Mahatma Gandhi, his life, writings and speeches/Mrs. Besant

by Mohandas K. Gandhi

By Mrs. BESANT

Mr. Gandhi's birth-day was celebrated at the Gokhale's Hall, Madras, in Oct. 1917, when Mrs. Besant before unveiling a portrait presented by Mr. G. A. Natesan spoke as follows:—

Friends,—If Mr. Gandhi had known that this gathering was to be held, he would have objected to it very strongly, but we have to think of the country and not of Mr. Gandhi alone. If Mr. Gandhi chooses to develop so noble a character as he has done, he no longer belongs to himself: he belongs to the Motherland (Cheers), and there is nothing more inspiring especially to the young, than to have held up before them the example of such a man. We cannot permit him to live in the obscurity that he loves. His deeds make a light around him, and if he tries to hide himself in the dark, he shines so brilliantly there that the darkness only increases the radiance of the light that he sheds. (Cheers.) Hence, we feel that whatever his personal ideas may be, India cannot spare him bat must have him standing as an example of

MR. HAJEE HOOSEN DAVOOD, Who even on his death bed, was eager to suffer for the cause.	MRS. ANNIE BESANT, One of the most ardent and eloquent advocate of fair and just treatment to Indians in South Africa.

an ideal Indian, for Mr. Gandhi represents in this country the highest ideal of a Sannyasi, a man who has renounced everything including himself and lives only for service. Two forces of service are recognised in the great faith to which Mr. Gandhi belongs; one is the service of a little developed man who serves in order to learn, to whom the duty of more developed people is that they should associate with him, that they should help him to educate himself, to help him to grow in strength, in purity and in knowledge. That is the service which is involuntary because practically compelled. Nature has not yet developed in such men the power to do aught save learn by service. Whatever body they may be born in, they are undeveloped in a true humanity of the spirit. Then as evolution proceeds and humanity rises from step to step, at last having acquired experience and courage and wisdom and will-power, the whole of these are gathered up into a man who is touching perfection, and then asking nothing more from the world, desiring nothing that the world can live, having learnt what the world has to teach, and needing nothing more, then he takes that highest service which is voluntary, which is gladly given which consecrates him to the service of humanity so long as there are any who need his help, so long as there are any whom he can lift nearer to his own position. That is the, position of a Sannyasi—the servant of humanity—and it is that position in which Mr. Gandhi stands. It is the highest Hindu ideal, and he embodies it in himself and you will find that he has brought with him all the various virtues which mark the ascending marks of humanity. It is such a man that we honour here. He does not change, he does not actively oppose, but he sits as a rock. When that is the attitude of a man in connection with his dealings with the Government, the best thing that the Government does is to put him on a Committee. This is Mr.Gokhale's Hall, and it is but fitting that what Mr. Gokhale admired should be admired by all who are gathered here. (Cheers.)