The Story of My Experiments with Truth · Chapter
Poona and Madras explained
Gandhi travels to Poona and Madras to garner support for the South African cause.
What happens
Gandhi travels to Poona and Madras to garner support for the South African cause. In Poona, he meets Lokamanya Tilak, Gokhale, and Dr. Bhandarkar, each offering unique encouragement and guidance. In Madras, he is met with great enthusiasm, delivers a speech, and distributes his 'Green Pamphlet,' receiving substantial support from local leaders and the press.
Themes in this chapter
Service and Community Leadership
Gandhi actively seeks support from leaders of all parties, demonstrating his commitment to uniting the community for a common cause.
Education and Self-Improvement
Gandhi's careful preparation of his speech and his willingness to learn from Gokhale and others reflect his dedication to self-improvement.
Characters to notice
- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Travels to Poona and Madras to build support for the South African cause, meeting key political figures and addressing public meetings.
- Lokamanya Tilak
First meeting with Gandhi; advises him to seek a non-party president for the meeting and offers full support.
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Gandhi's first meeting with Gokhale, who warmly welcomes him, examines his speech, and guides him on whom to approach.
- Sir Pherozeshah Mehta
Mentioned as having made Gandhi's way easy in Bombay, compared to the Himalaya.
- Balasundaram
The Balasundaram incident made a profound impression at the Madras meeting.
Key passages
“Sir Pherozeshah had seemed to me like the Himalaya, the Lokamanya like the ocean. But Gokhale was as the Ganges.”
Gandhi compares Sir Pherozeshah Mehta to the unapproachable Himalaya, Lokamanya Tilak to the vast ocean, and Gokhale to the accessible and life-giving Ganges.
Illustrates Gandhi's deep respect and personal connection with Gokhale.
“What barrier is there that love cannot break?”
Love can overcome any obstacle.
Reflects Gandhi's belief in the power of love and affection to bridge differences.