even though they had money to squander. They refused to go to Tea
parties arranged by Anglo-Indians and would not go to dance clubs. Many of them
refused to sit for Civil Service Examinations. The 50th anniversary
of 1857 war was celebrated with great enthusiasm. They had also observed month
of sacrifices. Students of Cirencester had defied College Authorities. Tilak
was sentenced to six years transportation – this was publicly condemned by
Indians in London. They had expressed sympathy for the plight of fellow Indians
in South Africa. Elders, instead of being a moderating influence, themselves
became more active than young men.
This ‘immorality’
was of course most upsetting to Anglo-Indians, There were several arguments and
discussions in semi-government circles and in newspapers. Eventually they
resolved to do something about it. They arranged a public meeting to discuss
the current state of affairs.
Persons favoured
by Government, like Gupta, Amirali, Kahansingh. Former M.P. Bhavanagri, Sir
Curzon Wyllie, Miss Beck, Dr Polan and other influential English men and women:
Bipinchandra Pal, Dadasaheb Khaparde, Dadasaheb Karandikar (both acting as
lawyers of Tilak), all had gathered in Caxton Hall.
Lord Lamington,
former Governor of Bombay Province was in chair. Dr Polan C.I.E emphasised how
important it is to bring Indian students under one roof and control their
activities for their own good and read a paper to that effect. He pointed out
how Indian students have recently become ‘immoral’. Lord Lamington nodded and
said that India Office should take lead and keep an eye on activities of Indian
students, directly and indirectly. It is interesting to know what happened at
this meeting. Let us see what The Daily Chronicle says –
DISLOYAL STUDENTS
Indian Hostile
Demonstration at London Meeting.
“A demonstration
of disloyalty on the part of the Indian Students was witnessed yesterday. Lord
Lamington referred to the King’s proclamation and said that the proclamation,
that very great Document, which was promulgated yesterday (loud hissings and
derisive laughter) stated our feelings towards them. We do wish them well
(booing and laughter by the students and cheers by the Britishers). When an
Indian student affirmed that there must be awakening in the Indian students
first and foremost of a sense of loyalty to the English throne and to the
person of the King (The hissings and the derisive laughter were tremendous and
the Chairman had to call for order.)”
Other papers have
also covered this public meeting. The Indian student who preached loyalty to
English throne is a lawyer named Velinkar of Bombay. He is so old that it would
be absurd to call him a student. He had to cut short his speech because of
hissings. An Englishman then rose and pointed out to one Indian student and
said, ’I have seen him preaching disloyalty to the King. He must be expelled.’
But this merely led to oral exchanges of abuse and attempt to eject the student
had to be abandoned. When Lord Lamington former Governor of Bombay spoke; there
was no clapping of hands and no standing ovation. But when a Bengali named
Bipinchandra Pal rose he got a standing ovation lasting for several minutes.
The meeting ended unsatisfactorily.
Should not the
Englishmen now realise that it is NOT desirable to hold such public meetings?
27 November 1908
National Conference
The series of
public lectures by Bipinchandra Pal began on Friday 18 December 1908 and
concluded on Monday 21st.
These were held in the famous Caxton Hall (London). It is impossible to
describe his lectures as he had superb logic, patriotism and incredible
oratory. Moreover these are soon to be published as a booklet at the request of
the audience. Enough to say that for the last ten to fifteen days there was no
other topic of discussion among not only Indians but also Englishmen. The entry
fee was two and a half rupee and the lecture series was arranged in a hurry.
Even then most Indians and many Englishmen were attracted to the lecture hall.
They were all eager to enter as soon as doors were opened.
On the second day
Madame Cama also spoke. As soon as she unfurled our national flag, the whole audience
stood to attention and there were chanting of Vande Mataram.
On the first day,
it was suggested that Indian National Conference* should be held on Sunday the
20th. Initially that meeting was only going to be held to show
support for the faction of Lokamanya Tilak at the annual session of the Indian
National Congress to be held in Nagpur. But it became impossible to hold the
session there due to stubbornness of the Government of India. It was therefore
agreed that the session should be held in London. According to this plan,
Indians of all ages, residence and status started to gather in the Caxton Hall.
They came from Oxford, Cambridge and Cirencester. Barrister Rana came from
Paris. Dadasaheb Khaparde was unanimously elected to be the chairman. He said,
“ I do not see what is objectionable in our demands. The English live in
England, the French in France and Americans in America. They enjoy their
natural rights in their homelands. We too demand the same for people of India.
If there is nothing terrible for Englishmen to enjoy their rights in England,
why should they become furious and make so much fuss, because Indians demand
the same rights in India?
Doctor Kumarswami
(an Eurasian) proposed a resolution on Swaraj. He is a well known writer in
England. He said that not only for uplifting of India but also for the moral
uplift of England, which is unjustly and immorally ruling over India. The
resolution read – This conference fully supports Swaraj for India. This is for
full and all round progress of our country and fulfilment of natural rights.
Swaraj means complete independence.
Savarkar
supported the motion and said, “I am glad that you are supporting the motion.
But remember what it implies – You may have to face prison and solitary
confinement chambers. It is like walking on fire. Are you prepared for that
sacrifice? If the answer is yes then only you support the motion. If not there
is no need to make haste. Swaraj is noble and it can grow only in noble
hearts.” The audience showed
----------------------------------
* The differences between Moderates and Militants in
the Congress Party came to a head in the Surat session in 1907. Moderates could
not accept that they were in a minority and would not relinquish control. It
was evident that the Nagpur session to be held in December 1908 would be
dominated by Militants. British Administration therefore banned all public
meetings in Nagpur. That was the reason for holding the session in London
(Caxton Hall).
The Moderates then held their own session of Congress
in Madras, which was not banned by British Authorities.
their
appreciation by loud clapping of hands. The resolution was passed unanimously.
No one opposed.
Second resolution
was put forward by Madame Cama. It was on Boycott. She explained history of
boycott in America in the 1770s. She said that it is an effective weapon in the
fight for freedom. Boycott must be on all fronts.
Mr Varma seconded
the motion. It too was passed unanimously
Third resolution
was for appreciating Turkey’s efforts to implement democratic reforms. It was
moved by Mr V V S Iyer.
This was
supported by Agakhan. He said that during their freedom struggle, Italian
freedom fighters proposed that not only Austrian Tobacco, but also everything
Austrian must be boycotted. Similarly Indians should boycott all British goods.
The Secretary of
the Egyptian Society rose to speak. He said that let there be a long lasting
friendship between Egypt and India. We have opened our doors to your goods, you
do the same and let both countries benefit. Bipinchandra spoke afterwards and
the Egyptian secretary and Bipinchandra embraced each other. Everyone stood up
and there were slogans in praise of Egypt and the hall reverberated with
chanting of Vande Mataram.
The next
resolution was on ‘political reforms proposed by Mr Morley’. It read,
“ The reforms are
petty and deceptive and will hinder our progress. It will lead to petty
squabbles between various communities for government jobs. These reforms are an
affront to our intellect.”
Bipinchandra
spoke beautifully on this subject.
Resolutions
proposed by the National party on Swadeshi and National education were passed
word by word.
It was stated
that the self-appointed Congress of the Moderates at Madras couldn’t be called
a National Congress. The demand for Colonial self- government is totally
unsatisfactory.
The conference
then ended with full enthusiasm.
15 January 1909
Celebrations of birthday of Guru Govind Singh
Though we are
thousands of miles away from our motherland, last week we felt as if we were
back at home. Had Guru Govind Singh been born in Europe, his name would have
been known to everyone in the world. Just two years ago no one would have
thought that his birthday would be celebrated with such unprecedented
enthusiasm and pomp in London. But the waves of National Revolution are now
sweeping away unbelief in our strength and it was but natural that our youth
should pay homage to our great leaders of the past. History of those great
leaders is the basis of Nation. Until recently London was only demoralising
Indian students. But, with the new spirit of renaissance, which is dubbed as
‘growing immorality’ by Dr Pole and other Anglo-Indians, such celebrations were
inevitable.
On 29 December,
Indians and Englishmen started to gather in the famous Caxton Hall. The large
crowd was unexpected as the weather was very bad. In the centre of the hall was
a rose coloured banner with the letters -
Honour to the
sacred memory of Shree Guru Govind Singh
Prophet, Poet and
Warrior
The flowers,
burning of essence gave it the atmosphere of the Sacra- sanctum of our temples.
Bipinchandra Pal
was elected as Chairman of the meeting. National songs were sung – ‘Amar Desh’
in Bengali and ‘Priyakar Hindushtan.’ in Marathi. Two Sikhs recited passages
from the chapter of Guru Nanak of Gurugranth. Professor Gokulchand, M.A
(of Dayanand
College) read an essay on the Guru. He spoke beautifully on the life and work
of the Guru. He said, “When we recite the name of Guru Govind Singh it gives us
pride, affection, confidence and self-respect. The effect can only be compared
to Christians taking the name of Jesus Christ. Guru Govind Singh condemned and
fought bitterly against his own fellow countrymen who were opposing his
liberation movement.”
Afterwards we
heard a speech from Lala Lajpat Rai (The lion of Punjab). He said that Guru
Govind Singh was one of the great patriot fighters. He lost all his four sons
during the fighting.
Babu Bipin
Chandra Pal also spoke eloquently. He said that the present enlightenment and
the rise of new Nationalist Party in India is nothing new. We can trace its
roots to the work of Guru Govind Singh.
Even after Bipin
Babu’s speech people in the audience demanded that Savarkar should speak. He
agreed and said, “ On the banner we see the letters – Deg, Teg, Fatteh.’
Many would not know the meaning of these. Deg means principles, Teg means the
sword or the force, Fatteh means success. Principles however strong are by
themselves lame. Therefore the Guru raised the Sword, which ultimately led to
success. He gave us the Mantra –‘Deg, Teg, Fatteh.’
After
distribution of Kadaprasad (sweets blessed by priest), the meeting ended with
the chants of ‘Guru Govind Singh ki jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’. The
Englishmen who attended the function realised that with the spirit of increased
national awareness such celebrations of our National heroes would be utilised
to increase bond between various communities – Hindus, Muslims, Parsees etc.
The Times,
Daily Telegraph, Daily Mirror, Daily Express and others have reported favourably on this
celebration. Daily Mirror has even printed a photograph of the
gathering.
It is my great
wish that every year on the 29th December, birthday of Guru Govind
Singh should be widely celebrated in Maharashtra. We should pay our respects to
him in every newspaper, from every public platform, from every public hall.
That great leader fought the war of liberation in Punjab and in his last days
he came to Maharashtra to rest. He spent his last days in Nanded on the banks
of river Godavari. His ashes were scattered in the same place. Every year
thousands of Sikhs make a pilgrimage to Nanded. I wish Marathas should do the
same.
22 January 1909
Effect of chanting 'Swaraj'
These days there
is not a single paper that does not have some news, comments, and discussions
about India. Just five years ago if a paper published an article once in a
month, it was considered friendly towards India. Why did Dadabhai Naoroji
purchase shares in the Daily News? So that it will publish some news about
India. Today English writers are in search of information about India so that
it can be published. What was it that changed this situation? Mr Gokhale’s
lectures were delivered in the past as well as today. So we cannot say that
they have made any difference. What happened within the last two years that
English have become eager to publish news about India? Is it possible that it
is the effect of chanting of Swadeshi? That movement implies boycotting British
goods. Is this that made the difference? One thing is sure that the British are
now listening to some incredible voice, quite distinct from Gokhale’s harmless
lectures. They are themselves asking – what is this India? They are bewildered but
still maintain imperial superiority.
When Muslims
started to complain that they did not benefit much from Morley Minto reforms, The
Times and Evening News gave their firm opinion that the British
conquered Hindusthan from the Muslims and they have always been our loyal
subjects, we should therefore try to placate them. The Daily News
equally emphatically argued that the British conquered Hindusthan from the
Marathas and it is harmful to treat the Muslims differently from other Indians.
But The
Standard says that the complaints from Muslims is a minor matter, it is
however regrettable that the Government is ignoring secret seditious movements
in India. It says, “ A striking example may be given of the atrocious endeavour
of Indian residents in England to inflame the discontent that infects some
classes among their countrymen, and sows among their young men the seeds of
rebellion. Grossly seditious pamphlets are sent out in large quantities headed
‘Two Historical Documents’ the obvious intention being to counteract any good
effect produced by His Majesty’s proclamation*.
The Standard then quoted from ‘Two Historical
Documents’. Its reporter in India had sent a copy of the document to London.
The paper is proud of quick action by its reporter. It says, “Such documents
are more dangerous than mere explosives. Government of India is trying to
suppress the unrest. It is manifest, however, that the vigilance of the Home
authorities has been unavailing.“ It then showers its wrath on Indian students
in England and warns the Government – It is beyond question that a few of
highly intelligent Indians in our Universities and reading for Bar are striving
their utmost by such means, particularly to accustom the minds of young rising
generation to the idea of an armed revolt!
The Morning
Post wrote in a similar
tone and while reporting about an anti British conspiracy in Paris, Sardar Rana
and his German wife were subjected to personal abuse and they tried to malign
Rana’s personal character. But when threatened with a court action for libel,
the editor rendered a public apology to Rana and his wife. It had
----------------------------------
* Proclamation by King Emperor Edward VII, See Times
(of London) 2 November 1908,
page 10, col A. This was made on the 50th
anniversary of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation of
1 November 1858. But King’s proclamation contained no
promises of political reforms.
claimed that in
Paris, activities of Indian revolutionaries are in the hands of a German lady
and she calls herself ‘wife of an Indian.’ Rana retaliated vehemently to that
obscenity.
But no sooner
this matter dies down sensational news spread and then there were secret police
everywhere in London. People in India know well the name and standing of Sir
Lee Warner, the writer of ‘Citizen of India.’
A Bengali youth went to see Sir Warner with dossier of how Anglo-Indians
are persecuting Indians and requested him to forward it to Mr Morley, the
Secretary of State for India. It seems that the youth and Sir Warner had
previous acquaintance. They therefore started to talk and Sir Warner started to
read the application. He then got angry, pushed aside the Bengali youth who
followed. This was happening in a square and in front of a Liberal Club. Sir
Warner said, ’get away you nigger.’ The youth got furious, he held Sir Warner’s
hand and slapped him in his face who fell down several paces. Police arrived on
the scene. This has caused a great sensation in London. The youth named
Bhattacharya has not been arrested but is being closely watched by the
police. He says that Sir Lee abused him
extensively, un-necessarily and unjustifiably.
15 February 1909
A Dual
In the last
fortnight, great sensation has been caused by one Mr Bhattacharya who exchanged
oral and physical abuses with Sir Lee Warner, K.C.I.E*. More details about this
youth are emerging. Daily Dispatch has even printed his photo. But Sir
William Warner did not want more publicity and therefore did not file a police
complaint. It was no ordinary matter for this British officer, who when serving
in India, became an affront to Rajas and Maharajas and now to be slapped in
streets of London. It was certainly not insignificant. British papers gave it
full publicity. It seems that another Bhattacharya (Vasudev) read in the papers
that Sir Warner used the words ‘get away you nigger.’ He wrote a letter asking
Sir Warner to apologise and went to deliver it by hand. The letter read, ”By
calling my Brahmin friend ‘a nigger’ you have offended the entire Hindu
community. Therefore I request you to apologise.”
When Sir Warner
saw the letter, he became furious. Tempers flared. Sir Warner pushed the youth
with umbrella, who reacted by brandishing his stick. A crowd gathered and in
the confusion Sir Warner got into a car and departed. Yesterday Mr V
Bhattacharya had filed a case of physical assault against Sir Warner. It was
dismissed by a Magistrate. On the other hand, in Bow Street Court, a case has
been filed against the youth for assaulting Sir Warner. This was at the
insistence of India Office*. English papers have reported the case as below
-
“The Brahmin
solicited Sir Lee Warner to read his letter. Sir Lee Warner declined to do so,
and Brahmin brandished a stick and struck him on his legs. The incident was
reported to Lord Morley, the Counsel of India, and it was officially decided
that a summons should be applied for. The case was then filed”.
Mr V Bhattacharya
is editor of Bengali paper Sandhya and has a good command of Bengali
language. It was also made public that he was editor of the paper Yugantar.
The person who first attacked Sir Warner, is named Kunjbihari Bhattacharya. His
photo was published in English papers.
The Times had sent its representative to India to
study the current political situation. He has started to send his reports. He
gives some peculiar information about South India. He describes the movement as
follow –
“It must plainly
be said that Extremism as the public have agreed to term the movement, which is
frankly hostile to the permanent continuance of the British rule, is not dead,
nor is it likely to die. Some of its leaders are behind the prison walls but
the movement still goes on. All the reforms in the world will not terminate its
uncompromising activities. The Extremists attract young men to their ranks and
they preach a gospel, which exercises a fascination over most wild and ardent
spirits. Their adherents are perhaps far more numerous than is commonly
supposed. The number of their passive sympathisers must be very great.
Extremism has no intention of coming out into the arena at present. Its
devotees mean to work as they have worked hitherto in secrecy and stealth.
Isolated assassinations, the insidious cultivation of animosity in the rural
districts; the acquisition of control over large bodies of workers in
--------------------
* Sir Warner – Retired ICS officer and Vice President
of the Council of Secretary of State for India, London.
* India Office – Office of the Secretary of State for
India.
the industrial
centres – these are among methods they adopt.”
After such
fantasies the reporter comes to Maharashtra and writes, “ Maharashtra, is the
homeland of the Marathas who had liberated rest of India. New national
awakening against the British also took place here.The emotional Bengali calls
along the whole world to witness its deeds. The Chitpavan Brahmin whose bent of
mind is far more practical works in silence, and he persists. Marathas are
proud of Shivaji and their Chitpavan Brahmins are adopting tactics of Shivaji
to overthrow the British Raj. Even in Bengal, the Bengalee did the shouting; it
was Poona that provided the brains that directed the Bengali extremists.”
After this the
reporter explains how the celebrations of Shivajayanti (birthday of Shivaji),
Ganapati-utsava (festivities of Lord Ganesh) lead to unity among Marathas and
leads to ideas of overthrow of the British Raj. He says, “In at least four
districts of Maharashtra and anti-British feeling has become deep rooted.
Brahmin priests and preachers propagate sedition. Even certain good educational
institutions are known to contain students who are extremists to man.”
The reporter*
then deals with the Districts of Solapur and Nasik. And then he says.
”The Deccan is
honeycombed with secret societies.” He then curses Lokamanya Tilak and finally
says, “ It may be said with reasonable certainty that the predominant feeling
in this large and important area is very different from that expressed at the
Madras Congress.”
And the British
people are expected to believe in such news!!
26 February 1909
Effect of exchanging insults
London 12
February 1909
Yesterday, the
trial of Vasudev Bhattacharya for physically attacking Sir William Lee Warner
was held in Bow Street Court. He was found guilty and ordered to put up a
personal bond and surety of 20 pounds for a period of six months and two
sureties of 10 pounds each or face one month’s jail sentence. Sir Warner and Lt
Thompson testified on behalf of the prosecution. On behalf of defence
Kunjbihari Bhattacharya and Vasudev Bhattacharya testified.
During
cross-examination, Sir Warner said, “The application either by the accused or
by his friend had no mental effect on me.” For the defence Mr Reach asked, “Did
you say – get away dirty nigger?” Sir Warner said – “I would never say such
words.” He also denied having said “You son of a pig” to Kunjbihari
Bhattacharya. He also denied using his umbrella to attack the accused.
The accused said,
“I wrote a letter to Sir Warner requesting him either to withdraw the foul
language used against my friend or to give an explanation for his remarks. I
went to deliver the letter personally. Sir Warner read the letter partly and
threw it away and pushed me aside with the remarks – “Get away dirty nigger”. I
too pushed him in retaliation. He then hit me with his umbrella, therefore I
too hit with a stick.”
Magistrate Sir
Albert Dirtzen said, “ It seems that the accused was upset by the alleged
insult of his friend. But what he did was wrong.”
Madam Cama, Mr
Chaudhari and Mr Roy are prepared to stand as surety. But
Vasudev
Bhattacharya has decided to go to prison. He said, “Sir Warner has not told the
truth and I do not consider him a True Englishman.” He wants to prosecute Sir
Warner in Civil and Criminal courts and is seeking legal advise for the same.
If you want to help please send money to --
Mr B C Bengalee
c/o Thomas Cook
and sons
London E.C
Following is the
summary of the letter he had written to Sir Warner on 26 January 1909 -
“It seems you
have not appreciated the graveness of recent skirmish. It is indeed regrettable
that a learned historian like you should call a deeply religious Bengali ‘a son
of a pig.’ By doing so you have offended all the Hindus in England. People in
Hindusthan are already upset by your past behaviour. God knows how they will
react to the new episode. I appeal to you to sincerely apologise to my friend
Kunjbihari Bhattacharya. I will make arrangements to publish it in Hindusthan
to pacify public opinion there.”
On 5 February
1909, V Bhattacharya had published a bulletin. This is what he said –
“I became furious
after hearing that Kunjbihari was called ‘son of a pig’ by Sir Warner. I
considered it a national insult and wrote a letter to Sir Warner asking him to
apologise. He did not bother to reply. On 1 February 1909 I personally saw him.
Not only that he did not apologise, but hit me with his umbrella and called me
‘Dirty Nigger.’ I therefore also hit him with my stick. But papers like The
Times are making mountain out of a mole. I understand that the India
Council is trying to issue a summons in my name. The Anglo-Indians are seeking
justice and I feel they should be taught a lesson and given justice.”
This is the affair
of the whole nation. Would you not contribute towards legal expenses in this
case?
His address is –
40 Fitzroy Street
Fitzroy Square
London W
5 March 1909
Crush the Militants
London 19 March
1909
‘Crush the
extremists, rally round the moderates.’ If we follow this policy, the British
Rule in India will once again be strong and powerful – So says Lord Morley.
But, however
tempting it is to accommodate the moderates, it is no longer easy to crush the
militants – how are you going to do that? By making false promises? Time for
that has past. By imprisonment? When the whole country is a vast prison? So,
how can any militant become afraid of going to prison? By sentencing to
transportation? By sending people to the gallows? By the threat of bayonets? In
our mythology, the devotee Pralhad was threatened many times. But as soon as
one weapon appeared, it became ineffective against Pralhad. When the seeds of
revolution are bearing fruit, who and how can anyone suppress the revolution?
In addition, if
one is determined to suppress the revolution, it will no longer be easy to
identify the militants. How would the English identify the militants? Five or
six years ago Mr Gokhale was considered a Militant, Surendranath was a militant
just three to four years ago. But today if anyone is concerned that they should
not be crushed, it is the British Government! These yesterday’s dangerous
cows look tame, not because they have changed, but because more dangerous ones
are appearing on the scene. Eighteen months ago, Bipinchandra Pal was
considered a leading militant and Government wanted to crush him, but
immediately they heard the roar from Shyamji. Yesterday Bipinchandra Pal looked
like a formidable opponent; today he is considered a person who is merely
grumbling about reforms in this law or that law. So, just as it is difficult to
crush the militants, it is also difficult to know who is the real militant.
Well, the
government has decided to try their method. It is the stick and carrot
approach. And what is being applied in Hindusthan is also being applied here to
the Indian students who are becoming more bold and reckless. There are daily
debates in parliament about the intended political reforms in India. It is
being said that these are genuine progressive reforms. The hope is that the
Moderates will be satisfied with them. It is irony that there are very few
moderates left. Indian students, on the other hand, are constantly harassed.
India House is being watched by police day and night. Bipinchandra Pal is being
shadowed by detectives. But what was the result? I asked one secret agent. He
replied, “It was felt that Indian students would become scared and leave
politics.” Exactly the opposite happened. Sunday meetings in India House became
even more popular and crowded. Shyamji was praised so that Oxford University
would return the donation he made in the name of Herbert Spencer.
How much was the
government policy effective? This can be gauged by the fact that In India, Surendranath
Banerjee is considered a moderate and worthy of government favours.
Bipinchandra Pal is in a similar position in London. English newspapers are
openly saying that Pal is a moderate.
English papers
are cursing Shyamji. In his paper Indian Sociologist he declared that
persons like Khudiram Bose, Kanhayalal Dutt are worthy of being honoured as
patriots. He is even going to erect memorial to them in his house. [Note -
Khudiram Bose and Kanhayalal Dutt were Indian revolutionaries of Bengal. On 30
April 1908 at Muzzarpur, Khudiram Bose tried to kill judge Kingsford by
throwing a bomb. Two English ladies died instead, by mistake, as Kingsford
changed his carriage.] Bipinchandra Pal was also involved in correspondence
with newspapers. Evening Standard headline reads – Seditious students,
Rebellious students. It eventually openly blamed Savarkar for inducing
Indian students to rebel. When one of Savarkar’s friends wrote a strong
letter to the editor, the paper kept quiet for a while and then one day an unexpected
event happened.
All of a sudden,
a reporter of Evening Standard came to meet Savarkar. It would have been
better if he had done this before cursing Savarkar in its issues for a
fortnight. The editor of the paper commented – ‘Presently a suspected Indian,
with youth and intelligence stamped upon his greetings. It was Mr V D
Savarkar.’ With the reporter, Savarkar had discussions for nearly an hour on
Indian politics, India House, Indian students and their activities.
The next day the
interview was published, partly true, and partly false. But other papers are
still cursing. Reporters of Sunday Chronicle, Daily Mail, Manchester
(Guardian), Daily Dispatch and others too have interviewed Savarkar.
What Sunday Chronicle has published is nearer to what Savarkar had said.
Their reporter Mr Campbell Green wrote –
“I did not see
anything frightening in India House as has been reported in the English papers.
It may be that my eyesight is not good! It is a house of mystery. Mr Shyamji
Krishnavarma works for the independence of India. If he does not approve the
assassinations of British officials who accidentally or incidentally suffer
thereby he excuses them. He has offered five thousand Rupees towards a fund of
Indian Martyr’s Memorial for the men hanged in Bengal. Anyhow the shadow of
Krishnavarma is on India House. That is to be fair and to say the least. Now
what is the answer? I had an opportunity of a long friendly discussion with Mr
V D Savarkar who seems to be not only the spokesman for the students but also
the spokesman for Mr Shyamji Krishnavarma. He is a young Grays Inn Law student,
23 years age at guess. He has clear olive complexion, clear, deep penetrating
eyes, a width of jaw, such as I have seen in few men. His English is excellent.
If I mistake not Mr Savarkar will go far – I hope he will go far in the right
direction.”
Then followed
discussion on running of the India House. Savarkar said, “India House is a
hostel for Indian students. One does not need any type of political view to
stay here. All that the residents have to do is to pay one pound (per week) and
enjoy lodging and boarding. Shyamji does not interfere in running of the India
House. Political discussions do take place. But they will take place even if
you establish Government controlled hostels. Politics is our breath. Here,
persons like yourself and who believe that the British Government is for
India’s good, also come. Discussions do take place. Whoever has truth and logic
on their side, win the day.”
The reporter then
commented – Let me state a fact before an impression. The fact is Mr V D
Savarkar believes in India for Indians, in the complete emancipation of India
from the British rule. He says India has nothing for what to thank the English,
or less it be the denationalisation, as he calls it, of the Hindus.
The reporter then
gives his impressions in detail but omits one thing. He says that Savarkar is a
radical. Gokhale’s hopes are more than those of Liberals. The reporter then
said to Savarkar – “Despite any reforms we (British) will continue to rule
India. We will not leave unless forced to do so. You have no arms. Therefore it
is in the interest of both parties that the current state of affairs should
continue.”
In the end the
reporter says – “Mr Savarkar said, ‘We do not mind detectives watching outside
and following us, if the climate suits them.’ That last is quite an English
touch. It shows how the British has moulded the intellect of young India. It
has even breathed into it the British joke …. I have no evidence of fact, which
would justify me in reversing the statement of his nimble –minded young leader
of India House.”
9 April 1909
Sir Curzon Wyllie shot dead
In London,
despite all Indian students being shadowed by the English and Indian detectives
for last one and a half month, Sir Curzon Wyllie*, a prominent and well-known
officer of India Office was shot dead (1July 1909). This news would have
received in Hindusthan by telegraphic means and would have now become old. Sir
Curzon Wyllie was the nerve centre of the India Office. He has been working
hard to facilitate the stay of Indian students in England. The Secretary of
State for India changes with changes in the British cabinet, but the permanent
civil servants of India Office run its administration. They decide the policy
and direction. Moreover, among the officers, Sir Wyllie was endowed with
sagacity / full of cleverness. There was hardly an Indian whom Sir Wyllie did
not know. He kept dossier on all. Though the Secretary of State for India was
officially in charge of India Office, Sir Wyllie was his eyes. He had served in
India with distinction for more than 20 years and will be missed more than Lord
Morley. The person who killed such an important officer is named Dhingra. Some
details of his past are now emerging in papers.
Last year Dhingra
wore a badge of remembrance to the heroes of 1857 war. One of his friends made
fun and threw away the badge. Dhingra was furious and attacked his friend with
a knife. On another occasion his friends were praising bravery of the Japanese.
Dhingra said, ”That is nothing. We Hindus are just as brave.” Other Hindu
friends did not agree. They said that mere boasting is no good. The dispute
grew, arguments came to a head and it was decided that the argument should be
settled by a test. Dhingra laid his hand on table. A friend pierced a pin
through it. Blood started to spill out but Dhingra did not budge an inch even
when the needle went right through Dhingra’s hand.
On Monday 5 July,
a meeting of Indians was held to protest against the killing of Sir Wyllie. It
was organised by Mancharji Bhavanagri. Agakhan was in the chair. First
resolution was put forward by Bhavanagri. In that resolution and in his speech
he behaved as if the charges against Dhingra were proven. Second person to
speak was Mr Amir Ali. He too talked in the same tone. The chairman then read
the resolution and asked – How many of you support the motion? When he saw many
hands raised he said, “Resolution passed unanimously.” All of a sudden a voice
said, “No. Not unanimously. There are some who oppose the resolution.”
“What? Someone
opposing the resolution? Who is that?”
The previous
voice said, “ Oh yes. I oppose the motion.”
“Take down his
name. Make him stand up.” Uproar rose in the hall.
The dissenting
voice said, “ I am here. Once again I point out to the Chairman that the
resolution is not being passed unanimously.”
There were
whispers – Savarkar, Savarkar.
Those who were
eager to pass the resolution unanimously were angry and were asking Savarkar to
keep quiet. Still he said calmly, “I oppose the motion.” Bhavnagri
* Lt Col Sir Curzon Wyllie – Former officer in the
Indian Army. In 1879, on reaching the rank of Lt Col he was transferred to
Political Department (keeping an eye on Rajas and Maharajas). In 1901, after
his retirement, he was appointed as Political A.D.C to Secretary of State for
India. In fact he was the Head of Secret Police. He planted an agent, Kirtikar,
in India House. When Savarkar exposed Kirtikar he confessed that he was working
for Wyllie.
jumped down from
the dais and shouted, “ Get hold of Savarkar.” For a few moments there was pin
drop silence. And then there was near riot. Chairs and sticks were raised by
both factions. Savarkar was still saying, “ The chairman should listen to my
reasons.” But nobody could hear what he was saying. The Chairman reprimanded
Bhavnagri for his behaviour. Savarkar was standing calmly in the midst of this
disturbance.
All of a sudden
one Eurasian named Palmer hit Savarkar who started to bleed near his eye.
Tempers flared. Surendranath Banerjee left the meeting in protest saying that
Savarkar had a right to express his opinion and that it was outrageous to
attack him in this way. Women screamed and left the hall in fear. There were
fights with chairs. One of Savarkar’s friends hit Mr Palmer and he too started
to bleed. Police had already entered the hall. Somehow the chairman read the
resolution and within half an hour declared the meeting closed. Savarkar was
already escorted home by his friends. The next day he wrote to papers like The
Times explaining why he opposed the motion. The letter had the desired
effect and other newspapers also published that letter and emotions died down.
I will send that letter next time. Here is the report in the Daily Dispatch
as an example –
“The pale youth
who made so dramatic a protest at yesterday’s meeting of Indians held to
denounce the murder of Sir Curzon Wyllie turns out to be Mr Vinayak Damodar
Savarkar. He is fervent nationalist. Mr Savarkar, who as an extremely brilliant
scholar, is at present, an individual of interest apart from his appearance at
yesterday’s meeting. He is the law-student here whom the Benchers of his Inn
refused to call, and at present, I understand he is waiting for the decision of
the House of Lords to whom he has appealed. Like most of his nationalists he is
a political theorist, and is deeply versed in all the literature of political
liberty. He translated Mazzini’s writings into Marathi.”
There is one
mistake in the above news. Form the information I had gathered it seems that
Savarkar’s case in the Grays Inn is not yet decided. It seems that the case
will once again be discussed on July 14th.
I will let you know the result later.
30 July 1909
----------
Note – We should remember that it was Sir Curzon Wyllie who was trying behind the scene that Savarkar should not be called to the Bar by benchers of Grays Inn. Correspondence between Sir Wyllie and Treasurer of Grays Inn is now available at India Office Library.
Madanlal Dhingra
London 16 July
1909
English
newspapers from The Times, Daily News, Daily Chronicle to local village
papers, are full of details about Dhingra.* They are full of discussions about
Indian affairs. When the news of death of Wyllie became known, the papers had
headlines – Murder by Dhingra, Hatred of Hindusthan, Daring of a Hindu.
Everyone in England had been discussing nothing but India, even cricket was
forgotten, let alone other subjects.
On the day
Dhingra shot dead Sir Curzon Wyllie, he was talking to Miss Beck just half an
hour before. She is the secretary of the society mentioned in that day’s news.
They talked about Dhingra’s recent examination. He rose when he saw Sir Curzon
Wyllie and approached him with intention to talk. As soon as they started their
discussion he came closer to say something in the ears of Wyllie and took out
his pistol and shot four bullets in succession. When Indian doctor Lalkaka
tried to intervene, Dhingra shot him too. Three men tried to grab him. Even
then he managed to push aside Sir Proben so forcefully that he was badly
bruised. Dhingra refused to shoot any Indians and was caught by others. He was
so calm and quiet that the doctor who examined him and took his pulse said
Dhingra was the calmest in the crowd. In his pocket, police found two pieces of
paper with justification of his deed. When he was taken to police station he
shut his eyes and rested for a while. Afterwards he talked freely. He had a good
nights sleep. Next day morning, he enjoyed his food. At first, Indians were
strictly forbidden to visit Dhingra. After a few days, his friends sought
permission to see him. Once this was granted, his friend found him so brave
that he had asked for a dressing mirror. Such defiant attitude shines in a good
cause.
Over the last
year, Englishmen had been running some societies to convert Indian students and
make them loyal citizens. They arranged tea parties and had large gatherings.
Dhingra was a member of such a society. He had obtained trust and confidence of
many Anglo-Indians. When such a person killed Sir Curzon Wyllie at a tea party,
many Anglo Indians have declared that they will no longer host such functions.
Even Sir Charles Elliot has publicly declined to hold such a function.
Government had
appointed a committee to keep an eye on Indian students. Members of that
committee have now ceased to function. First they were seeking a conspiracy and
could not find one. So they stopped their enquiries. They withdrew English
detectives who were shadowing Indian students. The reason being that Indian
detectives are to be employed in place of English ones. There was an outcry in
the papers that because English detectives cannot understand the language of
Indians they are ineffective. The problem remains even if English detectives
who understand Hindi are employed, because then Indians talk in Marathi,
Bengali or Punjabi. So
-------------------------------------
* Madanlal Dhingra – He came from Amritsar where his
father was Civil Surgeon. Madanlal had completed his course in Diploma in Civil
Engineering from University College, London. He had a wife and a son. If he
wanted to, he could have lived a life of luxury, but he chose to be a Martyr
for India’s freedom struggle. In 1992, Government of India issued a postage
stamp in his honour.
everyone has
agreed to employ Indian detectives. But what would they do? When there is
nothing to detect, what will they detect even if they are very clever? The
irony
is that many
ordinary Indian students were un-necessarily shadowed by the police, but
Dhingra was not followed by them. The British detectives could not save their
own boss. Therefore loyal and peace loving Indians are demanding that the
Detective department must be improved.
Last week,
Dhingra was committed to the sessions. On that day, everyone was discussing his
testimony in Magistrate’s court – Incredible statement of an Indian, he says
that his countrymen will seek revenge after his death. In his defence Dhingra
says, “ I am a patriot. I die for our emancipation.” His statement has caused
more sensation that the assassination of Sir Curzon Wyllie. I will write about
the proceedings in the Court of Sessions. It is certain that Dhingra will face
the death penalty. But that is exactly what he wants. In his statement, he
said, “ I made the statement not because I wished to plead for mercy or
anything of that kind.
I wish that the
English people should sentence me to death for in that case the vengeance of my
countrymen will be all the keener. I put forward this statement to show the
justice of my cause to the outside world, especially to our sympathisers in
America and Germany.”
3 August 1909
---------------
Note – There is a memorial to Sir Wyllie in the crypt of St Paul’s church in London. It is 20 ft away from the tomb of Nelson. It was inaugurated by Field Marshall Lord Roberts, Commander in chief of the British Army on 19 October 1910.
London 23 July 1909 - Trial of Savarkar in the 'Grays Inn'
The trial of Mr
Savarkar in Grays Inn has just ended. When it was clear that Government of
India had collected the evidence, it was evident who was behind the trial.
After passing the examination, would be Barristers needed references from two
Benchers. Accordingly when Savarkar approached two benchers he was told – From
now on, we will not recommend Indian students without referring to India
Office. Come tomorrow and we will confirm one way or the other. When two
benchers did recommend Savarkar, members of Grays Inn had no option but to
charge Savarkar with various offences. The charges too were as grave and
serious as possible. Political revolution / political coup, praising India’s
complete independence, encouraging armed revolution and bloodbath. When the
trial was halfway through more and more charges were being added. Evidence,
that would not have been permissible in an open court, was allowed. Two police
detectives who had shadowed Savarkar for two years also testified. Their reports
were submitted. Letters of Savarkar, which were used in the Nasik conspiracy
trial were translated into English and submitted as evidence. The persons who
were acting as judges had pathetic knowledge of Indian history. Reference was
made to the celebrations of birthday of Guru Govind Singh organised by Mr
Savarkar. One Barrister asked,” Who is the Guru Govind Singh?”
“A great leader
of the Sikhs.”
“But why did you
celebrate his birthday?”
“He was one of
the great leaders of India.”
“Yes. But was he
prosecuted for sedition?”
The trial then
ended. Savarkar was cross-examined for three hours by some of the best
Barristers. But nothing substantial was going to result and it was clear that
the case would collapse. All of a sudden, the case erupted in Caxton Hall on 5
July 1909. Savarkar’s objection to public resolution was raised. However, The
Times had published Savarkar’s letter the next day. So, that point too
could not stick. Eventually came the verdict – None of the charges against
Savarkar was proven. He is a member of Grays Inn and will continue to enjoy
benefits of membership. But there is suspicion about him and therefore he was
not being called to the bar at the moment.*
Thus Savarkar has
been prohibited from becoming a Barrister. He may be called to the Bar at a
later day if his behaviour would remain satisfactory. But I understand that
Savarkar has decided not to practise Law, to say good-bye to Grays Inn and ask
for refund of his membership fee. Why should he not do that? Surendranath
Banerjee had to leave the Indian Civil Service due to a personal dispute.
Arvind Babu could not pass the ICS examination because he could not ride a
horse. But it is precisely because of these reasons that the two leaders could
devote their time for public service. Savarkar has to say good-bye to
practising Law not because of any personal dispute or any lack of ability, but
for nations good. He has therefore abandoned petty personal ambition (of making
money) and has accepted larger responsibility of public service.
* What happened to the principle – innocent unless proven guilty?
A diamond shines
more after cutting, Moon looks pretty on the day of New Moon after it had given
out pleasant light for a month, great donors become more respectable by
giving away
generously and become paupers. In a similar manner patriots become more
honourable due to the calamities they face – they stay in poverty so that their
nation will become rich. They fast so that others will eat plenty. When
Savarkar has the fortune of fasting, we are sure that he will gladly accept
this fate. Today our country needs his living in poverty more than his becoming
a Barrister.
13 August 1909
----------------------------
Savarkar and Grays Inn
After completion of his studies,
Savarkar should have been called to the Bar on 5th May 1909.
Sir Curzon Wyllie of India Office was
trying, behind the scene, to ensure that Savarkar and Harnam Singh were both
not called to the Bar. This was a wicked act.
From
the secret files in India Office, we now know that Mr Douthwaite, Under
Treasurer of Grays Inn called on Sir Wyllie on 28 April to enquire about Harnam
Singh and Savarkar. As the time was short there followed several frantic
meetings between Mr Douthwaite and Sir Wyllie and other officers of India
Office and many letters were exchanged.
Mr Douthwaite wrote to Wyllie, “Both these students
are qualified for the Degree of Barrister according to the ordinary regulations
of the Inns of Court and they have applied to be called with other students on
the 5th of May - next Wednesday. Their cases have been adjourned because of the
intimation I received from you yesterday to the effect that the India Office
were aware of certain matters concerning these students, which suggested that
they were not fit and proper persons to be called. I know both you and Mr
Morison appreciated the fact that although
this intimation was quite sufficient to justify a postponement of the
matter for a few days in the period intervening between the consideration of
their eligibility and the ceremony of " call ", a refusal to call these
students could only rest upon very definite evidence concerning them which
could be held to render them ineligible. Wyllie promised to produce such evidence. It is astonishing that all
the Officers of India Office and Barristers had remarked that the evidence is
of no value.
The Benchers appointed a disciplinary committee and
on 13 May formally charged Savarkar with three offences. He replied by 22 May.
There was a hearing. And on 9 June Savarkar was cross-examined for three hours
by the best Barristers. But nothing could be proven.
Ultimately the Benchers declared on 14 July 1909,
“None of the charges against Savarkar was proven, but there is suspicion about
him and therefore he will not be called to the Bar at the moment.”
The whole episode was a farce and travesty of
justice.
It is strange that after nearly a century, Librarian
of Grays Inn does not answer many questions relating to this episode.
End of a terrible drama
London 30 July
1909
Dhingra, the
person who was accused to have shot dead Sir Curzon Wyllie and Lalkaka was
tried, found guilty and sentenced to death. In prison, this young man was kept
under close observation. But his behaviour showed no sign of madness or any
mental abnormality. On the contrary, he used to be jolly when meeting
visitors. At first, Indians were
strictly not allowed to see him, but permission was granted later. Any visitors
were thoroughly searched. They were warned against speaking in Hindi with
Dhingra. The visits were only allowed in the presence of English prison staff
and would last for not more than fifteen minutes. Although the visitors were
strictly forbidden to touch Dhingra or to bring him sweets there was no other
restrictions. Daily Dhingra had one or two Indian visitors. But he refused to
see his younger brother (Bhajanlal). The reason was this – In Caxton Hall a
meeting of Indians was held to condemn Dhingra. Induced by Mr Morrison (of
India Office) Dhingra’s younger brother Bhajanlal had said ‘I am ashamed that I
am the brother of the person who killed Sir Curzon Wyllie and I condemn him for
that.’ This brother now bitterly regrets having taken part in the meeting in
Caxton Hall. Many have seen him crying and shedding tears. But barring this,
and English visitors, Dhingra did not refuse see anyone else.
Savarkar went to
see Dhingra a day before his execution. Dhingra made three requests. These
indicate the incredible resolute state of mind of this daring young man. He
knew that he would be executed. He had said in Magistrate’s court – “I do not
plead for mercy; nor do I recognise your authority over me. All I wish is that
you should at once give me the capital punishment. I want to be hanged, for
then the vengeance of my countrymen will be all the more keen.” His three
wishes were –
* Last rites
should be administered on my body according to Hindu religion. My funeral pyre should be lighted by a
Brahmin. (Dhingra is a Kshatri by birth)
* My dead body
should not be touched by a non-Hindu or my younger brother.
* I have some
valuable books and clothes in my lodgings. These should be sold by public
auction and any money raised be given to the National Fund.
What an
incredible man! His entire life is in ruins. He faces the death sentence and
yet he requests that his possessions should not be wasted, but sold to raise
funds for nation.
On 20th
July, Dhingra was brought in court. More than hundred Indians were waiting
outside, but no Indian was allowed in. When Dhingra was brought in, he showed
no sign of anxiety and stood erect. English papers had reported that his
attitude was defiant. He frankly told the court, “ I do not accept your
authority. What I did was for the franchising of my country and therefore I am not
guilty.” Dhingra had refused to engage any lawyer for his defence. When asked
if he wished to say anything in his defence, he said there was a statement in
his pocket when he was arrested by police. He requested that it should be read
for his defence. Police authorities refused to release that statement. There is
curiosity and some speculation about it in English papers. In the end Dhingra’s
statement in the Magistrate’s court was read. In it Dhingra said – “In my
country young patriots are being sentenced to death or sent to transportation.
My countrymen in India are doing exactly what you preach Englishmen should do
in England. I have done this deed to seek revenge. An Englishman who goes to
Hindusthan and is paid Rs 10,000, starves a thousand of my countrymen because
they could have lived comfortably in that amount of money. Just as Germany has
no right to rule over England, you too have no right to rule over my country.
Englishmen get away with raping our women. Every year hundreds of thousands of
Indians die of starvation. In last 50 years billions of pounds have been looted
away from India to England. When I see all this and then find Englishmen
expressing concern about conditions of ordinary people in Russia and the Congo
I find that hypocrisy intolerable. I have done what an Englishman would have
done if Germans were ruling England. I am telling this not for your benefit but
for the benefit of our sympathisers in America and Germany etc.”
When Dhingra’s
statement in Magistrate’s court was read the judge put on the black cap and
asked Dhingra, “Do you have to say anything why you should not be sentenced to
death?” Dhingra said, ”I have already said that I do not accept your authority.
You can do what you consider right. I do not care. I am sure that a day will
come when we (Indians) too will be powerful and do what we like.”
The Judge said,
“Dhingra, I know nothing that I say will change your attitude. You have been
convicted of murder and I sentence you to death by hanging. May God have mercy
on your soul.”
Dhingra stood up
and said, ” I am grateful for your decision. I am indebted to you for giving me
the opportunity to sacrifice my life for the cause of our freedom. I am proud
of myself and have no worries.” He then disappeared from the court escorted by
three police officers.
The terrible
drama has ended. There is one more act remaining and after that the epilogue
will begin.
No sooner this
trial ended than another trial arose. When the Indians met in Caxton Hall to
condemn Dhingra, Agakhan declared the resolution being passed unanimously,
Savarkar protested and said that this was not so. He then wrote a letter to The
Times and other newspapers explaining his reasoning. They all published
Savarkar’s letter, some gave it prominence. This had the desired effect. In the
meeting chaired by Sir Henry Cotton, only sympathy was expressed for the
relatives of the diseased, no word was said against Dhingra. To do so would
have amounted to contempt of the Law Court. Afterwards Mr Virendranath
Chattopadhya wrote two letters to The Times defending Savarkar’s action
saying, “ Had I been present there I would have done exactly the same and would
have supported Mr Savarkar even at the risk of being ejected.” He reviewed
current situation in India and said that such terrible deeds are the result of
terrible conditions in India. The only remedy is to grant full independence to
India. Angered by such outspoken words, Benchers of the Middle Temple have
given notice to Mr Chattopadhya, “ Please show reasons why you should not be
debarred from our institution.”
Hearing is to
take place. I will let you know the result when known. 20 August 1909
---------------------------
Notes -* Dhingra’s younger brother Bhajanlal was
studying at Grays Inn. He became a Barrister in 1911
The English are all the same
London 7 August
1909
For last four to
five days Reuter has been sending telegrams from London from Englishmen who
were angry with the public meetings in Bengal relating to the movement to
boycott English goods. They have been demanding that the planned ceremony to
mark annual anniversary of the above movement should be banned by Government of
India. English dailies are carrying strong articles. The Daily Telegraph
carried a three-column article. It said that if the British trade is to
survive, this boycott movement must stop and therefore the planned celebrations
and public processions must be banned. It states that one of the reasons for
the ban is the fact that the sister of one Arvind is going to lead the march.
(the editor conveniently forgets that Arvind was recently declared innocent by a British judge in Calcutta.)
At long last, we
had the result of trial of Virendranath Chattopadhya. The benchers of the
Middle Temple did not wait for the examination results and have withdrawn
membership facilities and removed him from membership of the institution. Mr
Chattopadhya is a well-educated writer. For the last ten years, he had been
acting as a newspaper reporter. His father is well-known in Hyderabad and in the
Bengal province. Mr Chattopadhya had written letters to The Times and
other newspapers supporting the stance of Savarkar and said, “ I do not believe
in the old world idea of ‘peaceful revolution of Bipin Chandra Pal etc”. For
expressing such opinions, he was debarred by the benchers of Middle Temple.*
The benchers of
Grays Inn have not called Mr Savarkar to the Bar. However he remains a member
of the Inn and enjoys the benefits of its membership. Benchers of Middle Temple
have gone even further and removed Mr Chattopadhya from its membership. When
Savarkar was being tried by benchers of Grays Inn, simple minded Indians in
London were saying that Grays Inn is bad. Now Middle Temple has proved to be
worse. Therefore, any Indian worth his salt should not come to England to
study. The English are all the same, whether they are in Hindusthan or in
England, whether they are benchers of the Middle Temple or Grays Inn. Indians
should at least learn this much from the persecution faced by Savarkar and Mr
Chattopadhya.
Madanlal Dhingra
is now facing the death sentence. His study was good. He had passed the final
examination of his three-year course (Diploma in Civil Engineering). In a month
or two he would have gone to India (like others). Mr Stead is trying hard that
Dhingra’s sentence be commuted to a Life Sentence. But Dhingra is eager to be
executed. He has expressed his wish that as a Hindu his body should be
cremated. Many Hindus have signed a petition to the Home Secretary that
Dhingra’s body should be handed over to them for cremation. Some learned
Brahmins have expressed their willingness to perform the last rites according
to Hindu religion and have written to the Home Secretary accordingly.
27 August 1909
------------------------------
* On 31 July 1909, The Times reported – The Middle
Temple and Mr Chattopadhyaya
In consequence of the opinions expressed by Mr Chattopadhyaya in
certain letters recently published in The Times, the Benchers of the Middle
Temple have passed a resolution to the effect that having heard Mr
Chattopadhyaya and read the documents and papers handed in by him, the Bench
resolves that he is not a fit and proper person to continue to be a member of
the society, and that he be expelled.
The Epilogue
London 21
August 1909
The final curtain
has come down on the recent drama. The epilogue has already begun. The young
man who killed Sir Curzon Wyllie, an important officer in the India Office, was
executed last Tuesday (17 August 1909). Some Englishmen were trying to get the
death sentence commuted to Life Imprisonment, but the British Government did
not like it. It was surprising that Dhingra did not support any efforts to get
his sentence commuted. He insisted that he be hanged. The reason? ‘So that the
vengeance of my countrymen will be all the more keen.’ Thus both parties agreed
on the execution. Many Indian friends went to see Dhingra in prison. He talked
to them freely and made jokes. He had made strenuous efforts to get his dead
body cremated. Many Hindus had supported him and made petitions to that effect.
But the British Government callously refused this request. Having punished
Dhingra, the authorities should not have punished his dead body.*
On Tuesday
morning, Dhingra woke up from a deep sleep. He had good breakfast and dressed
nicely. The prison bell rang at 9 o’clock. No one, not even newspaper reporters
were allowed in. Government had issued notice to that effect. Many Indians were
restlessly waiting outside; some two to three hundred Englishmen were also
waiting. When the 9 o’clock bell rang, Christian padres came in, but Dhingra
refused their service and said,” I am a Hindu and will die as a Hindu.” He
walked to the gallows fearlessly. The executioner put noose around Dhingra’s
neck and pulled the lever. Dhingra fell down eight feet.
Mr Master, a
Parsee gentleman and a friend of both Dhingra and Savarkar was allowed inside
the prison. Inquest was duly held by the prison authority in the presence of Mr
Master. There was no sign of any fear or sorrow on Dhingra’s face.
His body had
become stiff and rigid. He wore the same dress as at his college. His neck was
broken.
After Mr Master
came out of Prison after the inquest held to establish Dhingra’s death,
representative of Daily Mirror interviewed him and asked, “Will he be
considered as a martyr by the Indians?” Mr Master replied, “Certainly. He has
laid down his life for his country’s good. Whether his idea of this ‘good’ was
right or wrong is a matter of opinion.”
Dhingra died
instantly. The whole thing was over within a minute. But the epilogue had
started even before the last act. During the trial in the court, it was
revealed that when arrested by the police, Dhingra had in his pocket, a
statement in his defence. He insisted that it should be read in the court. But the
Judge disallowed it. Newspapers have been asking the police for a copy of
Dhingra’s statement but they refused. This fact was well published in papers.
As the authorities had suppressed the document it was impossible to give
publicity to it. One day before Dhingra’s execution, however,
--------------------------------
* Dhingra lived at 183 Ledbury Road, London W11. His
body was not cremated though cremations were available in England since 1874.
His body was put in a coffin and buried within prison gardens, an act of utter
barbarism. The coffin was exhumed on 12 December 1976 and flown to Amritsar in
India for cremation of the body.
Londoners
suddenly awoke as if they were startled by seeing a ghost. What was the matter?
What happened?
It seems that ‘Dhingra’s
statement’ was stolen by some Hindu, who printed it and a few thousand copies
were distributed. The Police were in a fix. They had a copy safely in their
custody, so how could a second copy appear? Was it possible that some White
Police officer was in league with Indians? Some said that this exposure might
be part of a conspiracy. Otherwise how can anyone else know details of the
document? Some said that there may not be a conspiracy, but the document was
slipped out when Dhingra’s clothes were taken for washing. There was utter
confusion. There is no doubt that the document is genuine. Then Daily Mirror
wrote,
“ We say that
this document is genuine and challenge the Government to prove otherwise before
the whole world by publishing the document in the possession of the Police.”
The Police confess that the document is genuine but they tried so that at least
the newspapers should not publish it.
However, The Daily News did publish the document. Papers like The
Times and Standard are cursing Indians for a conspiracy and the Police for
their stupidity and incompetence and The Daily News for publishing the
document.
But no sooner The
Daily News published Dhingra’s statement than angry Englishmen sent
telegrams from America. They complained that the day Dhingra was executed his
statement was published in American papers.* Their headlines were – “British
Government outwitted. Dhingra’s statement was suppressed by the British.”
Before the
British public got settled down, came a bad news from Ireland. ‘Ireland honours
Dhingra!’ Huge placards with deep black borders and with the inscription
‘Ireland honoured Madanlal Dhingra who was proud to lay down his life for the
sake of his Country.’ In letters twelve inches in length were found posted
today on walls within few miles of Dublin.*
An Italian
newspaper has published a picture. It shows a tower built up of bricks like
Hindusthan, Egypt, Somaliland at the base and British colonies and England at
top. All of a sudden there is an explosion. A Hindu nationalist presses button
to start the explosion. Huge holes are created and the tower starts to
collapse. John Bull says,
’I am terrified.
The tower (British Empire) has collapsed. It has shaken from the foundation.’
Papers in Germany
and France are giving information about Indian freedom struggle and condemning
England. Oh, it is all because of jealousy!!
10 September 1909
-------------------------------
Notes -
* In New York, Patrick Ford, an Irishman ran a paper Irish
World. He referred to Dhingra as a “Martyr” and stated that his death was
‘an inspiration for Indian Nationalists’
* On August 19, 1909, The Times reported –
Last night a large placard was posted within a mile of the city of Dublin on
the main road leading from the city to Malahide, which bore the following
inscription in big type “Ireland honours Madanlal Dhingra, who was proud to lay
down his life for the cause of his country.”
The poster bore no imprint and there was no clue as to its origin. It appears that a similar placard has been posted in other parts of the country.
Letter of Savarkar
I have recently
come across a prohibition notice issued by the Government of India. It
prohibits bringing into India my History of the War of 1857 (in India). This
order has been published in many newspapers in India and England. As my name
has been specifically mentioned in this order, I am obliged to write this
letter.
The Government of
India accepts that the book has not yet been published. So it is not possible
for any authority to decide the nature of the book. The ban is therefore unjust
even if it may be legal. My letter is not related to this point. The Governor
General of India has not consulted me and did not seek my explanation or give
any opportunity to do so. I therefore write this letter in protest. If the
information received by the Governor General was reliable why did he not give
me a notice and allow me to put forward my argument? That would have been the
proper thing to do. On the other hand if the information received by the Governor
General was not reliable and sufficient, it was his legal and moral duty to
seek my explanation. But the Government of India seems to be happy with this
hasty action.
Under the
circumstances I can only appeal to you and other newspaper editors to publish
my letter. I wish to make it clear that I have nothing to do with the vague and
imaginary book implied in the order of Government of India.
I hope you and
other editors will publish my letter.
Your faithfully
(V D Savarkar)
17 September 1909
-------------
The Times reported on 11 August 1909, “ The
mail from India brings the following notification issued at Simla on July 23 –
‘ In exercise of the power conferred by section 19 of the Sea Customs Act 1878
( viii of 1878 ) the Governor-General is pleased to prohibit the bringing by
sea or land into British India of any copy of the book or pamphlet in Marathi
on the subject of the Indian Mutiny
by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar or any English translation or version of the
same.”
Celebrations of Vijayadashami (Dasara)
London 5 November
1909
In Hindusthan,
less and less people are celebrating Christmas. In a similar manner, in London,
celebrations of Vijayadashami are becoming more popular. Not long ago our
people back home, especially in Bengal and Madras Provinces, Hindus used to
consider celebrating Christmas more important than Hindu festivals, and
hundreds of Christmas cards used to be distributed. Majority of the Hindus
being uneducated used to stick to our traditional festivals. In London, apart
from not celebrating Vijayadashmi, people were ashamed to say that they were
Hindus. That was just three years ago. Once I was having a lunch in a
restaurant with a Hindu friend who had been in England some three years before
me. He used to explain customs and etiquettes to me. Two English women
appeared. My friend was familiar with them. They sat next to us. We started to
have conservation with them. Very soon the subject was about ‘going to church
on Sundays’. My Hindu friend said, “ Oh yes. I do attend; everyone must go to
church on Sundays. “ I was surprised by the reply of my friend. The English
ladies then asked me. I said, “ I go to church out of curiosity but I do not
consider it essential to attend Church.”
They said, “ Are
you Hindu by any chance?”
I replied, “ Yes
I am a Hindu and proud to be so.”
After finishing
our lunch my friend said to me, “ Why did you tell them you are a Hindu? They
did not like it.”
“ My friend, are
you going to hide your father’s name because the English ladies do not like it.
You tell them that I did not like their telling me that they are Christians.”
This was just
three years ago. Things have changed. In India people have stopped distributing
Christmas cards and in London people proudly say, “We are Hindus.” The name of
Lord Rama is being recited with reverence.
A gathering of
Hindus was held in Queens Road Hall in London. Invitation cards were sent to
all Hindus in London with the words, Shree Ramo Vijayate (Lord Rama triumphs).
Entrance fee was set at 3 shillings. Even then more than hundred Indians had
gathered. They included Rich merchants, Professors, Doctors and students. Some
women were also present. Mr Mohandas Gandhi was in chair. Programme started
with lighting of lamps and burning of essence. Our national flag was raised. Mr
Gandhi spoke passionately. He said, “ I am delighted to know that such public
functions take place which bring us together. I was surprised to see that even
Doctors and Professors were helping with cooking and distributing food. I would
have never imagined that such functions take place in London. Though this is a
Hindu festival I am delighted to see Muslims and Parsees are also attending. If
we follow Lord Rama our nation will rise in no time. There were chants of Vande
Mataram. Gandhi then asked his colleague from South Africa Mr Ali Aziz to
say a few words. He too spoke beautifully. He said, “Let Hindusthan, which
belongs to both Hindus and Muslims prosper, become strong and powerful and rise
as a nation.
Afterwards Virendranath
Chattopadhya paid tribute to our motherland. Mr Gandhi then asked Savarkar to
say a few words and said, “ Despite our differences I consider it a great
honour to sit by the side of Savarkar. Let our motherland benefit by the
tremendous sacrifices that he has made. I now ask him to pay his tributes.”
Mr Savarkar said,
‘ I am grateful for the standing ovation that you have given to me. To do one’s
duty is pleasant, it is even more so when it is appreciated by those for whom
the duty is performed. I also thank you for one more thing. You have requested
me not to speak on any aspects of current affairs but only about our ancient
past. What can we say of today? – Plague, slavery and bondage. How wonderful it
is to think of our past! What wonderful days were those when Kalidas composed
his poems, Gautam Buddha preached his philosophy, King Vikramaditya defeated
the Sythians and King Chandragupta drove away the Greeks. You asked me to take
you to those days – Lord Rama ruled and sage Valmiki composed Ramayana.”
Savarkar then
recited some parts of Ramayana and said, “When Rama accepted banishment to
forest for 14 years so that his father could keep his word – that was a
tremendous sacrifice. Defeat and killing of Ravana was even nobler. But most of
all, when he abandoned his beloved wife Seeta to maintain high moral standards
– that was his supreme sacrifice. At that time Rama said, “ As a public leader
I have to forego personal pleasures. As long as we have that great Rama in our
hearts we have some hope for future. Let us always worship that son of King
Dasharatha, brother of Laxmana, husband of our beloved Seeta. If we forget him,
all will be lost. Hindus are at the heart of Hindusthan. However, just as a
rainbow increases the beauty of the sky, let the special attributes of Muslims,
Parsees and Jews enrich our national life.”
Savarkar spoke in
this manner for some forty-five minutes.
In conclusion Mr
Gandhi said,” We all should remember what Savarkar has said and especially keep
in mind his appeal to make sacrifices for nation’s good.”
Vande Mataram was sung and the meeting ended.
26 November 1909
-----------
Notes
* Vijayadashami
This day celebrates return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya
after his exile in forest for 14 years.
The famous festival of lights Diwali starts 15 days
after Vijayadashami.
* Gandhi – He came to London for the second time
leading a delegation of Indians from South Africa. Indians were facing
persecution in that country. He later became famous as Mahatma Gandhi.
Appendix A Savarkar
Newsletters – Chronology
|
1900 |
Australian
Commonwealth is proclaimed. October –
Justice M G Ranade visited Nasik to lay foundation of a public hall. Savarkar
composed a poem praising Ranade and welcoming him to Nasik. |
|
1901 |
Queen Victoria
dies. Edward the VII succeeds. Justice M G
Ranade dies Lord Curzon
creates a separate province of North West Frontier Province by partitioning
Punjab, thus creating a Muslim majority province. * Lt Col Sir Wyllie was appointed Political A.D.C to the
Secretary of State for India. He was also the head of the Secret Police, a
fact not mentioned in the contemporary British newspapers October Gandhi leaves
S. Africa, reaches India in December, tries to establish a practice in Rajkot
and Bombay but fails. December - .Savarkar
passes Matriculation examination of Bombay University. Gandhi attends
annual session of Indian National Congress at Calcutta. He meets Tilak and
Gokhale. |
|
1902 |
The Boer war,
which started in 1899 ended. Savarkar comes
to Poona, joins Fergusson College to study for B.A. His group starts
handwritten paper Aryan weekly. December -
Gandhi returns to S. Africa without his family. |
|
1903 |
December English
philosopher Herbert Spencer dies. At his funeral Shyamji announces his
donation of £1,000 to Oxford University in memory of Spencer. 7 - Curzon
proposes partition of Bengal and to create a Muslim majority province of East
Bengal. |
|
1904 1904 |
Feb 8 - Russo-Japan war begins May 1 - Japanese victory at Yalu river February -
Curzon tours Bengal to propagate to Muslims the advantages of the partition
of Bengal. June Entente
Cordiale – a friendship treaty between Britain and France. December -
Bombay session of Congress .Sir Henry Cotton (President) and Sir William
Wedderburn moved a resolution proposing that a delegation should be sent to
England to educate British opinion to Indian's right to self government. It
was passed. As a result, G K Gokhale and Lala Lajpat Rai went to England in
1905. * Savarkar's
secret society Mitra Mela now becomes Abhinav Bharat, (Young
India) on the lines of Mazzini's " Young Italy." |
|
1905 1905 |
January 3 Port
Arthur falls to the Japanese February 18 In London,
Shyamji Krishnavarma founds Indian Home Rule Society, also starts his monthly
magazine Indian Sociologist. May - Nehru
family sailed for England from Bombay. Jawaharlal
Nehru is admitted to Harrow Public School.
-
Russian navy destroyed by Japan. - Treaty of Portsmouth (USA) ended
Russo-Japanese war. July 1 In London,
Shyamji purchased another house in Highgate area to be used as an Indian
students’ hostel. This was inaugurated as INDIA HOUSE
by My Hyndman, a Scottish Socialist. Dadabhai Naoroji, Lala Lajpat Rai,
Madame Cama, Mr Squelsh of the Justice paper and Mr Sweeny of the Positivist
Society were present at the ceremony.
In Pune, Savarkar read about Shyamji's activities in
Tilak's paper Kesari. He also came
across an issue of Shyamji's monthly the Indian
Sociologist, which contained information about scholarships being offered
by Shyamji August 12 –
Curzon resigns as Viceroy of India. October 7 - Savarkar
organises a bonfire of English clothes in Poona. Tilak also joins in.
Savarkar is fined Rs 10 by Principal of Fergusson College, Wrangler R. P.
Paranjape and is asked to leave students’ hostel. Gandhi condemns the action
but does exactly same 16 years later (9 0ct 1921). 16 - Partition
of Bengal was declared by Curzon & put into effect even though he had
resigned. The same day the streets of Calcutta resounded with cries of Bande
Mataram. Thousands of men, women and children converged on the sacred ghats
for bath and vowed to resist partition. November 18 –
Lord Minto arrives at Bombay to replace Curzon as Viceroy of India. December 12 – Delhi
Darbar to honour the Prince and Princess of Wales (future King George V and
Queen Mary) 27/28/29 -
Benares session of Congress. Gokhale president. In his speech, he severely
criticised the Viceroyalty of Lord Curzon, compared it with the reign of
Aurangzeb. * Gokhale also
founds Servants of India Society. Anyone wishing to join must -- 1 Forgo any
private gains and devote life for public good. 2 Accept that
the British connection is a divine dispensation and is entirely for India's good.
|
|
1906 1906 |
General strike
in Russia. First Duma with limited powers was opened. In South Africa
> Zulu War.
Gandhi organises an Ambulance Corps to help the British. It served briefly at
the front in June/July/ > Poll tax
is enforced on all Indians above the age of 18. > Asiatic
Registration Bill is passed. In London D. Naoroji
purchases shares in the Daily News
on the condition that it should write something about India regularly. January Liberal
landslide in British elections. Even Sir Henry Cotton was elected to British
Parliament. But Dadabhai failed to get elected as an M.P even on Liberal
ticket. He was therefore made a President of Indian National Congress. February 24 1st
anniversary of Shyamji’s Indian Home Rule society, in London. March B Fuller, Lt-
Governor of Dacca bans the song Vande Mataram, which immediately becomes a
National song. April 14 A conference of
the Bengal Provincial Congress at Barisal was dispersed, its prominent
leaders were beaten up and imprisoned; one of their offences was shouting of
" Vande Mataram ". Surendranath Banerjee was arrested and fined. May 4 * In London,
this police brutality was condemned by Indian Home Rule Society. Vitthabhai
Patel and Bhai Paramanand were present at the meeting. Dadabhai Naoroji and
Gokhale declined to attend. Similar protest
meeting was held in Paris by friends of Shyamji Krishnavarma. June 9 - Veer
Savarkar leaves Bombay for London, arrives there in 15 days time, and goes to
India House to stay. 26 – Savarkar
joins Grays Inn as a Law student. July 18 - Savarkar went
to India Office to see Sir Curzon Wyllie. He sought a pass from Wyllie to
attend the debate on the Indian budget to be held in the House of Commons on
20th. 20 - Savarkar came to the House of Commons to listen to
the debate on Indian budget. September 28 Savarkar completes his biography of Mazzini. It reaches
the printers through his brother on 17 December. October 1 - Agakhan's
infamous petition to Viceroy Lord Minto asking for separate electorates for
Muslims in future political reforms. 20 - Gandhi arrives in London leading a delegation on
behalf of Indians in S Africa. Meets Savarkar in India House. November Mr Bapat, an Indian student publishes a booklet entitled
Indians want Home Rule for India. Immediately Bombay University withdrew its
Mangaldas Nathubhai scholarship. Tilak asked Shyamji to provide funds for Bapat to complete
his studies. December Congress
session at Calcutta. Dadabhai Naoroji President. He demanded Swaraj. |
|
1907 1907 |
New Zealand
became a Dominion L Botha becomes
P.M of Transvaal. He was a South African soldier and statesman in command of
Transvaal forces from 1899 to 1902 in the Boer War. February 19- In
London Savarkar and his friends celebrate Shivaji's birthday, at Free India
society. Mr Iyer said, " Shivaji's fight was directed against injustice,
slavery and alien rule. Today, Shivaji would have fought for the rights of
Indian Muslims." Among those who
spoke were, Mr Yerulkar (a Jew) and Mr Master (a Parsee). May – Lala
Lajpat Rai and Sardar Ajit Singh (uncle of Bhagat Singh) were deported to
Mandalay. (released 11 November) > Shyamji
Krishnavarma leaves London and settles in Paris. > Savarkar
learns Gurumukhi and studies Holy Sikh scriptures – Adigranth, Panthprakash,
Surya Prakash and Vichitra Natak. He also produced a bulletin Khalsa, which
was later, distributed to Sikh soldiers in Punjab. Savarkar
started to write in Gaelic America of New York. Articles were
translated and published in German, French, Russian newspapers. June Savarkar’s
biography of Mazzini, the Italian freedom fighter, in Marathi was published
in India by his brother, Babarao. Copies sold out within 3 months. * Savarkar
sends Senapati Bapat to Paris to contact Russian revolutionaries in exile and
learn from them how to make bombs July 19 - Savarkar
writes about passive resistance. He shows by quoting the struggle of farm workers
in France, that passive resistance on its own is not sufficient. 31 – J Nehru
leaves Harrow Public School for Trinity College, Cambridge. August 26 – Trial of
editor of Yugantar before Sessions Judge Kingsford. B C Pal refuses
to testify. Savarkar sends
Madam Cama to represent India at the International Socialist Conference at
Stuttgart. She unfurled India’s national flag as prepared by Savarkar and his
friends in London. September
Shyamji’s Indian
Sociologist was banned in India December - The
famous session of Congress at Surat. Differences between Moderates and
Militants were acute. |
|
1908 1908 |
Asquith becomes
British P.M. April 30 At Muzzarpur
Khudiram Bose tries to kill judge Kingsford. Two English ladies die instead
by mistake as Kingsford changed his carriage. Khudiram walked 24 miles
overnight. May 1 – Khudiram
Bose arrested. His friend Prafulchandra Chakee shot himself when being
arrested by police. This led to Maniktola Conspiracy Trial. 25 Indian
revolutionaries were arrested. Narendra Goswami turned Government witness.
Satyendra Bose pretended that he too wanted to do the same and arranged to
meet Goswami. At the meeting he shot Goswami dead. Satyendra Bose
and Kanhyalal Datt went to the gallows on 10 November 10 --In London,
in India House, Savarkar and others celebrate 50th anniversary of the 1857
war of Independence. June 23 - Tilak
is arrested. Savarkar’s
biography of Mazzini was proscribed by Governor of Bombay Province. July 2 - Jinnah
appeals for bail for Tilak; but the request was refused. 8 – S M
Paranjape, editor of Marathi paper Kal was sentenced to 19 month’s
rigorous imprisonment. 13 - Tilak's
trial begins at Bombay. He was given less than a week to prepare his defence.
Special jury of 7 Europeans and 2 Parsees was appointed. Tilak was
charged under Section 124A in respect of the article of 12 May and under
Sections 124A and 153A in respect of the article of 12 May Country’s
Misfortune. This was written in wake of bomb explosions in Bengal in
April. 23 - Trial
ends. He was also prosecuted for his article on 9 June entitled These
Remedies are not lasting. Tilak was found guilty of sedition (his 52nd
birthday) 7 Europeans voted for, 2 Parsees voted against the conviction. He
was sentenced to Transportation for 3 year’s on each count making a total of
6 year’s Transportation. August 11
Khudiram Bose
is sent to the gallows Sept 23- Tilak
is transported to Mandalay (Burma) for 6 years hard labour (later commuted to
simple imprisonment). * In London a
protest meeting of ALL Indians was organised by Barrister Parekh, a disciple
of Dadabhai. Indians of all persuasion attended the meeting in Caxton Hall. G
K Gokhale refused even to attend this protest meeting. * In Bombay,
Phirozshah Mehta also refused to attend a similar protest meeting. August 16 Gandhi
addresses a mass meeting in Johannesburg and encourages burning of
registration certificates. October 7 Gandhi
arrested at Volkshurst, later sentenced to 2 months hard labour, and released
December 12. 16 – In London,
Savarkar organises a public meeting of Indians in Caxton Hall to celebrate Rakhi-Bandhan.
Under the chairmanship of former M.P in British Parliament, Sir Mancharji
Bhavanagri they expressed their sympathy for plight of Indians in South
Africa. Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal were also present at the
meeting. December 29 - Savarkar
invites Indians in London to celebrate Guru Govind Singh's birthday. Lala
Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal speak at the occasion at the famous Caxton
Hall. |
|
1909 1909 |
* Nine political leaders from Bengal were deported from
India without charge. * Union of
South Africa was formed. February 25 – Gandhi
arrested at Volksrust and sentenced to 3 months imprisonment, released 24
May. 28 – Babarao
Savarkar arrested in Bombay May – Shyamji
Krishnavarma is struck off the register of Barristers by benchers of the
Inner Temple. 5- Savarkar
should have been called to the Bar. But the Benchers of Grays Inn, in
conjunction with Sir Curzon Wyllie, charged Savarkar with 3 offences. The
Benchers considered Savarkar’s reply on 26th June 8 - Babarao,
elder brother of Veer Savarkar is sentenced to transportation for life.
Sentence confirmed by Bombay High Court in November, sent to Andaman in June
1910. 9 - Savarkar was cross-examined by
Barristers of Grays Inn. July 1 - In London,
Madanlal Dhingra shoots down Sir Curzon Wyllie, Political ADC to Secretary of
State for India 5 - A meeting
was arranged in Caxton Hall by Agakhan to condemn criminal act of Dhingra.
Savarkar protests. His letter of explanation was published next day by The
Times (of London) and other British newspapers. 14 – Benchers
of Grays Inn declared, “None
of the charges against Savarkar was proven.
Savarkar is a permanent member of this society (Grays Inn) and would continue
to enjoy the privileges of membership. There was still suspicion about him
and, as such he would not be called to the Bar as yet.” 20 - Dhingra’s
trial takes place 23 – Government
of India bans Savarkar’s book on Indian Mutiny. 25 – Louis
Bleriot’s successful flight from Calais to Dover across the English channel. 30 In his newsletter published in India, Savarkar wrote,
" There was hardly an Indian in England that Sir Wyllie did not know. He
kept dossier on all.... British papers are demanding that Indian detectives
should be employed to keep an eye on Indian students. What good will that do?
English detectives could not save their own boss." * In 1903, Shyamji had endowed a sum of 1,000 pounds to
the Oxford University in memory of philosopher Herbert Spencer who died in
that year. This was now returned to him. The once venerated Sanskrit scholar
had suddenly become a persona non grata
because now he was seeking independence for India. August 3 - Viceroy Lord Minto sent a telegram from Simla to India
Office, " It is understood that Madanlal Dhingra is to be executed on
the 17th August. If body cremated, undesirable that ashes should be sent to
India." 16 – Dhingra’s statement published in Daily News.
Lloyd George and Churchill admire Dhingra’s courage. 17 - Madanlal
Dhingra went to the gallows in Pentonville Prison, London. He was refused
last rites according to Hindu customs. His body was put in a coffin, which
was buried within the prison premises. The coffin
was exhumed on 12 December 1976 and flown to India for cremation in Amritsar. September - Indian war of Independence 1857 by
Savarkar was proscribed in India even before publication. He tried to publish
the book in France and Germany without success. Eventually it was published
in Holland. October 24.- In
London, Indians celebrate Dasara (Vijayadashami). Savarkar and Gandhi speak
at the occasion. Gandhi said, " Though Savarkar and I differ on some
issues I consider it a great honour to be in his company today. May India
bear the fruits of his sacrifices and patriotism. “ November - A
bomb was thrown on carriage of Lord and Lady Minto, in Ahmedabad. A memorial
tablet for Sir Curzon Wyllie was inaugurated in the crypt of St Paul’s
Cathedral in London. Morley Minto
reforms. Separate electorates were created for Muslims. Largest electoral
constituency had 650 voters. December 21 - Jackson,
the collector of Nasik was shot dead by Anant Kanhere to avenge the sentence
of Transportation passed on Babarao Savarkar. 28 - Police
discover bombs in front of the home of District Commissioner at Ambala. 29 – Chaturbhuj
Amin, former cook in India House is arrested. He confessed to have smuggled
pistols and bullets in India. |
|
1910 1910 |
L Botha becomes
first P.M of the Union of South Africa. Liberals win
British general election. Savarkar
withdrew from Grays Inn. February 8 Warrant of
arrest of Savarkar was issued by Bow Street Magistrate under Fugitive
Offender’s Act of 1881. March 13 -
Savarkar was arrested in London on arrival from Paris, brought in front of
Bow Street’s Magistrate next day. April 19 –
Anant Kanhere, Karve and Deshpande went to the gallows in Thana jail for
conspiracy to murder Jackson - the Collector of Nasik. May 6 – Edward the
VII dies. George the V succeeds as King -Emperor July 1 - Savarkar
imprisoned in London, sent to Bombay for trial for sedition against the
British Raj. 8 – While the
ship s
s Morea
was anchored at Marseilles,
Savarkar makes a dramatic attempt to escape by jumping through porthole and
swimming ashore. Unfortunately, British police chased and caught him and with the
complicity of the French policeman they took Savarkar back to the ship. His
trial began in Mumbai in September 1910. The episode
caused sensation in Europe and resulted in a case at the International Court
of Justice at The Hague. 11 – Savarkar’s
attempt of escape reported in Daily Mail, Paris edition. 12 – L’Humanite
published the story. 22- Savarkar
brought to Bombay. August 31 – New
Secretary of State for India agreed to the prosecution of Savarkar by Bombay
Government. By special ordinance a Special court was set up. There was to be
no jury and no appeal against the judgement. * Babarao
Savarkar was sent to Andaman. *Jawaharlal
Nehru graduates from Trinity College, Cambridge. September 15 –
Savarkar’s trial started (Nasik conspiracy trial). Only reporters of selected
Newspapers were allowed to attend. October 25 –
British and French Governments agreed to go to Arbitration at the
International Court of Justice at the Hague. November 23 –
Savarkar sentenced to transportation for life. His younger brother sentenced
to 6 month’s imprisonment |
|
1911 1911 |
First Chinese
revolution January 23 – Second
trial of Savarkar starts. 30 - Veer
Savarkar was sentenced to transportation for life for the second time. The
two sentences were to run in succession. February 14 The
judgement of the International Court of Justice at the Hague was delivered.
Though Savarkar was not handed back to France, this case was later referred
to in international treaties, e.g. between Great Britain and the USA, and
between France and Italy. June 17. Vanchi
Iyer shoots and kills Ashe - Collector of Madras, later he shoots himself. July 4 - Veer
Savarkar enters prison in Andaman Islands. (Kalapani) December 12 George V - King
Emperor annuls the partition of Bengal at Delhi Darbar and declares that the
capital of India would move from Calcutta to New Delhi in 1912. |
|
1912 1912 |
Second Chinese
revolution. China becomes a republic under Sanyat Sen. April 27 In his paper
Bengalee, S N Banerjee exposes the
inhuman conditions in the prison on Andaman Islands, by publishing Mr Hotilal
Varma's letter, smuggled out of prison. 29 -
Indubhushan Roy-Chowdhari commits suicide in Andaman by hanging himself. June 7 Tilak’s wife
Satyabhamabai dies of diabetes, in Pune. British Administrators refused to
release him on parole. J Nehru qualifies as
Barrister from Inner Temple, London.
July 12 -
Article on conditions in prison on Andaman appear in Maratha weekly of Pune. * First letter
of Babarao Savarkar from Andaman. October -
Gokhale arrives in Cape Town for a five-week tour of S. Africa.
Gandhi accompanies him. December. 15 - Savarkar’s
first letter from jail is dated 15 December 23 – Capital of
India was moved from Calcutta to New Delhi. Bomb thrown on the procession of
Lord Hardinge at Delhi. Thirteen men were tried. Amirchand, Avadhabihari,
Balmukund & Vasantkumar Vishwas were hanged. Rasbihari Bose the main
accused could not be found. He escaped and reached Japan in 1913. Narayanrao Savarkar
was also arrested in this connection, but was later released. |
|
1913 |
R Tagore is
awarded the Nobel Prize for literature. January 8 CID officer
William Hopkinson sent from Calcutta to San Francisco to infiltrate Indian
Revolutionaries. March - Supreme
Court in S. Africa declares all Hindu, Muslim and Parsee marriages invalid. May Tilak’s sons
visit him in Mandalay jail. Berkeley Hindu
Association of Pacific Coast. Lala Hardayal, Govind Biharilal and Kartarsingh
start “Gadr” party paper on 1 November 1913 November 16 - Sir
Reginald Craddock, Home Member of Viceroy's Council visits prison on Andaman
- meets Savarkar. Gandhi leads
March of 2,000 Indian coal miners and workers on sugar plantations to protest
against the ill treatment of Indians in S. Africa. He is sentenced to nine
month's imprisonment with hard Labour, but released on December 18. |
|
1914 1914 |
March 16 – Lala
Hardayal was arrested in America, released on bail, fled to Switzerland June 16 Tilak is back
in Pune after his release from Mandalay Jail. Gandhi and
General Smuts negotiate, reach a compromise. July -Gandhi
leaves for England tries to raise, Indian Volunteer corps, sails for India in
December. In South Africa, the terms agreed between Gandhi and Smuts were not
fulfilled. Promises were broken. August 4 First world
war breaks out. At this time barely 5% of ICS officers were Indians September 3 Treaty
between Hindu revolutionaries and Kaiser William of Germany. Army to be
raised from Indian PoWs held by Germany, to fight the British etc 14 – Savarkar
wrote to the Viceroy. He suggested that if the British Government granted
Colonial self government to India, Indian revolutionaries would stop their
activities and help the British in their war effort. October 21 In Canada
(Vancouver) Mevasing shoots down Hopkinson, government agent from Calcutta. November 9 –
German cruiser Emden was destroyed while trying to liberate Savarkar
from jail in Andaman Islands. |
|
1915 |
January 9 -
Gandhi returns to India permanently February 19 – G
K Gokhale dies. May - Mutiny in
the Indian Army at Meerut. Mr Pingle and Kartarsingh were sent to the
gallows. |
|
1916 |
April 24 – Easter
uprising in Ireland by Sinn Fein. It failed. 28 -- Tilak
founds Home Rule League in Belgaum. N C Kelkar was its Secretary. November-Tilak
tried on sedition charge for Home Rule activities. Jinnah and Erulkar
successfully defend Tilak in Bombay High Court. |
|
1917 |
April 6 – USA
declares war on Germany. Gandhi works in
Champaner District (Bihar), investigates exploitation of Indian workers in
Indigo plantations. (April-August) June 30 –
Dadabhai Naoroji dies. August 20 – Bar
on Indians holding Officer’s commission was lifted by Montague, Secretary of
State for India. October 17 -
Bolshevik revolution in Russia. |
|
1918 |
October 30 Tilak arrives
in London (October) for his libel case against Chirol. 2November 11 World War I
ended. From 1918
onwards ten places at Sandhurst Military Academy were reserved for Indian
cadets. During World
War I the British troops in India were reduced from 50,000 to 15,000
soldiers. |
|
1919 1919 1919 |
Jan Christian
Smuts (1870-1950) became Premier of South Afrcan Union. During the Boer War
he had fought on the side of Boers. February 21 –
In London Tilak loses his case against Sir Valentine Chirol. But Chirol
describes Tilak as The Father of Indian Unrest – a fitting tribute indeed.
Tilak’s lawyer was Sir John Simon who headed the Simon Commission in 1928. March 18 -
Rowlatt Act was passed in Central Legislative assembly. It provided for
detention without trial for indefinite period on political grounds. Montford
Reforms - At centre no change. In provinces, Finance, Justice and Police
departments were reserved. Education, Agriculture, Excise and Local
Government were transferred. Indians could be appointed as Ministers of those
departments. Only 2.8% of
population had the vote. April 13 -
Jalianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar. In London,
Tilak protested against the massacre, in Caxton Hall. Congress
enquiry committee consists of Motilal Nehru, M R Jaikar, Abbas Tyabjii,
C.R.Das and Gandhi (J Nehru assistant to C.R.Das). Officially, 379
were killed and 1200 wounded. Firing continued till ammunition was exhausted.
[ Dyer
condemned by Churchill in house of commons, by Lord Curzon in House of Lords. Readers of
Morning Post (London) collected funds totalling £20,000 and honoured Dyer
with a sword.] May 27 In Calcutta,
Ravindranath Tagore renounces his knighthood. His letter to Lord Minto is
published in Indian newspapers. 30/31 Dr
Narayanrao and Mrs Yamunabai [Mai] met Veer Savarkar in prison on Andaman
Island. July 19- Sir
Shankaran Nair resigns from Viceroy's Executive Council in protest against
prolonged Martial Law in Punjab. August 6 Tilak appeared before the Joint Parliamentary Committee as
a witness on behalf of the Home Rule League of India. This was in the wake of
forthcoming Montford political reforms. Lord Sydenham, the former Governor of
Bombay province, as well as other right wing leaders were so discourteous as
to leave the Committee Room as soon as Tilak’s name was announced. September 18 -
Bose sets sail for England. * Govt. of
India passes Indemnity Act to protect officials involved in the atrocities in
Punjab. Hunter commission appointed to enquire into Punjab atrocities. October 17 –
Indians observed Khalifat day. November 6 - Tilak
leaves England for India. 27 - Tilak
reaches Bombay 23 and 31
Gandhi attended Khilafat conference at Amritsar December -
Amritsar session of Congress. Motilal Nehru President. Tilak, Annie Beasant,
B C Pal, C R Das and Malaviya attend. * Gandhi is
asked to draw up proposals for a new constitution for Congress. Gandhi said,
‘according to official sources, under Martial Law 108 persons were hanged,
imprisonment for 7,371 years, figures for whipping, forfeiture fines and
imposition not available. In Andaman, Savarkar weighed 119 pounds in 1918; in 1919
he weighed only 98 pounds. |
|
1920 1920 |
January Jail Commission
appointed to study the conditions in jail on the Andaman Islands. February 14 - In the Central Legislative Assembly,
Vittahalbhai Patel and Khaparde asked, ‘when would Savarkar be released?’ 20 - Lala
Lajpat Rai arrives at Bombay from America. Tilak welcomes him. Khilafat
Conference meeting at Meerut, Gandhi speaks, Azad also attends. March 20 -
Tilak visits Delhi, later tours Sind. May Gandhi also
demanded Savarkar’s release through his paper Young India. August 1 - Tilak dies
at Bombay. When the news
reached Andaman Islands, Savarkar and other prisoners observed one day’s
fast. * Gandhi
returns his Kaiser-i-Hind medal, 18 months after Jalianwala Bagh massacre! September 4 - Special session of Congress at Calcutta. Gandhi is elected to lead non co-operation movement with Swaraj as its goal. Bose stood 4th
in ICS examination. After 7 months he decides not to join the Service but
devote his life to Indian freedom struggle. November 4 - Veer Savarkar promoted to Foreman of oil
depot in Andaman. 11/14 - Dr
Narayanrao Savarkar meets both his elder brothers in prison on Andaman
Island. He was accompanied by his own wife [Tai] and wife of Veer Savarkar
[Mai] 17 – Edward
VIII as Prince of Wales lands at Bombay. His visit was boycotted by people. December -
Nagpur session of Congress. Tilak memorial fund is launched, with Gandhi in
charge. He collected about £750,000. Also a constitution of Congress was
adopted. [Jinnah left Congress at this session] There were
14,000 delegates. Gandhi wound up
British branch of Congress and stopped the publication of the paper India, thus depriving Congress of the
only means of propaganda outside India. |
|
1921 |
Irish Free
State was granted May. Savarkar
brothers sent back to main land India from Andaman. 2nd
– Put on ship, 5th Alipore – Calcutta. Babarao
Savarkar is kept in solitary confinement in Bijapur jail. Veer Savarkar is
sent to Ratnagiri jail. August-December
Terrible atrocities are committed on Hindus by Moplas, in Malbar. But Gandhi
describes them as my god-fearing brave Mopla brothers (Young India). All of
Gandhi's lieutenants kept quiet about these atrocities. 1,500 Hindus
were killed, 20,000 forcibly converted to Islam according to Servants of
India Society Report. There were
riots in Delhi, Gulbarga, Nagpur, Lucknow, Shajahanpur, Allahabad, Jabalpur
and Kohat in NWFP. August 20 to
December – Martial Law declared in Malabar to crush Mopla rebels who had
committed terrible atrocities on Hindus. [Districts of
Kalikat, Ernal, Ballunad, Ponnasi, Kurumbranad and Yanod] October 9
- Gandhi organises a public bonfire of English clothes. November Edward VIII as
Prince of Wales lands at Bombay. His visit was boycotted by public – Hartal.
50 people were killed and 400 injured in clashes with police. |
|
1922 1922 |
January -
Babarao Savarkar transferred to Sabarmati jail (Gujarat). He learns about
intention of Congress leaders to ask the Amir of Afghanistan to invade India.
Muhammed Ali, Shaukat Ali and Gandhi were involved in the conspiracy. February 5 -
Police station at Chauri Chura, Dist Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh was severely
attacked by a mob. Gandhi calls off his Satyagraha movement. March 10 -
Gandhi is arrested. Sentenced to 6 years imprisonment, but is released after
only 1 year & 10 months. May J Nehru
imprisoned for 23 months for picketing etc. July 2 Dr Narayanrao
Savarkar wearing a khadi cap met their eldest brother Babarao in jail.
Earlier he was refused permission to visit wearing Khadi dress. August British Prime
Minister Lloyd George said, “ ICS is the iron frame of Indian Administration
which must remain British.” September -
Babarao Savarkar is released from jail as he was on the point of dying. |
|
1923 |
Veer Savarkar
is transferred to Yerovada jail ( Pune ) His famous book
Hindutva was published. October 29 –
Turkish republic proclaimed, Kemal Pasha, first President. He deposed Sultan
of Turkey and abolished the Khilafat December -
Kakinda (Cocanda) session of Congress. Congress
demanded release of Savarkar from jail. |
|
1924 |
January 6th - Savarkar
is released from jail in Yeravada (near Pune) on two conditions namely that
:- 1. he shall
reside in Ratnagiri 2. he shall not
take part in political activities, directly or indirectly. Ratnagiri is a
small district town 150 miles south of Bombay. Initially the conditions were
only applicable for five years, but British Administrators extended the
duration by two years on 4 ocassions to a total of 13 ½ years. Ratnagiri was
so obscure that it was not even listed in Murray’s exhaustive Guide to India. 12th – Gopinath Sahay and others shot dead
Earnest Day, mistaking him for to Teggart, Commissioner of Police, Calcutta. 21 – Lenin
dies, Stalin succeeds and deposes Trotsky who is exiled to Mexico and
murdered there. February 4 -
Gandhi is also released from jail in Yeravada (near Pune), unconditionally.
Later he is elected President of Congress. |
|
1929 |
December Lahore session
of Congress. J Nehru declares ‘Complete Independence of India’ as objective
of Congress. |
Appendix B :
Savarkar Newsletters - Index
|
Name/word |
Newsletter |
Information |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Hindusthan |
NL
1/3/5/6/7/11/ 12/14 |
This is the
proper name of India. Even when the East India Company was growing in power,
maps were published in London in 1808 clearly marking India as Hindoosthan,
with the western boundary with Iran. |
||
|
Gokhale |
NL1/6/9/15/23/32 |
(1866-1915)
Moderate Indian leader |
||
|
Morley |
NL 1/6/15/21/24 /36 |
(1838-1923)
Secretary of State for India during 1906-11 |
||
|
Sir Henry
Cotton |
NL1/3 |
Former ICS
officer, one of the founders of Indian National Congress in 1885 |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Lord Roberts of
Kanadahar |
NL2 |
(1832-1914)
Commander in Chief of British Army. He was involved in the suppression of the
1857 revolt in India. |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Sir Hume |
NL 3 |
(1829-1912).
Former ICS officer. Rose to the position of Secretary to Government of India,
retired 1882. |
||
|
Sir Wedderburn |
NL3 |
(1838-1918)
Former ICS officer. President of
Indian National Congress 1889 and 1910. |
||
|
Fuller Sir Bampfylde |
NL3/15 |
In 1905, after
partition of Bengal, Fuller was appointed Lt Governor of East Bengal. He
banned singing the song Vande Mataram. |
||
|
Surendranath
Banerjee |
NL 3/35/36 |
Moderate Indian
Leader (1848-1925) |
||
|
R C Dutta |
NL3 |
Former ICS
officer |
||
|
Vande Mataram |
NL3/4/19/30/31 |
India’s
national anthem |
||
|
Lord Curzon |
NL3/21 |
(1859-1925)
Viceroy of India 1898-1905. He partitioned
Bengal in 1905, which caused huge resentment in India. |
||
|
Hyndman |
NL3/7/9 |
Scottish
socialist. One of the few sympathisers of Indian freedom movement. |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Shyamji
Krishnavarma |
NL4/11/35 |
(1857-1930). A
Sanskrit scholar and Barrister. |
||
|
Tagore
Ravindranath |
NL4 |
(1861-1941).
Indian poet, writer, painter and philosopher. Was awarded Nobel prize for
literature in 1913 |
||
|
Name/word |
Newsletter |
Information |
||
|
Miss Emmeline
Pankhurst |
NL4 |
(1858-1928).
One of the prominent leaders of Suffragette (votes for women) movement in
England. Her daughters Christabelle and Sylvia also took part. |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Swadeshi |
NL 5/25 |
A movement to
support indigenous industries in India. |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Swaraj Party |
NL6 |
A militant
faction in Indian National Congress. It came to prominence in 1906 |
||
|
Dadabhai
Naoroji |
NL6/23/32 |
Moderate Indian leader (1825-1917). One of the founders of
Indian National Congress in 1885 |
||
|
Balfour |
NL7 |
(1848-1930)
British Conservative Prime Minister 1902-05 |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Miss Fawcett Millicent
Garrett |
NL8 |
(1847-1929) One
of the prominent leaders of Suffragette (votes for women) movement in
England. |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Mazzini Giuseppe |
NL8/9/29/36 |
(1805-1872).Italian
freedom fighter who liberated Italy from rule of Austrians by 1870. |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Garribaldi Giuseppe |
NL9 |
(1807-1882).
Italian soldier who with Mazzini and Cavour created united Italy. |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Lord
Wilberforce |
NL12 |
(1759-1833).
Campaigned against slave trade which was abolished in 1807. Slavery was
abolished in 1833. However, he was firm believer in imposition of
Christianity in India and this led to barbarity of English soldiers in the
suppression of the great revolt in 1857. |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Shivaji |
NL13/18. |
(1630-1680)
Great Maratha King who overthrew the rule of Muslims in Maharashtra and
challenged the Mighty Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.. |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Botha Louis |
NL14 |
(1862-1919)
South African soldier, in command of Transvaal forces (1899-1902) in the Boer
War. Prime Minister of Transvaal in 1907 |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
1857 war |
NL 15/18/19/42 |
Indian War of
Independence against the rule of (English) East India Company. |
||
|
Name/word |
Newsletter |
Information |
||
|
Ajit Singh |
NL 15/26 |
A leader from
Punjab. Uncle of famous Indian Revolutionary Bhagat Singh. |
||
|
Lala Lajpat Rai |
NL 15/28 |
(1865-1928).
Militant Indian leader from Punjab. |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Savarkar |
NL19/36/38/40 /42 |
(1893-1966)
Well known Indian Revolutionary |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Anglo-Indian |
NL 22/24/36 |
This had two
meanings. First refers to people of mixed race, usually the progeny of
English fathers and Indian mothers were Anglo-Indians. However, in the
days of Savarkar, a century ago, it also meant the ruling class British
officers from Britain who were sent to India for administration of that
country. Indian leaders made a distinction between Anglo-Indians and
Englishmen (who lived in England and hence were supposed to be free from
racial prejudice) |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Tilak Bal Gangadhar |
NL23/24/30 |
(1856-1920). A
militant Indian leader. He was aptly called Father of the Indian Unrest. |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Bipinchandra
Pal |
NL 24/28/30/31
/35 |
(1859-1932). A
militant Indian leader from Bengal. |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Guru Govind
Singh |
NL 31 |
(1666-1708)
Tenth and the last Guru of the Sikhs. He transformed Sikhs into a fighting
force to defend Hindu Dharma. |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Sir Curzon
Wyllie |
NL36/39/41 |
(1848-1908)
Served as an officer in the Indian Army, reached the rank of Lt Colonel,
transferred to Political Department. Political A.D.C to Secretary of State
for India since 1901. In fact he was head of the Secret Service. |
||
|
Dhingra Madanlal |
NL 36/37/39/40 /41 |
A student of
Civil Engineering at University College, London. He shot and killed Sir
Wyllie in 1909. His father was Civil Surgeon of Amritsar. |
||
|
Mancharji
Bhavanagri |
NL 36/37 |
Once a
Conservative M.P in British Parliament. |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Name/word |
Newsletter |
Information |
||
|
Chattopadhya Virendranath |
NL39/40/43 |
A friend of
Savarkar in London. His sister was Sarojini Naidu, a well known Congress
leader. He went to Russia and was later shot on the orders of Stalin. |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Gandhi Mohandas |
NL43 |
He later became
known as Mahatma Gandhi. |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
||
A word of
gratitude
* My wife Mrs
Vinita had been a great source of inspiration to me for undertaking this
important work.
* My friend Mr
Hemant Kanitkar from London helped me by suggesting suitable English words for
translating the Newsletters from Marathi into English.
* My friend Mr
Ramakrishnayya from London had thoroughly gone through the manuscript and made
important suggestions for improvement.
I am grateful to
them the three.