# Balasundaram explained — The Story of My Experiments with Truth

> Chapter companion for The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi.

## What happens

Gandhi recounts his encounter with Balasundaram, an indentured Tamil laborer who was severely beaten by his European master. Through legal action and negotiation, Gandhi secures Balasundaram's release and transfer to a new employer, which establishes Gandhi as a friend and advocate for the indentured laborer community in Natal.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Justice and Anti-Colonialism

Gandhi's intervention on behalf of Balasundaram highlights the systemic injustice of the indenture system and his commitment to serving the oppressed.

### Service and Community Leadership

Gandhi's legal work for Balasundaram leads to a broader connection with the indentured laborer community, fulfilling his desire to serve the poor.

## Character check-ins

### Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Acts as legal advocate for Balasundaram, securing his release from an abusive employer and becoming a trusted figure among indentured laborers.

### Balasundaram

An indentured Tamil laborer who is beaten by his master and seeks Gandhi's help; his case brings attention to the plight of indentured workers.

## Key lines

> The heart’s earnest and pure desire is always fulfilled. In my own experience I have often seen this rule verified. Service of the poor has been my heart’s desire, and it has always thrown me amongst the poor and enabled me to identify myself with them.

Gandhi believes that a sincere wish to serve the poor naturally leads to opportunities to do so, as he has personally experienced.

_Reflects Gandhi's spiritual conviction and his motivation for social work._

> It has always been a mystery to me how men can feel themselves honoured by the humiliation of their fellow-beings.

Gandhi finds it incomprehensible that anyone would derive a sense of honor from degrading others.

_Critique of the racial hierarchy and the practice of forced headgear removal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-ii-xx-balasundaram
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters